Owner Megan Avery, who has been a Hoboken resident for nearly two decades, moved toHoboken in 1998 right after college.“ Our sewing studio space was opened in the Monroe Center in 2003 because it was close to where Ilived,” she says.

MAvery Designs offers anarray of classes for people to channel their creative side and also hosts parties and private functions where attendees are allowed tobring their own food and beverages.

Avery finds satisfaction in helping students experience the fulfillment of creating something with their own two hands.“ I absolutely love teaching people of all ages and skill levels to make something handmade for themselves,” she says.

The studio offers courses for people in every stage of expertise.“ Anyone can learn how to sew. You don’ t need any prior skills or knowledge,” Avery says.“ All of our projects can be simplified and made more advanced depending on what you’ d like tolearn.”

Sewing Machine Basics, which shows students how tothread and use asewing machine, isthe most popular class at the studio.“ Hemming is askill that we teach alot,” Avery says.“ Why not learn how to do it yourself instead of paying atailor to do it?”

The eight-week Beginner Sewing Boot Camp is another favorite. The class

allows participants to make various projects, including a wallet, clutch, messenger bag, pajama bottoms, apron, skirt or a tie. Children enjoy courses on making stuffed animals and doll clothing, which are geared towards first-graders and older.

MAvery Designs gives instruction beyond sewing classes. Other studio activities include introductory weaving workshops and walking tours ofNew York’ sgarment district to assist people in purchasing fabric.

The studio intends to provide a modernized approach to the practical skills people have used for ages.“ It’ snot the home economics you grew upwith

HANDMADE TREASURES Ellen Brown, a sewing instructor at M Avery Designs, teaches a kids sewing class for first through third graders.( Inset) A cosmetic bag is one of the many products you can learn to make in one of the workshops available at the sewing studio.

where everything has to be sewn perfectly,” Avery says.“ The best projects that have come out of our studio have their beautiful flaws and gorgeous oopses. That’ s what makes them unique.”

Some students cite calming benefits from coming to M Avery Designs.“ I can’ t tell you how many people liken our classes with aday at the spa. They love the environment of the studio and being able to do something for themselves,” Avery says.“ Being creative is using a different part of the brain than what most adults use at work and kids use at school.”

For those wondering if sewing is for them, Avery suggests simply giving it a chance.“ Just try it,” she says.“ You’ ll be totally hooked.” ◆

MAKEUP BAG: COURTESY OF MEGAN AVERY

24 MAY 2016( 201) GOLD COAST