Sewing Classes

Today I'm about to check out a new sewing class at the Evans campus of City College of San Francisco. It's all about sewing with knits. Got me to thinking about all the sewing classes I've taken over the years, so thought I'd talk about that here.
1. Sandra Betzina: I first met Sandra back in 1973. She and her partner Claire Revelli had just opened a small sewing school on Clement Street in San Francisco. The classes were small and I attended evening classes that were alternately taught by Sandra and Claire. Claire was a stickler for detail and Sandra was just funny and her energy was infectious. She taught me to love the art of sewing and continues to do so to this day. I'm proud to have her as a friend.
2. Middy Farnham: Middy had a sewing school on 21st Avenue and Taraval Street in San Francisco. She was an old-timer and a proponent of the old-fashioned sewing techniques that had a tendency to discourage eager sewers who wanted instant results. I respected her desire for perfection, but she did not inspire me at all. Fortunately, she sold her business to Marcy Tilton.
3. Marcy Tilton: Marcy was the new kid on the block. She joined forces with Sandra Betzina. I cannot recall if Claire was still involved at this time. I think she had already gone her own way into color analysis and book writing. Marcy was on the move and put together The Sewing Workshop on Balboa Street which is still around today, although Marcy sold her interest and moved on to other things, i.e. Vogue Patterns.
4. Kii Kubokawa (Pacific Fashion Institute): Spent almost two years learning the industry side of clothing design and manufacture. Mrs. K was a legend in her own right and some very famous designers graduated from her school.
5. Palmer and Pletsch: Took two three-day serger workshops in Portland, Oregon and am a certified Palmer-Pletsch serger instructor.
6. elinor peace bailey: Had the privilege of taking a dollmaking class at elinor's residence. She's such an eclectic character and so is her home. So much fun! I love her book My Mother Plays With Dolls.
7. Jean Ray Laury: Went on a quilters' retreat sponsored by the San Francisco Quilters' Guild years ago and was absolutely thrilled to meet Jean Ray Laury. She's a true leader of the quilt renaissance that took place in the 70's and is still going strong.
8. Saf-t-Pockets: Another workshop I took in Portland, Oregon.