No, I am not in Portland at the moment.
I never got around to talking about Sewcial Studies after I returned from Portland in the Fall.
I went with Cheryl and Amanda. Sewcial Studies is in Milwaukie on a cute little street with a variety of shops including a chocolatier and a bookstore.
Sewcial Studies, a very small store, describes itself as an ‘art and craft’ store. While we were there, a woman was learning how to make a shirt, or some kind of garment.
One side of the store (shown, left) houses supplies you can buy: fabric, notions, etc. The collection of items isn’t large, but everything is high quality and a little unique. The red table in the center of the photo really intrigued me. I couldn’t help but think it looked like a billiard table.
On the other side of the store is the class/lessons/sewing side. I didn’t take a good picture of the whole side, but you get an idea of what it looks like. There were 3-4 tables with sewing machines where people could sew. I was intrigued to see different brands, models and vintages of machines. While having the same machines would be good for troubleshooting, getting used high quality machines might be more cost effective.
I really wanted to buy these pattern weights even though I didn’t need them. They were so cool looking and would have been great for shapes I needed to cut using a paper pattern.
They were on the pricey side, though, and I decided not to spend so much on an impulse buy. I don’t see them on their website so either they are too pricey to mail or I missed my chance.
One cool service they have are Open Sews. The charge is only $10/hour and they happen everyday the shop is open. You get to use their tools, machines, and get help if you should need it.
The coolest thing in the shop was their rivet press. I know I am obsessed with rivet presses right now, but this one was super cool the way it was embedded (inserted?) into an old sewing machine cabinet. OMG! Such a great idea. Also, the turquoise ‘plate’ is awesome.
I don’t think the sewing cabinet top opens anymore, but it would be great if the rivet press could be stored inside the cabinet as well. I think the height prevents it.
I wasn’t as focused on the store as I normally am, but I still saw enough to know that I like it. It is also a GREAT idea! I love the idea of dropping into to sew with others when it fits into your schedule.
Let me know if you go visit.
Tel:(503) 303-9143
suzanne@sewcialstudies.com
10835 SE Main Street
Milwaukie, OR 97222
Store Hours:
Sunday 12-5pm
Monday 10am-6pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 6pm