Sewing and Embroidery Classes

Meet Lisa Brinkley, the Sewing and Embroidery Instructor here at our Bonney Lake store.

She's an avid sewer, quilter, embroider, knitter, and crocheter that's married with four grown children, three small grandchildren, and one very spoiled wire haired Dachshund named Roxie. 

Brinkley loves to cook, bake, and decorates her home for every season and occasion. She calls herself an "all around crafter," because she loves anything that allows her to use her creative mind. 

How long have you been sewing?

It seems like my whole life. I had a very close-knit family and these skills that we were taught were passed along from generation to generation.

When did you start sewing?

I started sewing at a tiny age with cardboard sewing cards and thread. I remember making my first embroidered potholders in third grade. I also remember going to my Nana's house every night to work on embroidered kitty circles so every lady in our family would get a gift for Christmas. 

While I was in the seventh grade, I got my first sewing machine and received sewing lessons from Jeanne Dale Fabrics in Ballard as birthday gifts. I made a plaid jumper and learned how to match plaids and put in a zipper by hand. I was so proud of myself when I was done.

How did you develop your skills?

I developed my skills over the years with a lot of trial and error, lessons, classes, seminars, tips from other people, and reading books.

What do you enjoy the most about sewing and embroidering? 

There are lots of things I enjoy about my craft but if I had to pick just one, it would be that in the end, when I'm finished, I have a one-of-a-kind item that nobody else has.

What do you love most about teaching your craft to others? How does it make you feel?

I love what I wouldn't necessarily call teaching, but sharing my love, passing on my enthusiasm and knowledge. I love empowering people to create and set them up to be successful. Nothing makes me feel better than seeing how good people feel when they have completed their project and it turning out better than they imagined.

What can you say to those that are just beginning?

Just jump in there and give it a try. You don't have to have a top of the line sewing machine in order to be successful. Come to a place like Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop that has good quality products for your project and knowledgeable employees and instructors to help you out. Don't be afraid to say "I'm new, I have a question, or I need help." You may not have faith in yourself and your abilities, but I do. You may think you can't, but I know you can! If you have the desire to learn, start taking classes and asking questions. Start small and grow from there.

What words of inspiration would you like to share?

Sewing, quilting, embroidery, needle arts aren't just for "old ladies." This isn't your grandmother's craft anymore. Your project doesn't have to look like everyone else's nor does it have to look exactly like the pattern. Relax, enjoy yourself, and create something that is uniquely yours. There are so many wonderful opportunities to be creative, so I encourage you to jump in there and give it a try!

Have the desire to learn how to sew or embroider; or need assistance with a sewing project? Then the Sewing Pick-a-Project class is perfect for you! You can register for the class here or in store.