After a decade of teaching middle school, Yolanda Stiger found herself ready for something new. She decided to combine her love for sewing and teaching and opened Sew Houston in the Copperfield area in 2013. "I have a master's degree in gifted education, which is kind of like a master's degree in creativity," she said. "I thought, 'I can teach and sew and Houston needs a modern sewing school so I'll give it a try.'" Stiger said her grandmother taught her to sew when she was growing up, but she first began teaching sewing classes after hours at her middle school. "When I was a teacher, I realized that everyone is creative in some way, whether it's sewing, building or cooking," Stiger said. "It's a human desire. It brought home for me that everyone likes to create, and I needed a place for people to come do that." Sew Houston offers various sewing classes, including after-school programs, classes for home school groups, private lessons and spring and summer camps. Students typically need to bring about a yard of fabric for the classes, but Stiger has other equipment ready at her studio. She also carries fabric options, including lines from Amy Butler, Cotton & Steel and Alison Glass/Andover Fabrics. Classes are for all skill levels, but most people who come in have never sewed before, Stiger said. "When you come here, we do two-hour projects," she said. "So even for the absolute beginner, you can come in and make a project and take it home in two hours." The business also hosts private parties for four to eight guests, but Stiger has hosted up to 12 adults before. The host chooses from a list of project options on Stiger's party menu, but guests are free to select a different option ahead of time. Guests can also bring in any type of snacks or drinks for the parties as well. One of the unique aspects of Sew Houston is that Stiger prides herself on being a modern sewing school, meaning she experiments with newer techniques. "There's not just one way of doing things," Stiger said. "You can engineer and experiment, things don't have to be done the same way they've always been done." Stiger said one of the main hurdles she faces is hearing from novices who have not sewed before and are afraid to try learning a new skill. "Sewing is a good self-esteem and confidence booster," she said. "When someone learns, they feel more confident and empowered. It's the perfect blend of creativity and usefulness."

Sewing projects

During parties and lessons, guests can create a number of items at Sew Houston, including the following:

• Baby blankets
• Cosmetic bags
• Decorative towels
• Pencil bags
• Floor poufs
• Kimono robes