Episode Summary: Sewing School with Ryliss Bode | Episode 91

Podcast: Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads"
Host: Carol Fraser
Guest: Ryliss Bode, Director and Head Instructor at the Sewing and Design School, Tacoma, Washington
Release Date: July 1, 2025

1. Introduction to Ryliss Bode’s Journey

Carol Fraser opens the conversation by delving into Ryliss Bode's extensive background in sewing and education. Ryliss recounts her early beginnings in sewing through her participation in the 4H club during grade school, where she honed her organizational and teaching skills through demonstrations and competitions.

Ryliss Bode [01:57]: "I think I was a sewer first. And I started sewing when I was in grade school and I joined my local 4H club."

Ryliss shares her initial ambition to become an airline stewardess, which led her to pursue an education degree. However, after serving as an arts and crafts teacher in the military and taking a transformative tailoring class during graduate school, she discovered her true passion for teaching sewing to adults.

Ryliss Bode [02:53]: "Within the first half hour of that tailoring class, I knew I wanted that woman's job. I wanted to teach adults how to sew, not kids."

2. Evolution of Sewing Education Post-COVID

Ryliss discusses the resurgence of interest in sewing, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes a significant increase in adult learners aged 28 to 55, many of whom are new to sewing and eager to create clothing that fits well.

Ryliss Bode [06:25]: "I see, especially with COVID there's a lot more people out there that want to learn how to make things."

Carol highlights the gap in sewing education availability today compared to the past, with Ryliss confirming that many of today’s students are starting from scratch, having not been exposed to sewing in school.

Ryliss Bode [07:13]: "They did not have it in school. Completely new to sewing."

3. Classroom Practices and Fabric Sourcing

To address challenges in sourcing appropriate fabrics, Ryliss has adapted her teaching approach by providing pre-selected and pre-washed fabrics for her classes. This ensures that students can focus on learning without the intimidation of navigating fabric stores.

Ryliss Bode [09:14]: "I started providing fabric for all the classes. So I go to New York now, pick up fabrics... I have woven, stretch wovens and knits with a variety of patterns."

By supplying fabrics, Ryliss removes the barrier of perceived high costs and helps students understand fabric characteristics essential for garment construction.

Ryliss Bode [10:44]: "They think it was too expensive. And yes, it was. But I've been able to get some darn good buys in New York City hand selecting the fabrics."

4. Understanding Student Demographics and Motivations

Ryliss observes a diverse student body ranging from teenagers to seniors, with a notable number of men excelling quickly in sewing skills. She attributes this to early exposure to activities that develop fine motor skills and a generally lower fear of machinery among men.

Ryliss Bode [19:09]: "The majority of my male students just go right through everything and pick it up faster."

She also highlights the unique motivations of her students, many of whom seek to create clothing that fits well and reflects their personal style, rather than pursuing a career in fashion design.

Ryliss Bode [07:25]: "I have a large majority of my newbies have trouble buying clothes that fit. And so they want... to pick your fabrics."

5. Teaching Techniques and Overcoming Common Challenges

Ryliss emphasizes the importance of building confidence through early successes. She begins classes with simple projects like a lined tote bag, allowing students to complete a useful item within a few hours.

Ryliss Bode [15:50]: "I started them out with just making something that works that's going to turn out the very first time they sew."

Common challenges among students include selecting the wrong pattern size, choosing inappropriate fabrics, and improper cutting techniques. Ryliss works closely with students to adjust patterns and understand fabric properties to ensure better fit and functionality.

Ryliss Bode [23:09]: "They tend to buy the wrong size pattern... Once they understand how we change that pattern to be altered to fit their personal shapes, then they're okay with that."

6. Sewing Machine Maintenance: The TNTs Approach

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on sewing machine maintenance, encapsulated in the concept of TNTs: Threads, Needles, and Tension. Ryliss explains that proper thread selection and regular needle changes are crucial for maintaining stitch quality and preventing fabric damage.

Ryliss Bode [24:00]: "If you've ever had your sewing machine thread shred, you really needed a new needle."

She underscores the importance of using all-purpose threads and universal needles, which accommodate various fabric types and ensure consistency in sewing performance.

Ryliss Bode [27:00]: "All sewing machines... were set up with a certain thickness of thread that they adjusted their tension dials to. If you slap an all-purpose sewing thread on your sewing machine, you're going to have better results."

7. Private vs. Group Classes

Ryliss offers both private and group classes, each serving different student needs. Private lessons cater to individuals requiring personalized instruction, such as those needing pattern alterations or international students who may require more intensive guidance.

Ryliss Bode [29:39]: "Private lessons lately have been all pattern alterations."

Group classes, on the other hand, foster a collaborative learning environment where students can engage with peers, share ideas, and work on projects like making tote bags or faux fur accessories.

8. Integrating Quilting into Sewing Education

Ryliss touches on the relationship between quilting and garment sewing, noting that many quilters have roots in clothing construction. Quilters often bring a high standard for fabric quality and sewing precision, enriching the sewing community.

Ryliss Bode [33:59]: "Quilters are fabric snobs... They demand better equipment, better tools, nicer fabrics."

This integration highlights the versatility of sewing skills across different textile crafts and the importance of maintaining high-quality materials and tools.

9. Tips for Aspiring Sewers

For listeners looking to introduce friends or family to sewing, Ryliss advises utilizing local resources such as community colleges, continuing education programs, and public libraries that offer sewing classes and equipment rentals.

Ryliss Bode [31:52]: "You can Google sewing classes near me... find someone who knows what they're doing to lead the package."

She also recommends starting with accessible projects and gradually advancing to more complex tasks as confidence and skills grow.

Ryliss Bode [36:34]: "They can rent room or you don't pay any rent. You just, it's... they check out a room and people can gather there and sew."

10. Conclusion and Encouragement

Carol wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore sewing through classes or community resources, fostering both skill development and personal satisfaction. Ryliss adds that sewing not only imparts practical skills but also offers a creative outlet that enhances self-esteem and craftsmanship.

Ryliss Bode [35:49]: "You can handle beautiful fabrics, learn a machine... skills that make you feel good about what you can do."

Carol thanks Ryliss for her insights and urges listeners to spread the word about the joys and benefits of sewing.

Key Takeaways

• Starting Simple: Begin with easy projects to build confidence.
• Proper Maintenance: Regularly change needles and use appropriate threads for optimal sewing performance.
• Community Resources: Utilize local classes, libraries, and fabric stores to enhance learning.
• Personal Fit: Learning pattern alterations is crucial for creating well-fitting garments.
• Diverse Student Body: Sewing attracts a wide age range with varying motivations and skill levels.

Notable Quotes

• Ryliss Bode [01:57]: "I think I was a sewer first... I didn't even realize it until later when I was actually teaching."
• Ryliss Bode [07:25]: "They want... to pick your fabrics."
• Ryliss Bode [24:00]: "If you've ever had your sewing machine thread shred, you really needed a new needle."
• Ryliss Bode [33:59]: "Quilters are fabric snobs... They demand better equipment, better tools, nicer fabrics."

For more insights and resources, visit Threads Magazine and explore previous episodes to continue your sewing journey.