(Photo: via SEW Moni)

Mark your calendars Brooklynites because on February 5, Williamsburg is getting a new addition.  We know, we know, Williamsburg really doesn't need the 2nd location of an East Village boutique or the 25th bar or restaurant to open this year.  Nope, this establishment will be for the crafty and creative because SEW Moni will open its second sewing class studio at 330 South 3rd Street. 

As if D-I-Y Williamsburg residents already didn’t have enough to do, now they can add Beginning sewing, Beginning dress construction and Intermediate denim shirt construction classes to their agenda.  Additionally, SEW Moni will host local craft meet-ups and weekend pop-up shops with local designers and craftsmen. Classes are small and intimate (approximately 6 people in each class) and students attend a two-hour class one day a week for about four to six consecutive weeks. Costs range from $160 to $240 and include some supplies and use of sewing machine. 

Your inspiration for taking a sewing class: the $250 shirt dress you’ve been eyeing in the window of the boutique you walk past everyday.  Okay, maybe there’s no guarantee you’ll make it onto Project Runway after taking a course, but we’re sure you’ll be skilled enough to create simple totes and construct simple dresses - and yes – make a custom-made shirt dress for a fraction of $250!

Don't go traipsing across the bridge to NYC’s Fashion District for fabric because SEW Moni also sells 45+ varying prints on cotton fabric.  Take your pick from whimsical “She Sews”, bird-themed “Starling”, tea lovers-inspired “Tea and Company” and so many more.  Prices range between $6.99 to $12.99/yard. 

SEW Moni grew out of the love, passion and extensive knowledge of all things creative by founder Moni Briones, who’s been sewing since the age of three.  What began as a tote bag-making class in the home of Briones’ mother in Corpus Christi, TX traveled with love all the way to Ridgewood, Queens where the first sewing studio was opened.  With a background as Seamstress, Stylist, Freelance Photo Producer and Fashion PR, Briones has worked with big brand clients like Target, Bloomingdales, Kate Spade, J Crew and also extended her fashion style expertise and spokesperson skills to Oprah Magazine, Lucky Magazine and TLC’s What Not to Wear.  Briones spends her time in Brooklyn while she continues to work in PR and is able to "hold down the fort" with the assistance of her Senior Designer, Katie Mann.

Not only can you shop for sewing classes on the SEW Moni website, but a link takes you to their sister company  – Greene and Sunset. Eye-catching jewelry, must-have purses and miscellaneous home goods are up for grabs.  I’m  a sucker for the Navajo feather earrings currently in my posession ($24).

What are you waiting for? Visit SEW Moni’s website and sign up for a sewing class today!  Receive 15% off registration when you use code: sewwilliamsburg