Teachers

We are so lucky to have such amazing instructors working with us at the-sew-op! Here is a little information about each one:

                    

Donna Dyer 

Donna is a newly retired school psychologist, whose passion for quilting and quilt history has her geared up for her second career as a part-time quilt instructor. She has been quilting/sewing on and off for nearly 20 years. Her interest is teaching and inspiring beginner level students to dive into the wonderful world of quilting! Her instructional style is slow and steady, with a good dose of forgiveness for “happy accidents” (mistakes). Her Beginner Quilt Series will take you from the very basics to completing two small quilts in a matter of weeks! Come join Donna on this creative and satisfying journey! 

 

 

   

Jane Headley

Jane is an expert sewist. She has been sewing since she was 9. When she is not making her Chanel-like jackets, she is teaching our guided sew courses & private lessons. Jane has also taught a variety of quilting classes, created paper piecing patterns, and taught fashion sewing classes. After retiring in 2002, Jane took the URI Master Seamstress I program, and it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the process and begin teaching classes. She is a joy to have in the studio and has an encouraging way about her teaching method. 

 

 

Suzanne Mancini

Suzanne began sewing as a child at home with her mom. Her love for textiles and sewing never stopped.  She pursued an education in clothing design and construction earning a BFA in Apparel Design at Rhode Island School of Design. She worked in the Fashion Industry in New York City, then earned a Masters in Education at NYU. She was an adjunct professor at RISD for 16 years, combining her two loves; teaching and fashion.  Suzanne opened the-sew-op in 2016 to share her love of sewing with children and adults. 

 

Kate West 

Kate has lived in North Kingstown for over 21 years. She has been sewing since she was a brownie (a long time ago!) Her mother taught her and her 4 sisters how to sew. While overseas in the Philippines she was taught how to quilt by another American, who started their own quilting group. Quilting has always been her favorite, but since teaching classes at the-sew-op, she has started to make other things using patterns! She is recently retired from working at Newport Hospital as an RN and she likes to use her new free time to sew. Kate has been enjoying teaching sewing courses at the-sew-op and can’t wait to help others find their passion for sewing!