April 25, 2026 @ 10:00 am – January 2, 2027 @ 4:30 pm

You can work on a single project, work on the difficult parts of multiple projects, or tackle your mending pile – all with my help throughout. I’ll do optional pop up workshops on specific skills throughout class, as they arise. 

Designed to follow my Machine Use, Basic Sewing Skills, and perhaps Intro to Patterns classes (if you are working with a pattern) and for anyone with equivalent experience (see descriptions at bit.ly/fifthgen). 

Supported Open Sewing tends to be a fabulous opportunity to socialize, and you’re welcome to sign up for as many sessions as you like. 

For ALL ages! New this year: Child-focused projects and supplies are provided at no additional cost. 

Bring: your machine, tools, and supplies for whatever projects you are working on. Cutting space may be limited.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew. 

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you. 

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew.

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you.

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

Learn the basic information and techniques you’ll need to sew anything you want! 

This class is designed to follow my Sewing Machine Use class and/or for anyone comfortable using their sewing machine but not sure what to do with it.

If a child is old enough to want to learn basic sewing skills, they’re old enough to learn! I do recommend a 1:1 session for kiddos under age 12, so I can follow their interests and attention span more closely.

We will cover basic techniques like seam types, edge finishes, seam finishes, and hems. We’ll also cover fundamental concepts like fabric structure, fiber content, and basic sewing tools.

Bring: your sewing machine and accessories, fabric scissors and thread snips if you have them, and any sewing paraphernalia you have questions about.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew. 

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you. 

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

Work on whatever you want, with expert support, in a studio setting!

You can work on a single project, work on the difficult parts of multiple projects, or tackle your mending pile – all with my help throughout. I’ll do optional pop up workshops on specific skills throughout class, as they arise. 

Designed to follow my Machine Use, Basic Sewing Skills, and perhaps Intro to Patterns classes (if you are working with a pattern) and for anyone with equivalent experience (see descriptions at bit.ly/fifthgen). 

Supported Open Sewing tends to be a fabulous opportunity to socialize, and you’re welcome to sign up for as many sessions as you like. 

For ALL ages! New this year: Child-focused projects and supplies are provided at no additional cost. 

Bring: your machine, tools, and supplies for whatever projects you are working on. Cutting space may be limited.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew. 

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you. 

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

August 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Unlocking Art is a new free community engagement program at The Arts Center that invites you to experience exhibitions in fresh and meaningful ways. Spark fresh ways of seeing and connecting with TAC Exhibitions  through volunteer lead interactive activities in TAC’s main gallery.

This class is designed for the absolute beginner, although anyone who has trouble using their machine will benefit.

If using your machine is stressing you out – if the needle or thread breaks, if the thread gets tangled/knotted/looped, if stitches do not form correctly – this class is for you! 

Bring: your sewing machine and its cord/pedal, its manual if you have it, any bits and pieces that came with the machine, thread if you have it, and a small pair of thread scissors if you have them.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew. 

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you. 

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

Get ready to successfully use commercial sewing patterns!

This is a great follow-up to my Basic Sewing Skills class and for anyone ready to start using purchased patterns.

Uncover the mysteries of the pattern envelope, sizing, layout and cutting, transferring marks, and get answers to your questions.

Bring: Nothing is required, but you’re welcome to bring a pattern/patterns you want to work on and/or fabric/s you are considering.

Sewing machines are not used in this class.

About the instructor

Fifth Generation Sewing classes are taught by Dr. Michelle Marie (she/her), a fourth-generation sewist who invites you to become part of the fifth generation of people who sew.

She’s been sewing for over 35 years (depending on when you start counting), holds a Ph.D. in Apparel Design and Human Environment, and takes seriously the project of handing down four generations of sewing expertise to you.

Michelle’s approach to teaching sewing starts with the importance of using your machine correctly and emphasizes the effectiveness of sewing conventions along with the value of expressing yourself with what you make.

For more information, and to register, visit bit.ly/fifthgen.

August 25 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

TAC partners with the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library to provide free craft events for families and adults. 

Supplies are provided. All ages welcome!

What to Expect:

• Creative Freedom: Bring your current work in progress or start something new! Come and go as you please!
• Community Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and share your crafting passion.
• All Crafters Welcome: From drawing to crochet, all skills and crafters have a place at Calapooia.

Additional Perks:

• Delicious Brews & Cocktails: Savor craft beer from Calapooia Brewing and cocktails from Vivacity Spirits served in our brewpub.
• Tasty Bites: Indulge in mouthwatering pub food from our brewpub restaurant.

Gather your supplies, bring your friends, or join a group to make new ones – We can’t wait to craft with you See you at Calapooia Brewing, where creativity flows as freely as the beer!

About Calapooia Brewing:
Visit the Calapooia Brewing taproom in Albany, Oregon at 140 Hill St. NE to experience the finest craft beer in the Willamette Valley. The menu features the full selection of Calapooia craft microbrews, hand-crafted cocktails featuring Vivacity Spirits, delicious pub food, live music, events & more.

The Calapooia Brewing pub is a welcoming place for all. The venue is family and pet-friendly, with indoor and heated outdoor seating available year-round. Find your community at Calapooia and gather with friends you can call family.