Craft Haven Collective

This review is not about the quality of the studio itself, but rather the willingness of Kelly to honor a credit purchase. On Valentines Day I purchased 4 hours of private lesson time for my wife for the full price $ 160. We received an email from Kelly asking us to register Eline. My wife was in process of going through a career change so preferred to wait to use the lessons. There was a follow up email from Kelly in April to let us know she is busy in May, but it again made no mention of an expiration policy.
My wife reached out to Kelly today (almost 9 months after purchase) to move forward with scheduling the classes. She was informed that the credits had expired. Despite multiple requests for an exception, Kelly has refused to honor any part of the $ 160 credit.
I am very disappointed that a local small business with 5 stars on Unilocal would treat an excited customer in this way. Please take your business to a studio that treats customers fairly.

Highly recommend Craft Haven. I am so grateful to Kelly for making my very first sewing experience a bliss. Never touched a sewing machine before and I walked out of Über Basics class feeling comfortable and confident. Kelly you Rock!

What an enjoyable evening! I was initially a bit stressed about undertaking a sewing class (Über Basics) because I didn’t think I could negotiate the learning curve in only three hours. However, that feeling faded away when I met Kelly! As other reviews have described her, she is exceptionally knowledgeable and her teaching skills are polished and anticipatory. I plan on taking Über Basics Part Deux in the future and cannot recommend her sewing classes enough! Do it!

I took Über Basics with Kelly a couple months ago, and it was such a great class! I had always wanted to get a sewing machine to do my own alterations and for simple sewing projects, but first I needed to take a sewing class to make sure this was something I could do. I went into the class having never even touched a sewing machine before, and left feeling so comfortable with one that I immediately purchased a sewing machine.
Kelly started out the class with a lesson on all the different parts of the sewing machine, their functions, and the mechanics of sewing. After the lesson, we moved on to sewing draw-​string pouches. Kelly was very thorough and careful, and demonstrated all the steps clearly. The next day after the class, I e-​mailed Kelly questions about purchasing sewing machines, and she was extremely helpful in her replies. I’ve since taken another sewing machine class elsewhere in the city, and it did not match up to Craft Haven!

What an amazing experience. My husband and I started by taking the Über Basic sewing class. In my ultimate wisdom, I thought it would be a great idea to follow with the Hooded Fur Coat class the next day, not really thinking that it might be useful to have a few more hours of sewing experience before embarking on such an endeavor. But we didn’t have to worry about that because Kelly was very patient.
The Über Basics class was great. I had never even touched a sewing machine, so this class was extremely informative and exactly what I needed. Kelly takes the time to explain concepts carefully and answers questions thoughtfully until everyone understands.
But what really has me raving about Craft Haven was our experience during the Hooded Fur Coat class. It was just my husband and me, so she invited us to make adjustments to the fur coat pattern to suit our tastes. The class consists of two three hour sessions (which turned into two four hour sessions), and when it became clear that there was no way we were going to finish, Kelly very generously offered to have us come back and finish the coats. When we offered to compensate her for her additional time, she refused and said «I’ve enjoyed working with the two of you very much, so it’s my pleasure to go the extra mile in this instance.»
We are extremely happy with our experience and we love our fur coats. Not only will we back for other classes, but we could not recommend Craft Haven more highly. Thank you so much, Kelly!

I’m in love with Craft Haven! Kelly is amazing in so many ways. She’s clear, concise, quick yet patient, witty, sweet as pie… as good as it gets from an instructor. After completing «The Works» basic sewing classes, I decided to tackle a tank top. Thank goodness I went to Craft Haven first because there were moments that I wouldn’t have been able to figure out what to do next if not for my lessons with Kelly.
Now I’m working on a faux fur jacket that will be completed by the end of the week! I’ve wanted to make this jacket for two years. Finally, I have the awesomeness of Kelly to show me how.
If you’re thinking of learning to sew, go to Craft Haven. You will love it. :)

Craft Haven Collective is a super awesome resource for either general or project-​specific skill building.
I took the Basics Part Deux class with Kelly, and I am one happy camper.
It was obvious that a ton off effort had gone into preparing class materials and content. I appreciated Kelly’s wealth of experience and depth of understanding about why things work the way they do.
I am also grateful for her willingness to accomodate my schedule when I somehow managed to register for a class that was actually already full.
I am already signed up for a bunch more classes… hurrah!

Simply exceptional place to learn to sew. Kelly is knowledgable, patient, fun and cool. The space is intimate and comfortable, and the tiny class size means everyone’s needs get addressed. I have a busy schedule, and had to make time for classes, but Kelly went out of her way, even scheduling a semi-​private class when I couldn’t make the regularly-​scheduled one, to get me on the path to sewing.
In two months (and after only two classes), I went from being an occasional and clumsy hand-​sewer, to making my own shirts, bathing suits, jackets, you name it!

