Hi,
I'm Julie!
Bloom Sewing began as a pandemic hobby: I hadn't sewn much since my 7th grade home economics class, but suddenly had lots of time on my hands when the world slowed down for a moment in 2020. I participated in the volunteer effort to sew cloth masks for healthcare workers, and in the summer of that year, attempted my first item of kids' clothing: a Halloween costume for my daughter, who was going as "Eliza Schuyler Hamilton" from the musical Hamilton, and then a matching dress for her friend "Angelica Schuyler."
​That's all it took to get me hooked on sewing! I fell in love with making kids' clothing for my daughter and her friends, and in January 2021, starting taking commissions (sewing is not a cheap hobby!). After a few years, I realized I had learned a lot of skills in the past four years, and it was time to share my knowledge with others. In late summer of 2024, I opened my current space in downtown Winchester, VA, rented to me by the very welcoming Market St.UMC (no affiliation). Since then, I've run larger classes (I have six sewing machines for teaching) and worked 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 with children and adults. I absolutely love seeing how excited students get when they've completed their own projects! Absolute Beginners start with a pillowcase, which allows them to practice the skills we've just covered, and then we jump into whatever you'd like! Students have made clothes for themselves or family members, bags, stuffies, and have also learned practical skills such as hemming pants.
​​​I continue to teach and take commissions while trying to level up my own skills--I am currently working on pattern design. If you do purchase a custom item from me, or if you make your own outfit with Bloom Sewing, I'd love to invite you or your child for a free photo shoot, as I'm also a professional photographer!
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I'm sure you've also noticed the respirator masks in my pictures, and yes, I still do wear and require masks in 2026 to be inclusive! Just like I want people of all genders, colors, sexual orientation, religions, and abilities (studio is wheelchair-accessible) to feel welcome, those with chronic illness should also be able to join without concern! For more information on my masking policy, check out why mask?
I live in Winchester, VA, with my husband, two children, and a host of pets. And yes, I do make my family (human and canine!) coordinating outfits sometimes!
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