Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection - Inspired designs for the modern sewist.
Linda Lee purchased The Sewing Workshop sewing school in San Francisco in 1991, and that same year began producing a pattern collection under the same name. The Sewing Workshop has grown to become a premier multifaceted sewing business specializing in education and products for the home sewist.
In addition to producing an avant-garde line of sewing patterns for women’s clothing, both in printed form and as downloads, the company sells designer fashion fabrics online and at their retail location in Topeka, Kansas. Other products include hard-to-find specialized sewing notions and how-to books by Linda Lee.
The Sewing Workshop produces a yearly subscription program called Sew Confident! Class in a Flash, an easy-to-follow step-by-step series of monthly sewing tutorials accessible online.
Linda travels and teaches the creative art of sewing at trade shows, workshops, in-store events, and other gatherings across the country.
Behind the Scenes: The Sewing Workshop Team
Linda Lee Founder + Creative Director
Topeka, Kansas is Linda’s hometown and she continues to base her business in this “heartland”. Starting with making and selling felt hats in 6th grade, Linda’s business ventures have followed – from a life-long career in interior design to producing avant-garde sewing patterns for the adventurous sewer.
She loves to investigate the engineering of garment sewing — thus the geometry of the patterns. And she likes to watch the transformation of her students’ views of themselves as she works with them to create wearable wardrobes that complement how they want to express themselves.
Always watching the trends, she interprets them into styles that work for real people. Her experience as an interior designer has given her the freedom to experiment with interesting fabric and color combinations, giving the brand it’s unique look.
“When asked why I sew, I try to describe the feeling that I get when I am squirreled away in my sewing room, sometimes late into the night, with the rest of the world tuned out. It’s me and the cloth and the rhythm and hum of my sewing machine. It’s play time in the truest sense.”
Erin Snethen Graphic Designer + Technical Illustrator
With a degree in fashion design from Kansas State University, Erin loves having the opportunity to combine her love of sewing, color & design. Like many small businesses, a typical day can hold a variety of tasks. Erin transitions between technical illustrating & pattern production to website & social media concepts.
We all work together here at The Sewing Workshop. Collaborating is how we get things done!
Betsy Blodgett Marketing + Social Media
Betsy, previously the co-owner of bon bon atelier, a fabric and craft store, left retail ownership to work on the marketing and production side of the sewing industry. Betsy is also the host of the craft and indie design podcast Hello Atelier where she interviews designers and artists. Betsy is amazing at balancing marketing, website design, social media and the list goes on and on.
Thank you Betsy for all you do!
Alex Woodbury Sew Confident! & Special Projects
Alex has a varying skill set with degrees in Family Counseling, Business and Fashion Design. Concluding her studies at London College of Fashion in 2020 with an M.A. in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation, she is great at generating ideas, developing content and has a passion for merging the worlds of creativity and philanthropy.
She has worked with the behind-the-scenes management of the Sew Confident! program, while also working in the production & execution of sewing events, publications for magazines, and enjoys creating content for website, marketing, or social media, and also has lead garment sewing classes both online and in-person.
Deb Henderson Office Manager
We have a new team on board! Our first introduction is Deb who manages our order department along with Pat and Becky. If you have a question about your order, fabric or pattern choice, Deb would be glad to help you. At home, Deb loves to sew garments, teach her daughter to sew and play with her dogs.
Welcome to the team Deb. We're glad you're here.
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