Bella's Studio Monterey - Sew Stylish! Announces March Classes and Events

March 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Press Contact: Marci Bracco (831) 747-7455

Bella’s Studio Monterey - Sew Stylish! Monterey’s Premiere Design, Sewing and Crafting Studio  Announces March Classes and Events

MONTEREY, CA -- Bella’s Studio is Monterey ’s premiere design, sewing and crafting studio. Located at 140 W. Franklin Street, Suite 205 in Monterey , owner Bella Lofaso Brancato inspires you to learn it and make it!

It is a destination for seamsters to rally and create -- a space to work on anything they can imagine! This sewing lounge offers classes, but even better, owner Bella Lofaso Brancato offers her expertise and support.

The Studio is the perfect way to meet new people, learn sewing techniques, and test drive the latest sewing machines. Bella’s Studio’s goal is to make sewing more accessible, let seamsters work with one another, and pass on the skills to the next generation of fashionistas and crafters.

UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS
EDDIE’S QUILTING BEE; BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW & KEEPSAKE WORKSHOP; BELLA’S SEWING FUNDAMENTALS SERIES

EDDIE’S QUILTING BEE COMES TO BELLA’S STUIDO IN MONTEREY
• Are you looking for a new sewing machine, curious about the latest advancements in machines or have a sewing machine that needs servicing? Eddie’s Quilting Bee of Sunnyvale is setting up shop for three days in Bella’s Studio to showcase a selection of Bernina & Babylock sewing machines. Eddie’s is also setting up a sewing machine repair area to service and repair all models of machines. This is a wonderful opportunity to test drive a new machine with out having to travel out of town. www.eddiesquiltingbee.com
• Thursday March 7- Saturday March 9
o Thursday & Friday (9:30 am-7 pm)
o Saturday (9 am-5 pm)

BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW AND KEEPSAKE WORKSHOP
• Date: Saturday, March 16
• BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW: Local bridal & special occasion designer, Meg Ryan, will showcase her Modern Nostalgia wedding collection of modernized vintage gowns, along with original designs of contemporary silhouettes that feature vintage details. Lace, swiss dot and ethereal silks abound in these beautiful gowns--all will be available for purchase, or you may talk to Meg about a custom design.
• Time: 10 am-12 pm
• Cost: Free
• KEEPSAKE WORKSHOP: Come revel in wedding bliss and creativity as you create one-of-a-kind bridal keepsakes. Designer Meg Ryan will lead this special class where you will make an heirloom memento to give as a gift or to use on your own special day. Choose from an embellished garter or precious ring pillow project. A variety of materials from lace to satin & various trims will be provided. If you have any special material that you want to incorporate, bring them and Meg will help you integrate into your project.
• Time: 1-3 pm
• Cost: $60, includes materials
• www.StylebyMeg.com

BELLA’S SEWING FUNDAMENTALS SERIES # 1, 2, 3
• In her three part series, Bella Lofaso Brancato teaches this Sewing Fundamentals series with emphasis on learning the foundations of sewing. No matter what your skill level, having a solid understanding of how your sewing machine operates, the properties of fabric, cutting, marking, layout and pressing, will help you enjoy your sewing journey.
• Sewing Fundamentals classes are taught over 3 series--each series includes 3 classes.
• Each class is offered on Thursday evening 6-9 pm and repeated on Saturday 1-4 pm
• Bella’s Sewing Fundamentals Series begins Thursday March 21 and continues through Saturday June 1.
• Cost: $45 per single class - or $125 for each 3-class series (some workshops have additional materials fees).
• For additional help and sewing time, you can purchase a Studio Punch Card for $70 for 10 hours of Open Studio time

SERIES #1 – IN THE BEGINNING (3 classes)
• This 3-class series will cover all the fundamentals to get you started on your successful sewing journey!
• WEEK 1 - Making Friends with Your Sewing Machine.
• The sewing machine is a vital element of the sewing experience-knowing how it operates is paramount. Today's sewing machines have kept up with technology and are easy and fun to use.
• Date & Time: Choose Thursday or Saturday class:
o Thursday, March 21 (6-9 pm)
o Saturday, March 23 (1-4 pm)
• Cost: $45 per single class - or $125 for the 3-class series
• WEEK 2 - It's All in the Cut
• Understanding the properties of grain dictates the layout of your pattern pieces. It does not matter if your project is simple or complex -- grain and proper layout is always essential.
• Date & Time: Choose Thursday or Saturday class:
o Thursday, March 28 (6-9 pm)
o Saturday, March 30 (1-4pm)
• WEEK 3 – Let’s Sew Something
• Different seams and sewing construction techniques will be taught. Your first project will be a darling Chicken Pin Cushion!
• Date & Time: Choose Thursday or Saturday class:
o Thursday, April 4 (6-9 pm)
o Saturday, April 6 (1-4 pm)
• There will be a materials fee of $10 for supplies
• Cost: $45 per single class - or $125 for the 3-class series

SERIES #2- Let's Start Sewing (3 classes)
• During this 3-class series, we will work on two fun projects -- a Tote Bag with lots of custom detail options (lining, pockets, coordinating colors and patterns) and a Statement Pillow with designer touches (sham back, custom welt and artistic design).
• Dates & Times: Choose Thursday or Saturday classes:
o 3 Thursdays: April 11, 18, May 2 (6-9 pm)
o 3 Saturdays: April 13, 20, May 4 (1-4 pm)
• Cost: $45 per single class - or $125 for the 3-class series. There will be a $45 Materials Fee for tote bag and pillow materials.

SERIES #3 - On To Clothing (3 classes)
• We finish up the Fundamentals series with your choice of sewing a skirt or top. The skirt is an exclusive bella's skirt design with flattering pleats and a side-opening pocket -- and the best part is no zipper! Or you may choose to sew a simple, versatile top -- Bella will help you choose a pattern appropriate for your style and skill level. (Pattern will be purchased separately)
• For the best fit, you will first make a muslin sample to make any fit adjustments. You will purchase fabric for your skirt or top separately. Bella has fabric for sale at the studio or you can shop on your own.
• Dates & Times: Choose Thursday or Saturday classes:
o 3 Thursdays: May, 9, 16, 30 (6-9 pm)
o 3 Saturdays: May 11, 18, June 1 (1-4 pm)
• Cost: $45 per single class - or $125 for the 3-class series. There will be a Materials Fee of $10 for muslin & $10 for skirt pattern
Ongoing Lessons


To RSVP to a class call (831) 920-2272 or email bella@bellastudiomonterey.com.
Bella’s Studio

140 West Franklin Street, Suite 205
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 920-2272
www.bellastudiomonterey.com