Learning by Doing
No Worksheets, no lectures - every student leaves every class with something they made themselves. That's the whole philosophy.
Real Project, Every Week
Students sew things they'll actually use and be proud of. Bags, pillows, plushies, simple garments. Building real skills, project by project.
Small Groups, Real Guidance
Low student-to-machine ratio means hands-on help at every step, not just supervision from across the room.
Skills that Build
Each project introduces new techniques on top of the last, so by the end of a season, kids have gone from first stitch to confident sewist.
What the Youth Sewing Programs Looks Like
Fabric scraps on the floor, a seam ripper in your hand, and the moment a project finally clicks into place. You leave with proof: something real that didn't exist a few hours ago, made entirely by you.
Beginner Projects
Drawstring Bags and simple pouches - first stitches, threading a machine, and basic seams.
Building Skills
Tote bags and zipper pouches - adding straps boxed corners, a buttons, and their very first zipper.
Signature Projects
Stuffed animals and plushies - curved seams, stuffing, and hand-finishing. A favorite kids take home and keep
Garment Basics
Simple elastic-waist shorts or tops - designing their own fit and putting everyting together, no pattern packet required.
🧵 Materials Included
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Sewing machine per student — no equipment needed at home, but students are welcome to bring their own machine if they'd rather use it
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Fabric, thread, and notions for every project
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No patterns — students design and create their own, start to finish
🎓 What They Learn
- Machine operation and safety
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Designing their own project through thought, experimentation, and skill — not from a pattern
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Measuring, cutting, and seam construction
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Problem-solving and finishing a project start to finish
This is what's currently taught at Whidbey Coffee in Burlington - Scroll down to bring it to your school.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I'm Stephanie Philbrick — founder and instructor of Positively Sewing, right here in Skagit Valley. I taught myself to sew from scratch, and within 14 months, I designed over 100 pieces across 10 collections, showcased in 17 fashion shows with Chance Fashion, RAW Fashion, and local festivals. From there, I taught sewing to elementary students around the Seattle area before bringing it home to my community, founding Positive Change, LLC in 2024. Positively Sewing is a Studio of Positive Change — not just a philosophy I live by, but one I teach in every class.
I teach the way I learned: no patterns, just thought, experimentation, and the confidence to figure it out as you go. Nothing beats watching a student's face light up with pride over something they made with their own two hands — and knowing every skill they build means one less thing headed for a landfill. That's what Positively Sewing is really about — turning curiosity into confidence, one stitch at a time.
What Families Are Saying
Real Testimonials From Real Parents
Stephanie is an absolutely amazing sewing teacher! She is patient, talented, and incredibly encouraging. My daughter has gained so much confidence and skill under her guidance, and she looks forward to every class. We couldn't be happier. Highly recommend!"
— Bailey
“I'm signing her up for more time with you, and now I want to take a class too! She's really enjoying learning from you. Thank you sooo much!”
— Jenni
Want Sewing Classes at Your School or Area?
Like what you see above? We're mapping interest across Skagit & Nearby Counties to bring this exact program to more schools. Sign up for the season you want — interest carries forward season to season, so if your city isn't ready yet, your name still counts toward the case for bringing it there next.
CURRENT INTEREST BY SEASON & SCHOOL DISTRICT
COMING SOON!
ADD YOUR SCHOOL TO THE MAP!
We'll only use this info to gauge interest and follow up about bringing classes to your area.
For Teachers & School Administrators
If you received this from a parent — here's the short version. We're already approved to work in Burlington-Edison School District — what's left is showing real, documented interest at your specific school before we schedule a class there. Long term, our goal is to bring this program to every elementary, middle, and high school in the district — built around your school's schedule, not ours.
Turnkey
We bring machines, supplies, and curriculum, and handle student sign-ups and registration too — zero administrative burden on your staff.
Proven Demand
This page tracks real family interest by school, so principals can see actual sign-up numbers for their school before committing space or time.
Built Around Your Schedule
Elementary: one 90-minute block right after the last bell. Middle & high school: later time slots that work around athletics, clubs, and other after-school commitments.
Insured
Fully insured at approved locations — happy to send documentation.