Photo courtesy Pasadena Public Library Facebook page
The Hastings Branch Library will host “Sew & Sew: Empowering Youth and Adults,” a sewing workshop for beginners aged 15-18 on Saturday, April 19, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. The program aims to teach fundamental sewing skills including machine operation, clothing alterations, and pattern-based clothing creation under the guidance of experienced instructor Renetta Lipscomb.
“Her passion is empowering people to express their individuality by altering and making clothes that complement their unique body, shape and personal style,” states the event description, highlighting the workshop’s focus on creative self-expression.
Participants must come prepared with a basic sewing kit, which can be purchased at Walmart, and should familiarize themselves with sewing machine parts before attending. They should also watch introductory sewing videos as part of the prerequisites. A detailed list of required materials will be provided to attendees at their first meeting.
The April 19 workshop continues Hastings Branch Library’s tradition of offering sewing education to the Pasadena community. Lipscomb brings over two decades of experience teaching secondary students to the workshop. Her teaching approach focuses on helping people create and alter clothing that suits their individual style preferences and body types.
Registration is available online through the provided link (https://bit.ly/3mqk5Qb). Those requiring accessibility accommodations should contact the library at least 72 hours in advance to ensure availability by calling (626) 744-7262 or visiting in person at 3325 East Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107.
Sewing education offers multiple benefits for young participants. According to sources cited in library materials, sewing provides stress relief through focused activity while allowing creative expression. The planning involved in sewing projects encourages problem-solving skills important for adolescent development, while the activity improves hand-eye coordination and joint flexibility.
The workshop represents part of a broader landscape of sewing education available in the Pasadena area. For younger learners, Hastings Community Education has offered an “Intensive Sewing Class for Youth” for ages 8-13. The program serves audiences including both teens and emerging adults (18-24).
