“I’m always sewing,” says Jodi, sitting in her airy workroom surrounded by fabric samples and sewing machines. She began offering lessons in the city four years ago, after moving to Budapest from New Zealand as an exchange student. “It’s always been a part of me, making stuff.”
The sewing lessons take place here in her apartment, and begin with the very basics: how to thread the machine, how to sew in a straight line, how to master different types of stitches. From there, students make tote bags, zippered pouches, skirts, pyjama shorts, all the way up to complete dresses! “Once students make a dress or two,” says Jodi, “they start to learn on their own”.
The lessons begin at 3,000 forints for one hour, 8,000 for three hours and 10,000 for four hours. Private lessons are also available. Jodi’s Facebook page shows grinning students with finished projects, and offers more details on upcoming courses.
“It’s fun to see people thread the machine for the first time,” she adds. “It’s like magic, their eyes sparkle. And they’re so proud of their first project, that’s my favourite part.”
Classes run Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in the afternoons, although mornings are available upon request. Already know how to sew, but don’t have access to a sewing machine? Jodi welcomes you to come and use her machines.
Sewing is a skill that keeps on giving. If you’re interested in picking up a needle and thread yourself, check out Jodi’s page for more information.
