Do you love to sew, or want to learn by doing? Join the Alhambra Library Ready, Set, Sew program, a six-week sewing experience designed for beginners and intermediate learners that works out of our Maker Lab. Learn to sew it yourself, mend it yourself, and get creative alongside a community of fellow makers!
At the Maker Lab, we’re passionate about teaching our community how to mend, upcycle, and repurpose used clothing. By repairing garments and finding creative ways to reuse clothing, we can extend the life of our favorite pieces, reduce textile waste, and keep clothing out of landfills. Together, we can make sustainability fun, creative, and accessible to everyone!
We’re here to learn together, get creative, and explore sewing in a fun, relaxed environment. Our classes focus on everyday skills, not professional sewing techniques. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking to build on what you already know, you can learn at your own pace, try new things, and gain confidence while working on projects you can complete independently. No pressure—just a chance to learn, create, and have fun!
Classes are led by experienced local instructors and offer hands-on opportunities to explore sewing machines, work with fabric, create projects, and discover practical ways to repair and reuse clothing.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Sewing machine kit: An opportunity to check out a Library sewing machine kit for use during the program.
- Guided instruction: Support for beginner and intermediate learners.
- Hands-on creative projects: Opportunities to explore sewing, fabric arts, and creative reuse.
- Community connection: Time to share ideas, exchange tips, and learn alongside fellow makers.
- Clothing repair and sustainability: Practical skills to mend, reuse, and give clothing a second life.
PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT
To help create a positive learning experience for everyone, participants are expected to:
- Attend all required in-person class sessions.
- Properly use and care for their assigned Library sewing machine kit.
- Respect shared equipment, materials, and the learning environment.
- Participate in a supportive, community-minded group experience
WHY JOIN READY, SET, SEW?
- Creative & sustainable learning: Learn practical sewing techniques while making projects you can use, wear, and enjoy at home.
- Access to equipment: Each participant may check out a Library sewing machine kit that includes a sewing machine, basic sewing tools, thread, accessories, and additional project materials.
- Community connection: Meet local makers, share ideas and techniques, and build connections through collaborative learning.
- Sustainable living: Discover how clothing repair, fabric reuse, and upcycling can help reduce textile waste and keep usable clothing out of landfills.
- Create something unique: Explore your creativity and make on-of-a-kind fabric art and sewing projects.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Alhambra Library Ready, Set, Sew program invites aspiring makers to explore sewing and fiber arts through hands-on instruction, creative projects, and community learning.
Over six weeks, participants will develop foundational and intermediate sewing skills while experimenting with fabric, learning clothing repair techniques, and discovering creative ways to reuse materials. The program emphasizes practical skills, creativity, and independent project completion in a welcoming, relaxed environment.
More than just learning to sew, Ready, Set, Sew encourages participants to rethink how they use clothing and textiles. By mending, upcycling, and repurposing garments, we can make more sustainable choices while enjoying the process of creating something new.
This initiative reflects the Alhambra Library’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, lifelong learning, and community connection through hands-on educational opportunities.
View the Ready, Set, Sew Program Policy
View the Ready, Set, Sew Program User Agreement
View the Ready, Set, Sew Frequently Asked Questions
JOIN THE INTEREST LIST
MAKER LAB 2027 EVENTS
Coming soon!
We’ll update this page with the Maker Lab’s 2027 event calendar once dates have been confirmed. Check back for upcoming sewing programs, Clothing Repair Clinics, and other creative opportunities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Fill out an application
Complete the online application (currently closed for new submissions) or submit a physical application at the Library’s Check Out Desk during the application period. Printed applications are available at the Library.
Please submit a new application even if you previously applied for our Summer Session.
Before applying: Make sure you have a valid, unexpired Alhambra Library card and that all outstanding fines on your account have been cleared.
- Selection process
After the application period closes, participants will be selected at random for their corresponding classes.
Selected applicants will receive a welcome email with their required class dates and verification instructions. Please review the dates carefully. If you cannot attend all required sessions, notify us as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to another applicant.
Please allow 2 - 4 weeks after the application deadline to receive notification of your selection status. You will be contacted with additional information if you are selected.
To help ensure you receive our emails, add makerlab@alhambralibrary.org to your safe sender list and check your spam folder.
- Verify your information
Selected participants must verify their current address in person to secure their spot in the program. This is a separate process from the address verification completed when obtaining a Library card.
Please bring the following items:
- A valid photo ID.
- An official document showing your name and current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last six months.
- Your valid Alhambra Library card.
Any outstanding fines must be cleared at the time of verification. Please note that fines under $3 can only be paid in cash.
Participants who do not complete verification or communicate with the library before the verification deadline may lose their spot, which will then be offered to the next applicant.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Are you knowledgeable in sewing and want to share your passion? Help us build our sewing community by volunteering your time in one of our Ready, Set, Sew courses or Clothing Repair Clinics!
At the Maker Lab, we’re passionate about teaching our community how to mend, upcycle, and repurpose used clothing. By repairing garments and finding creative ways to reuse clothing, we can extend the life of our favorite pieces, reduce textile waste, and keep clothing out of landfills. Together, we can make sustainability fun, creative, and accessible to everyone!
We’re here to learn together, get creative, and explore sewing in a fun, relaxed environment. Our classes focus on everyday skills, not professional sewing techniques. Students can learn at their own pace, try new things, and build confidence while working on projects they can complete independently. No pressure—just a chance to learn, create, and have fun!.
Fill out the online application form or pick up a printed application form at the Library. Completed applications may be submitted in person at the library during open hours or mailed to:
Maker Lab
Alhambra Library
101 S. First St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
We’ll provide another update with the event calendar once all dates have been confirmed. Thank you for your interest in volunteering and helping us build a creative, sustainable sewing community!
QUESTIONS?
Contact us at: makerlab@alhambralibrary.org
Thanks to EmPOWERing Access and the Southern California Library Cooperative, this program helps Californians explore new skills and resources.
