Testimonials
“Miss Carley helps me feel like I can make anything. She helps me figure it out, shows me how to do it— then I can just start making what I want.”
-12 year old student
“I did private lessons with Carley to learn how to use a sewing machine and she walked me through my first basic projects. She's a kind and patient teacher with so much knowledge to draw from. I feel so much more confident using my machine and exploring more complicated projects on my own now!”
-Margot, adult private lessons (5 weeks) projects: apron and tote bag, beginner level
“Carley is an extremely gifted textile artist and an incredible teacher. Her expertise, patient virtue and sense of humor made for the perfect session. She made me feel competent and confident and explained each step in the process in an easy-going way. I left beaming with pride and a brand new hat.”
-Ash, adult private workshop, advanced beginner/intermediate level, project: hat
“Our workshop was a wonderful blend of family, friends, and creativity. We had a memorable experience with Carley, a talented artist and teacher currently working with indigo. She introduced us to the intricate process of dyeing, using plants she grew herself, transforming our understanding of materials and sparking our creativity. The relaxed setting allowed us to fully absorb her calm and knowledgeable approach, making the learning experience both enjoyable and enlightening. Overall, it was a perfect day filled with unexpected insights and inspiration”
-Cece, adult 1 day indigo group workshop, beginner level,
Project: bandanas
-Liza, adult private lessons, intermediate level, 5+ week session.
Carley is an exceptional sewing instructor with a deep understanding of garment construction and design. In our private lessons, she guided me through creating pattern from a beloved garment, developing a custom pattern for a knit jumpsuit, and refining various finishing techniques. We covered draping, pocket construction, and assembly, ensuring a professional-level outcome.
Her approach is methodical and highly adaptable, making complex techniques accessible regardless of prior experience. With her guidance, I was able to build skills systematically, gaining confidence in pattern drafting and garment construction. The final piece is both functional and well-executed, exceeding my expectations.
For anyone looking to refine their sewing skills or take on a custom project, Carley provides a structured, insightful, and hands-on learning experience.
Pictured projects: creating a pattern from a favorite shirt and recreating it in new fabric
original, self-drafted jeans
“As parents and educators ourselves, we are continually impressed by Carley’s thoughtful pedagogy. Her classroom is structured yet flexible, rich with opportunity yet grounded in skill development. In our experience, it is uncommon to find an instructor who so seamlessly blends technical instruction with child led exploration. Carley fosters a climate of curiosity and persistence that has captivated Sydney longer than any other activity ever has. We’ve seen our daughter grow not only in her sewing ability but also in her focus, self-discipline, and problem-solving.”
-Parents of middle school student