Sincere Studio

Mission

Sincere Studio is a nonprofit community sewing studio and classroom whose mission is to provide sewing skills education with a focus on sewing as a tool of social change and empowerment. 

Bottom Line for Portland

Sincere Studio is the only community sewing studio in Portland that provides accessible, fun, and welcoming sewing classes for all abilities. In addition to classes that cover everything from swimsuits to quilts, we also provide lots of ways for community members to gather for free including our sewing affinity groups (BIPOC Sewing Club, Queer & Trans Sewing Club), our sewing and sustainability-focused events (Fabric & Yarn Swap, Masc Clothing Swap, Sew & Tell, etc), and more. 

By supporting us, you are supporting access to not only a fun hobby, but a critical life skill that empowers people to lead more sustainable, self-sufficient lives. 

Quote

“I love everything about Sincere Studio. Starting my sewing journey in April 2023 felt like a creative awakening and I'm not sure I would have had the experience in any other learning environment. Firstly, because I have never seen myself, as someone who is trans and Latine, reflected in the sewist world before Sincere Studio. Secondly, because of the community that surrounds Sincere Studio. I feel instantly at ease and welcome, like I'm sewing with old friends instead of people I've just met. And lastly, because the instruction is practical, encouraging, exciting, and responsive to the needs of the community. I'm an educator and I know how hard it is to cultivate this kind of rich learning environment. Sincere Studio excels at this.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sincere Studio aims to create a warm, welcoming environment for all community members, as a low-barrier “third place” beyond home and work. 

Throughout history, people of all genders, races, gender identities, sexualities, and ages have used sewing as a means to connect, fight oppression, and record histories left out of the public conscience. Sincere Studio brings new and experienced sewists together to learn from instructors and from each other, sharing knowledge across age, gender, race, and socioeconomic class. By providing free, low-cost, and low-barrier clubs, classes, and events, we create access for anyone interested in sewing. Free sewing clubs like BIPOC sewing club or Queer & Trans sewing club allows for folks to get together in a safe space and sew together in community. Our studio was set up to be as accessible as possible, both physically and financially, and we work hard to continue to increase access through both channels. 

“After several BIPOC [sewing club] sessions, I feel more connected to the Studio... Because the session is hosted but not led, participants help one another understand pattern instructions, thread machines and make creative decisions. People spontaneously ask one another about their projects rather than only talking to the host. I don’t believe the average person realizes how isolating it can feel to always be the only black person in the room for days on end. From the average Portland workplace, grocery store, park, fitness class and sewing circle. The BIPOC session is a place to truly unwind with a fun hobby without striving to meet expectations. BIPOC does not have to focus only on music, entertaining, dancing or eating. Sewing is a classic, reborn way to build connection and camaraderie."

Incentives

Donate $20 for 10% off Intro to Sewing class

Donate $100 for “Keep Sewing Weird” sweatshirt/merch coupon code 

Donate $50 on Dec 1 to be entered into raffle for a free Intro to Sewing class

Partner(s)

Daffodil Studios

XRAY.FM