Crafthaven’s classes are actually about «how to use a sewing machine». I only wish I’d discovered Crafthaven years ago instead of struggling with my machine’s instruction manual combined with my very basic knowledge that my mother taught me on her 1940s Singer. Turns out that my 2006 machine can really do a LOT more than I’d ever realized and it’s not difficult, once I was shown how it works! The instructor is very professional and friendly and experienced. She also throws out many little sewing tips about tools and gadgets that I never knew about and which I now use all the time. I highly recommend these classes.

When I was researching for local classes on sewing, Craft Haven came up on my search. From reading other Unilocalers’ great reviews, I decided to sign up for The Works package, which consists of the Über Basics, Basics Deux, and Zipper classes. I am a beginner, so I though taking a variety of basic classes would give me some good ground to build on. Plus, if you signup for The Works package, you save a few bucks.
I recently attended my first class which was the Über Basics class. All the tools that you need are provided for you such as the sewing machine, practice fabrics, and thread. Kelly was great in clearly walking through the basics of the sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, and thread the machine. I enjoyed this class because it is small and you get a good balance of lecture as well as hands on practice on the machine. After learning about the basics and doing a few practice stitches on fabric, you will spend the last hour sewing your own small pouch that you get to take home with you!

Kelly rocks! I took a private course with her to learn how to use my new sewing machine. Keep in mind that I had never even touched a sewing machine prior to my class so I was an über über über beginner.
Kelly took out all the miscellaneous things that came with my machine and thoroughly explained everything. We then plugged in my machine so I could learn step-​by-​step how to thread the machine and bobbin. Next I practiced sewing on some muslin scrap fabric. I loved that she taught me exactly what I needed to know to get started with sewing. My machine does a zillion different fancy things but she taught me the basics so I didn’t get overwhelmed.
Her instruction was so good that I was able to go home and upcycle a 3x shirt from Goodwill into three little dog outfits for an upcoming event!
Once I get tired of making dog shirts, I plan to take another class with her to learn how to read patterns. Thanks, Kelly!

I’ve taken two classes at Craft Haven so far, and I highly recommend it.
Kelly is a fantastic instructor — she explains things well, is very patient, and provides great handouts as part of the class materials.
The first class, Über Basics, was the perfect refresher class that made me much more comfortable using my own sewing machine, and enabled me to try out some simple patterns on my own. The second class, Baby Quilt, was a great introductory class to quilting, and, after a 3-​session class, you have a quilt that’s 95% done. (as opposed to other sewing/​quilting classes I’ve taken where I learned the basics in the class, and then the project sat on the shelf for years since I lost motivation and got frustrated).
The class sizes are small, so there is a lot of individual attention. Kelly also shares lots of great tips and tricks that make the process easier, and more precise. She does a great job of sharing her own expertise while encouraging her students’ creativity.

What a great introduction to the world of stitches!
I signed up and took «Über Basics» with Kelly and was totally impressed. She was extremely informative and on point with directing our small class of novice hemsters. A super informative break down of the machine by part and introduction of different types of seams was followed by us getting behind our individual machines and giving it a go.
The atmosphere was comfortable and Kelly even spent time after class answering questions and looping us in on fabric sales around town. She was great!
Take down the # before you head to the Mission. There isn’t a bell at the door and you might get locked out if you’re running late :(

So me and a few buddies took a sewing class here last Sunday — Über Basics. Kelly was our instructor. It was just me and three of my buddies and that’s it. Small intimate class.
Kelly was super friendly and tolerated many of our bad jokes and normal tom foolery a group of buddies would usually do when they’re together in a formal setting. The first hour or so it was more lecture based covering the technical aspects and terminology for sewing as well as the sewing machine. After that we hopped on the machine and she taught us the different types of seams one could sew. Then to top it off we made a small bag. The hands on was great and the instruction was top notch. Kelly owns/​designs/​creates her own clothing line called Foompa so she knows what she’s doing for sure.
Great class to get started off on the sewing machine. I will most likely be signing up for more classes.

Looking for a really casual, unintimidating place to lean how to sew? Check out crafthaven. Kelly is a great instructor and knows her stuff. The classes are small, and all the basic necessities are provided (other than the fabric).
There are a few quirks. When you arrive, you need to wait at the front door to be let it (there is no bell). Sometimes is smells like serious herb (it’s a live in studio space). And sometimes classes are canceled or rescheduled and treated pretty cavalierly.
I really liked the instructor and the space, but keep in mind that this isn’t a huge business and the people running it have a lot going on other than your 2 person class.

