In January, 2011, Karen Griffin, founder and Executive Director, opened the school with the intent to preserve and teach traditional methods of clothing construction and apparel design. As a former student, instructor, and clothing entrepreneur, Karen recognized that access to such training was limited in the rural area of Tuolumne County and neighboring communities.
The intention to reignite Karen’s passion for clothing design and construction prompted the opening of the school. Born out of a desire to share knowledge and connect with individuals drawn to the apparel arts, the school would provide educational services to those seeking vocational studies, academic enrichment, assistance with trade and skill development, as well as support and foster youth educational growth opportunities and entrepreneurship.
The first students to attend the Sewing School were members of a young women’s group. The objective was to provide access to enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Karen, inspired by the eagerness of these students to succeed, began to expand this pilot program into multiple class sessions. This momentum and organic enthusiasm became the catalyst for the development of a comprehensive program of class offerings, and with that, the decision to open to the public in June, 2011. Sonora School of Sewing & Apparel Construction was born.
In September, 2011, Megan Houseberg, Instructor and Director, joined the school. Under the expert instruction of Megan, students flourished. Expanding beyond fundamental instruction, school curricula evolved to incorporate design, illustration, pattern drafting, draping, advanced tailoring and a garment collections program.
The school moved to its current location in the heart of downtown Sonora in February, 2014. With the expansion, services increased to include design, prototype, sample making and industry standard manufacturing. Former students joined the school as employees, providing sustainable growth of our professional team.
In 2014, in recognition of outstanding contributions to youth services, the Senior Youth Partnership, the parent organization of the Sonora School of Sewing, was the awarded recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Sonora Area Foundation. Grant funds allocated to our school supported the expansion of industry standard digital training and the development of our existing Scholarship Program.
At present, the Sonora School Of Sewing & Apparel Construction supports the annual participation of 500 individuals.
Sonora School of Sewing & Apparel Construction endeavors to become an accredited institution, committed to providing students with an exceptional education in craftsmanship and technique in order to ultimately equip the next generation of fine tailors, garment manufacturers, and fashion designers with the skills necessary to succeed in carrying on the traditions associated with the highest level of quality industry standards in these fields.