From time to time you have questions…and well, we have answers.
Q: How do your classes work?
A: We offer a variety of classes at Crafty Laine and like to think that the novice sewer is our niche. Once you have taken Sewing 101, and are comfortable on our machine or yours (just like anything, sewing takes practice outside the classroom) then you are ready to attempt most of our class projects. From time to time, projects will take longer than the allotted time for some students. It is up to the discretion of the instructor on whether or not they can stay to continue with the student or if it would be best for the student to take advantage of the Lounge to finish their project. Classes that are designed for Teens & Tweens will be noted as such.
Q: I like the class project… but, I want to tweak it here and there. Can I do that in class?
A: Our goal in class is for everyone to leave with a completed project just like the sample you were shown when you signed up. We welcome questions about how you can change the project, but please save these alterations for when you are making the second one outside of class. Once you understand the basic construction, alterations are usually pretty simple. Need some help implementing your spin on our class project? Private lessons are available.
Q: At what age can my child take your classes?
A: We like our students to be 10 years old for a couple of reasons. A lot has to do with attention span, but other things come into play like eye, hand, foot coordination and being tall enough to reach the foot peddle. Every child is different and while some are more than capable of making it through a 2-hour class at an earlier age, we have to think of the other students that are paying for the class and the amount of attention the instructor can give to each one. We are happy to teach younger children during a private lesson to assess whether or not they are ready for a group class setting.
Q: Do you host private events or classes?
A: We do!! If you have a group of friends that you would like to get together for a class at a time that one is not already offered, we can work to accommodate you. We can easily accommodate 4 Students* for a 2 1/2 hour block for $100, plus materials. A non-refundable deposit of $50 must be made at the time of booking. Cancellations for private events must be made 5 days prior to the event. *if your group is larger – let us know and we will see how we can accommodate you!
Q: We have a Girl Scout troop that would like to get a sewing badge, can you help us meet the criteria?
A: We would love to! For $75, we will host your Girl Scout troop (up to 12 girls for 1-1/2 hours – includes snack time). We will demonstrate a programmable sewing machine, let each girl sew on a sewing machine, pick fabric to make a hand-sewn project, discuss taking measurements and picking out patterns and we can customize the criteria to meet your needs! Troop leaders are welcome to bring in snacks and participate in all the sewing fun!
Q: How do Crafty Laine Rewards work & why don’t I have a punch card?
A: As long as your customer information is in our database, we can track your purchases. Forgive us if we can’t remember your name each time you shop (although we do try). Simply remind us your name and we will add your purchase to your customer card. You will receive 1 point for each dollar you spend on full priced merchandise and 5 points for each class you purchase. We do not track points on sale items or discounted invoices. Once you earn 250 points you will receive a coupon for $15 off your next purchase of $30. You don’t have to carry around a discount card because we are tracking your points for you!
Q: What else are you tracking with my customer card?
A: This is where we keep the information you give us ~ your email, phone number, etc. But we can also see your purchase history. Not sure if you bought Robin’s Egg or Aqua Kona Cotton last time you were in the shop and need more? We can look at your history and tell you exactly what you bought. But, you have to make sure that we know your name in order to keep all your purchases under your customer card – don’t worry, we don’t share valuable information like this with the husbands!
Q: How does the lounge work?
A: The Crafty Laine Sewing Lounge is available to customers (16 years and older or those accompanied by an adult) who have made a purchase of $15 or more within 14 days when classes or private lessons are not scheduled. If you are unsure of lounge availability, please call ahead. Lounge users should be familiar with machine basics (may we suggest completion of our Sewing 101 class) and be capable of completing projects with little or no assistance. Crafty Laine employees are happy to assist, time permitting. But would ask that for individual instruction, you sign up for a private lesson. Use of sewing machines, irons, and ironing boards, designated workstations and tools are available to share between all lounge users. The lounge is first come – first serve.
Q: What are the rules of the lounge?
A: A waiver must be signed prior to lounge use. Drinks must remain in designated area. Maximum 2-hour use per visit. Workspace must be cleaned prior to leaving. You must supply your own thread. Please refrain from bringing children with you while using the lounge.
Q: What are the lounge hours?
A: 30 minutes after store opening, stations must be cleaned 30 minutes prior to closing. Final purchases should be made 15 minutes prior to closing.
Q: Do you have Sergers available for use in the lounge?
A: Sergers are great machines. They are also very finicky. For this reason, we do not offer the use of our serger in the lounge. We do however; have an overlock stitch available on the Baby Lock Grace Sewing machines that are available for use in the lounge!
Q: Help, I am in a pinch and need help!!
A: For common (to us) questions that are easy (to us) to answer, explain and demonstrate, we are happy to help on the spot for no charge. For something more time consuming, we would ask that you sign up for a private lesson so that we may properly teach you the technique that is stumping you. For emergencies, time permitting; we can help for a nominal fee.
Q: Do you offer serger lessons?
A: At this time, we do not. May we recommend calling Myer’s Sewing and Vacuum (719) 596-1165.
Q: Do you service sewing machines?
A: We do not. However, Myer’s Sewing & Vacuum will pick your machine up from our location and return it once service is complete. For more information, contact them at (719) 596-1165.
Q: Can you special order a fabric for me?
A: If it is still available from the distributor, in most cases we can. However, since we have to purchase a minimum of 15 yards, we can only order it if you will be purchasing at least 8 yards of it. Discounts cannot be applied to special order items.
Q: Do you sell patterns for the Crafty Laine Handmade Items?
A: At this time, we do not.