I’m going to be real with you… I can build and craft my butt off better than most kids around (comes with the born-​to-​an-​artist territory)…
but I have NO Idea how to sew.
It’s pretty pathetic to see me trying to figure our how to operate a sewing machine. I’m much more comfortable hand sewing and doing embroidery.
And so when my mom gave me her 1970s Singer… I was scared. Very very scared…
and it took me over a year to take a class to assist me. I basically just lugged it from one part of my room to another… with high-​hopes for myself.
Moving to the Outter Richmond, I have a daily reminder that I need to start learning to sew because my bus runs right past The Sewing Workshop… and although they got me looking into class… the prices were way to steep for someone like me who just isn’t so sure that sewing is her Shtick.
Then, by some crazy luck, I met Kelly… she is one of the ladies behind Craft Haven… and she ended up being my instructor for the Ubber Basics class.
3 hours of instruction from Kelly and, although it’s clear you have more to learn, you’ve been bitten by the sewing bug…
and you aren’t left penniless and wishing you hadn’t jumped in so fast.
In the Ubber Basics class, you learn all about the machine… what all the crazy knobs are for… what kind of machines work best for what kind of budget (if you’re interested)…you get crazy awesome hand outs for referencing later and you make a little satchel and go home with a huge smile on your face. For a three hour course… you’d think you’d be missing out on something… but you don’t! We all came away with a lot of information, practice doing three types of stitches and something we can say we made!
There are only 6 machines… so you know you’ll be getting hands-​on attention…
and all the materials are included.
I can’t stress how awesome this class was. I’ve even already signed up for the Part 2 class…
Can’t wait!
And PS — guess who already set up a sewing corner at her house?! Yeah… that’s right… I did… some «magic» is about to happen.

Yep — reaffirmed my previous class. I took the Basics part deux class which was all about fasteners, and more detail on interfacing, button holes, and plackets. (
)
The class was much smaller (only 3 ppl) but still incredibly informative. One of the really great things about the class — Kelly has all of the materials there at the location, she even provides a set of illustrative notes to use for when you get home, (after you’ve been bitten by the crafty «i can do it» bug.) Totally helpful — primarily because she was patient and her expertise in the field just reaffirms it.
The class time 3 hours — goes by super quick. It’s a great use of time, and I’d highly reccomend the small class fee (which is incidentally MUCH MUCH less than City College courses) I ‘d suggest this to you if you’re even slightly interested in being crafty with that piece of fabric that you found, and don’t know what to do with it. 3 hours of your time will help drasticaly with your knowledge.

I made the most incredible thing ever in this class! A utility garter!!!
What is a utility garter you may ask? Well ladies, have you ever wanted to wear that great skirt or dress but needed somewhere to put your stuff besides that cumbersome purse? Well, with the the utility garter, all your problems are solved. Basically, its a garter like a bride wears but with a perfect little pocket just big enough for a key, ID and cash. I also made one that slipped over a belt that was the perfect size for my phone. Wore both of them last night at the Opulent Temple party and it was absolutely perfect… everyone lugging around their big bags and there I was with my sexy, little garter… ha ha ha! ;)
Oh and the teacher Kelly was great. Very knowledgeable and clear, yet laid back. And even though I actually already knew a bit about sewing I still learned a LOT of great new tips to make my sewing so much less frustrating! ;) Also its in a lovely, clean space in Potrero Hill with great parking… What more could you want in a rainy Sunday afternoon?

I just took the Über Basics sewing class with Hannah. I feel totally empowered and more crafty. In the class, we learned the parts of a machine and how to do some basic stitches. Totally enough to get on with my sewing life. Project Runway, here I come!
Also, your class fees go to help an awesome organization that helps young folks learn to sew and make money they need for their kids, families, etc. These ladies are definitely not doing it to get rich. They’re helping you and a bunch of other deserving people DIY.
Can’t wait to take the next class and hope they add more crafts!

When I was 8 years-​old, I had a sewing lesson from our next-​door-​neighbor, Nancy. Nancy and her husband, Bill, lived in a cool A-​frame house and had a very mean Dalmatian named Brandy. Sometimes my mom and I would go over there and we would follow the directions on a cassette tape to do yoga. I still remember my first attempt at cobra.
But I digress… When I was a kid, Nancy gave me a sewing lesson. And I made a pillow. And it was awesome. And really fun. And I was so excited about it.
A few weeks later I got sick at school, and my mom wasn’t home, so the school called Nancy. According to my mom, when she went to pick me up from next door, I was ensconced in Bill and Nancy’s king-​sized bed eating homemade macaroni and cheese and watching television. Apparently I told her that Nancy had carried me up the stairs to her bedroom (honestly, I don’t remember). I thought this was all quite fabulous. My mom did not.
My mom didn’t really like Nancy. I think she saw Nancy as some sort of anti-​feminist, which, in retrospect, was not an unfair characterization. So, my sewing lessons stopped. Which is a shame. Because I want to be crafty and cool and DIY, but really I’m just hopeless.
Or at least I have been hopeless for a long, long time. Today, I had my first sewing lesson in, um, many years at Craft Haven Collective — ÜberBasics it’s called. Basically you spend an hour and a half learning all about how sewing machines work, then you spend an hour and a half sewing. You leave with a little drawstring bag that you made yourself and a big smile on your face.
The instructor, Kelly, was really knowledgeable, patient, and funny. I look forward to taking some of their level 2 classes in the future.
One tip: it was pretty cold in the studio, so bring a sweater!