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Meet Our Instructors
We are delighted to introduce you to our talented team of instructors who are as passionate about all things sewing. From seasoned sewists to innovative designers, our instructors bring a diverse range of skills and styles to our classes and workshops. With a deep love for the art of sewing and a commitment to nurturing creativity, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced quilter eager to explore new techniques, our instructors will inspire you with their creativity, patience, and dedication. Get ready to embark on a quilting journey like no other as you meet the incredible individuals who will help you bring your quilted dreams to life.
Sydney Camisa-Deas
sashiko + sewing & quilting basics
Sydney is a nonprofit professional who resides in Mt. Airy with her husband, Rollin, and their two cats, Frosty & Babette. She has been sewing since elementary school and comes from a long line of stitchers. She previously taught sewing classes to middle school students through an after-school program in Burlington, Vermont. She loves sharing her love of sewing and fabric with others! You can follow Sydney’s adventures in sewing (& food) on Instagram: @homemadephilly
Carol Frank
sewing basics + quilting skillbuilders
Carol has had a needle in her hand for as long as she can remember. She began sewing garments at a young age but realized that her interest was more in artistic needle crafts like cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, and more recently quilting. Working with color and fabrics and exploring new patterns and quilting techniques, such as appliqué and foundation paper piecing, have become her passion.
Jackie Jonas
sewing basics + garments
Jackie has been surrounded by sewing since she was a little girl. Her mother sewed for her and her siblings which inspired Jackie to begin sewing herself - even making clothes for her own daughter and now her granddaughter. Jackie's love for sewing is evident in every conversation. She loves sharing her sewing knowledge and is a patient instructor.
Amanda Karel
hand-stitching + quilting + garment basics
Amanda began cross-stitching when she was 6 years old. Over the years, her love for making things expanded into several forms -- sewing garments, baking, crocheting, embroidery, macrame, and now quilting. She loves teaching, learning new skills, and helping people realize their creative visions. You can see som of Amanda's projects on Instagram: @amanda.karel or visit her at Needles & Bolts during one of her shifts.
Robin Oliver
hand embroidery
Robyn moved to Philly with her husband and three small dogs a year ago from Asheville, NC. She started stitching in 2021 after receiving a DIY kit for Christmas and was instantly hooked! It's become her favorite way to relax and create something beautiful at the same time. You can see Robyn's beautiful stitching on class samples in the shop.
Beth Paolini
basic & advanced garments + mending
Beth is an accomplished seamstress, who has taught sewing classes for Mt. Airy Learning Tree. She currently works at the Philadelphia Art Museum and has been doing reproduction sewing & upholstery there since 2005. A patent instructor, she loves walking sewists through the magic of garment construction to help them build their own handmade wardrobes.
Carol Ragin
sewing & quilting basics + serger
Carol is a lifelong Mt. Airy resident. She has been a sewing instructor in the Philadelphia area for many years. She is educated as a Trained Sewing Educator thru the Home Sewing Association and studied Industrial Fashion Methods at Philadelphia University. Her favorite item to sew is garments but also enjoys machine embroidery and quilting. Teaching serger classes is her specialty. Follow her sewing adventures on Instagram @ceesews.
Marci Schwartz
pouches + bags + totes
Marci is a Midwest native who is passionate about creating with needle and thread. After decades spent acquiring the "perfect fabric" for a myriad of projects, she rediscovered her sewing machine during the pandemic and is finally putting those fabrics to use. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her two rescue cats, Cinder and Clara. You can follow her creative ventures on Instagram: @marci.makes.
