Teresa's Custom Sewing School

Welcome to Teresa's Custom Sewing School! 

Keeping the art of sewing alive. 

Click on the tabs at the right side of this page for more information....

 WHERE Can I take a class?

Classes are offered for six year olds thru adults.

There are three choices of locations where we teach sewing: 

1.  TCS CLASSROOM - these classes can be scheduled as private or group. in John's Creek, GA - Notions (pins, needles, scissors, etc.) and machines are provided.  However, if you want instruction on your own machine, feel free to bring it.

TCS is about teaching sewing skills that can be used for a life time.  This is an actual, fully furnished sewing workroom.  (Note:  This is a dog and cat friendly environment.  Even though you may not see these pets, if this is a concern, you will need to schedule private classes at  our Hobby Lobby store location.)

Since we are not a retail store, you will never have to worry about a lengthy and expensive supply list.  All we sell is the teaching experience and discounted patterns suited for beginners.  Some classes consist of recycling fabric scraps.

To schedule classes at TCS, contact us through this web site.  Click on "Contact Us" to the right of your screen. 

2.  JoAnn Store - these classes are group classes with predetermined projects.  Since this is a group setting and not held in a fully furnished sewing room, these classes are discounted accordingly.  You will received a supply list of necessary items to bring to class.   ***  Teresa  is an educational consultant for the Northpoint JoAnn Store in Alpharetta, GA.  To view Teresa's teaching schedule at that location, go to the tab labeled "JoAnn/Northpoint"  on the right side of this web page.  If you wish to schedule classes at the JoAnn location, contact Ben Moore in the Education Department at:  770-475-5454 ext. 8.  If you are in the store, see Guest Services for a class list and to sign up.  After you sign up, you will receive a supply list.  Note:  The store does not furnish any supplies.  If you need a machine for class, you must reserve one at signup.  This location only has 3 sewing machines on a first come-first served basis.

3.  Hobby Lobby - these classes are presented as private classes. ***  They are held at Hobby Lobby in Duluth, GA; click on the "Hobby Lobby" tab on the right side of this web page for information.  To sign up for a class at  Hobby Lobby, click on "Contact Us" and let us know date(s) and time of day you are available for classes.  NOTE:  Projects and specific instruction can be requested by the student.  

You can receive help in pattern selection and fabric purchases. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?

Each sewer will receive a supply list of what to bring to class.  This list will include project materials such as fabric, thread, elastic, buttons, etc. which can be purchased from your favorite store.  This insures a finished product that you will be proud of and suits your personality. 

If you prefer to not purchase the supplies yourself, a kit can be prepared for you with all the supplies needed.  Kits can be ordered though the "Contact Us" tab.

If you are taking a class at a store location, the store does not provide you with anything except for a table and chair.  You will need to bring everything (scissors, pins, seam ripper, etc.) including a sewing machine unless you are renting one for the class period.

SUMMER CAMPS ARE BACK!!

Summer camps will be 3 day camps for 3 hours for 3 days straight!  There will be a morning session from 9:00-12:00 and an afternoon session from 1:00-4:00.  Cost:  $120.00 which includes all supplies and a light snack.

Camp Dates:
June 11, 12 & 13     1-4  (1 spot left)

June 27, 28 & 29      9-12  OR  1-4

July 9, 10 & 11         9-12 OR 1-4

July 23, 24 & 25       1-4 (3 spots left)

July 30, 31 & 1         9-12 OR 1-4

For more information, please go to the "TCS" tab on the right of this web page.

KIDS SUMMER SEWING CLASSES:

Schedule your own dates for summer sewing.  Special summer rates apply!  Most kids come for 2 hours ever other week.  Cost:  $20.00 for 1 hour class, $30.00 for 2 hour class.  To schedule your dates and times, send us a message through the "Contact Us" tab to the right.

KIDS' After School Classes!

Classes are limited to 4 students per class!  Reserve your spot today!  Classes are taught in the TCS Classroom Monday-Thursday between 2:00-6:30.  Class times start on the hour and the half hour.

To reserve your spot, send me an email with your date and time request (See "Contact Us" tab to the right of this page). 

After I receive your email, I will verify availability and send you an email which includes forms to fill out along with information.  Please return the 2   forms with your deposit check in the amount of $20.00 made payable to Teresa Gaddes.  This deposit will hold your spot and will be applied to your first month of classes. 

Mail to:  10715 Avian Dr., Alpharetta, GA  30022.  (You can call me at:  404-625-3709.  (However, due to my teaching schedule, you will get a faster response by using email.)

An Introduction to Teresa:

Teresa is from a sewing family.  She began her sewing experiences as a child.  She sewed doll clothes and started making her own clothes in Junior High.  From there she competed in several local sewing competitions.

"The way I learned to sew for myself was by sewing all my school skirts.  After I mastered skirts, I started making all my pants.  It went on from there.  To encourage my sewing, my parents did not allow me to buy ready made skirts or pants.  If I wanted them, I had to make them!

As an adult with small children, Teresa started a home based business doing alterations and various sewing projects for others.  Her specialty quickly became custom draperies and computerized sewing.  Her draperies have been ordered from all over the U.S. 

When her kids reached school age, she started working outside the home as a consultant with the State Agricultural Division in Charlotte, NC.  In that setting, she taught 4-H classes/camps and adult sewing classes.  Her most popular adult class was:  How to set up your own sewing business from home.

Paramount Studio moved their Show Services Division to Charlotte during this time and contacted Teresa to bring her staff to their facilities to handle various sewing demands for their theme parks, movies, TV shows and the Paramount Ice Skaters. 

Each year, Teresa participates in National Sewing Expos across the country.  This enables her to expand her educational experiences in sewing as well as exchanging ideas with other sewing professionals.

"Sewing has been a wonderful adventure and provided lots of travel opportunities which have enhanced my sewing skills.  I have sewn live flower leis in Hawaii,  studied delicate sewing skills in Belgium and visited with a woman in Puerto Rico who made bobbin lace for our first lady.  I want to share my knowledge with anyone that likes to create!"

Teresa's sewing hints have been published through Nancy Ziemann.