POCATELLO — Considering the fact that Hanna Geshelin took up teaching in her adolescence, it was fitting for her to open her own sewing studio years later.
The owner of Pocatello Sewing School taught both her brother and sister how to sew.
“I showed my sister how to hand-sew. We used to make doll clothes and things like that,” Geshelin said. “I also taught my brother how to sew on the machine. He was my first student, in that regard. To this day, he still makes his own dress shirts.”
Geshelin holds a master’s degree in elementary education with 35 years of experience under her belt. She has been sewing now for more than 50 years.
“I don’t do tailoring,” Geshelin clarified. “I make the majority of my clothes ... I like to make it and wear it.”
The Pocatellan teaches adults and kids how to stitch together pieces of fabric. She takes on four pupils at a time.
“Sewing is a good way to balance out the technological world we live in today. This (practice) incorporates the use of a machine, but they are not just staring at a computer screen,” Geshelin pointed out. “They are using their hands to create something, their sensories are in motion. They feel the different textures of the fabrics.”
Weekly classes are offered for kids ages 6-12, ages 12-16 and adult beginners. On a regular basis, Geshlin allots time for open sewing sessions as well.
“People can come in and work on a project they are having trouble with,” Geshlin started to say. “They can come in if they simply want company or if they need to use a machine. It’s not an individualized session, by any means. I may be working on a project of my own!”
This summer, the entrepreneur is hosting a series of hand-stitching and machine-stitching sewing camps for kids. The cost includes tuition, materials and a snack.
Children can choose from the following camps: Critters and creatures, bags-bags-bags and recycle, along with clothing and home decor. The camp times vary, depending on age, and run through the end of July.
“It’s so exciting to watch these kids learn. This is more fun than anything I’ve ever done,” Geshelin said. “Before I know it, the kids are threading the machine faster than I can. When their project is complete they feel so accomplished and say, ‘Look what I made!’”
The kids start out by learning hot to make tote bags.
“The next project for girls is to make a denim skirt,” Geshelin continued. “It depends on the kid too. Some girls would never wear a skirt. So, that’s not a project I would have them work on.”
The seamstress also specializes in teaching those who are wheelchair-bound or visually impaired.
“I want to start doing more of that,” Geshelin commented. “I have machines that do not require a foot pedal. I also have a background working with those who have impaired vision.”
Geshelin also takes on clients who want to learn how to use their newly purchased sewing machine.
“That’s how I got the idea for this school,” Geshelin explained. “I was teaching classes at Sperry’s (sewing center). The classes are great for those who buy a machine and want to learn how to use it for free. But, I found that there was no where to go for those who didn’t already have a high level of skill.”
Geshelin opened the sewing school at the end of Jan. 2013.
“Some people have great dexterity, I’ve found. It’s not an age issue, it’s more about natural ability,” she concluded.
For more information, dial (208) 240-6807 or visit www.pocatellosewingschool.com.