Peoria Fashion Week Academy
STITCH & SEW
Hands-on sewing education for beginners and experienced students alike — from 8-week group courses to personalized one-on-one instruction.
Adult Classes
ADULT STITCH & SEW: SEWING 101
Learn to Sew. Create Something Beautiful. Discover Your Creativity.
Join Peoria Fashion Week Academy for a hands-on beginner sewing experience designed specifically for adults. Whether you've never touched a sewing machine or simply want to refresh your skills, this workshop will help you build confidence and learn essential sewing techniques.
Class Information
What Students Will Learn
- 01Understanding sewing machine parts and functions
- 02Threading a sewing machine and winding a bobbin
- 03Basic machine operation and safety
- 04Straight stitching and simple sewing techniques
- 05Working with fabric and essential sewing tools
- 06Completing a small beginner-friendly sewing project
Opens registration form in a new tab. Select your preferred Saturday workshop and complete enrollment.
DOWNLOAD CLASS FLYER
Distillery Labs
Peoria, Illinois
Beginner Program
BEGINNER STITCH & SEW
An 8-week hands-on sewing program designed for complete beginners.
What You'll Learn
- 01Machine operation and threading
- 02Fabric selection and types
- 03Cutting techniques and patterns
- 04Seam construction and finishing
- 05Pressing and professional finishing
- 06Pattern reading and markings
- 07Garment assembly
- 08Basic alterations and fitting
- 09Closures: zippers, buttons, snaps
- 10Design fundamentals
- 11Final wearable garment project
Registration is handled through Jotform. You will be redirected to the enrollment form.
Stitch & Sew
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Kristi Smith
Peoria County 4-h yOUTH dEvelopment Coordinator/PFWA REP/lEAD sewing Instructor
A passionate educator and fashion professional dedicated to teaching the art of sewing and garment construction. With years of hands-on industry experience, they bring real-world knowledge into every class, creating a supportive, creative environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive.
Specialties
- —Sewing machine operation & safety
- —Pattern reading & fabric cutting
- —Garment construction & hemming
- —Creative design development
"Every student has a unique creative voice. My goal is to give them the technical foundation to express it confidently — stitch by stitch."
Aleesia (Khaleesi) Kimble
Sewing & Garment Construction Instructor
A skilled sewing professional and educator who brings warmth, patience, and deep technical knowledge to every session. Committed to meeting students where they are and guiding them toward real creative growth — from their first stitch to finished garments they're proud to wear.
Specialties
- —Beginner sewing fundamentals
- —Alterations and tailoring
- —Fabric selection and care
- —Student confidence building
"Sewing is a skill anyone can learn. I believe in creating a space where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and discover what they're capable of."
Dwight Bolden II
Sewing & Garment Construction Instructor
A dedicated sewing educator who brings creativity, precision, and encouragement to every class. Passionate about helping students discover the joy of making — from foundational stitches to finished garments that reflect their personal style.
Specialties
- —Beginner sewing fundamentals
- —Machine operation and safety
- —Pattern reading and fabric cutting
- —Creative project development
"The best thing about sewing is that every mistake is a lesson. I create a space where students feel free to experiment, grow, and build something they're genuinely proud of."
Private Instruction
PRIVATE 1-ON-1 STITCH & SEW
Personalized one-on-one sewing instruction tailored to your goals, schedule, and skill level.
Work directly with an experienced instructor at your own pace on the techniques and projects that matter most to you.
Areas of Instruction
- 01Custom curriculum
- 02Flexible scheduling
- 03Pattern drafting
- 04Garment construction
- 05Alterations and tailoring
- 06Design development
- 07Portfolio building
- 08Fashion show preparation
- 09Advanced techniques
Registration is handled through Jotform. You will be redirected to the enrollment form.
READY TO START SEWING?
Choose the program that fits your goals — adult workshops, beginner group classes, or personalized one-on-one instruction.