Sewing Machine Playdate
New machine? Old machine? One that’s been hiding in the closet? Come for some playtime and get to know your sewing machine.
program overview
Did you recently get a new or used sewing machine—or inherit one from a friend or family member? Maybe yours has been sitting in the closet for a few years and you’re finally ready to bring it back out. Or perhaps you’ve been sewing for a while but still feel like you and your machine are only loosely acquainted.
Whatever the story, this two-hour workshop is a playdate with your sewing machine—a relaxed, hands-on chance to explore, experiment, and have some fun getting to know what your machine can do.
We won’t be making a project—you’re simply here to play! We’ll try out different stitches and settings and get acquainted with some of the features that may have you wondering, “What is that for?”
Along the way, we’ll explore questions like:
- How do I thread the machine and wind a bobbin?
- What do all those stitches do?
- Do I need all those presser feet that came with my machine?
- What are the feed dogs, and why would I want to lower them?
The goal is to get comfortable with your machine, answer some of those questions you’ve been meaning to ask, and leave feeling ready to sit down and sew. No project, no homework—just a little time to play, experiment, and get acquainted.
Bring your sewing machine and its manual, if you have one.
instructor Overview
Jill Valavanis
Jill Valavanis is the Visual Arts Director at the Sonoma Community Center and a teaching artist working primarily with fiber. She completed her graduate work at California State University, Long Beach where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Three-Dimensional Media, utilizing skills developed in working with fiber, metal, and wood. Currently she is exploring free motion machine embroidery and relief printing on fabric.
Website www.jillvalavanis.com
Instagram @jillvalavanis
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAge(s)
18-overRegistration Cost:
$25
