Sewing Studio / Volunteer Share |

Volunteer Information

PDX Seamsters - Learn to sew by making what you want (Community -- PDX Sewing Circle)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at PDX Seamsters Sewing Studio!

We have various positions available with many different levels commitment and times throughout the week. Don't know what class you want to take? All hours are logged and can be applied when you like. To reserve your place in class sign up on line or in person and pay the deposit and materials fee, when you check in for the class we will track the hours on your volunteer form

Volunteer levels

Open Studio Access- Volunteer 4 hours in exchange for access to the next 12 hours of open studio time -OR- volunteer an equal number of hours to your desired class and receive a 50% discount on basic and intermediate classes. For a 3 hour class volunteer 3 hours in advance of the class and receive a 50% discount. This option covers basic and intermediate level classes and open studio only.

Master Class 50% discount- 30 days before the start of a Master Class begin volunteering an equal number of weekly class hours. For a class that meets 4 hours weekly, volunteer 4 hours per week. Half of volunteer duties, remaining tuition and materials fees must be completed before first class meeting. Enrollment in Master Classes also includes equal number of open studio hours per week!

Master Class 25% discount- 30 days before the start of a Master Class begin volunteering half of class hours. For a class that meets 4 hours weekly you will volunteer 2 hours per week, half of volunteer duties, remaining tuition and materials fees must be completed before first class meeting. Enrollment in Master Classes also includes equal number of open studio hours per week!
Note: Volunteers are responsible for all associated materials fees.

Short or Long Term Commitments

office tasks, copies, etc: 2 hours- general organization, maintenance stocking of studio hand outs, forms.
street team promotions: multiple positions, various times- great for social butterflies and event goers. Hand out our post cards and promotional materials at events around town. Hang up fliers around your neighborhood.

If you are going to an event contact us 24+ hours in advance and pick up one or two of out "street team messenger bags," stocked with promotional materials. Return the messenger bags within 48 hours of event completion.

cut class samples using a rotary cutter: 1 hour per week- cut fabric into squares for use in sewing classes, sizes include 8" squares, 8"x18" rectangles of mid weight fabric.

light cleaning; sweep, mop, vacuum: 3 hours- Clean table tops of thread and scraps, organize table top supplies. Sweep and mop the entire facility, vacuum class room and lounge.

physical cleaning: 3 hours- washing windows and mirrors. Take out garbage and recycling. Clean furniture, walls and carpets as needed.

special events assistance: various- lend a hand every now and then helping out with community events and around the facility for special projects.

Long Term Only Commitment:

covering reception 1-7pm: 4 hours- Perfect for Seamsters looking for discounts on Master Classes! Attend to the front end of the shop greeting walk in clients and answering the telephone. This position requires making conversation about sewing, providing minor sewing advice and enrolling Seamsters in classes.

Requires long term commitment, intermediate to advanced sewing skills, organization and cleaning:

Open studio assistant 1-5pm: 4 hours- gain access to our open studio times for free by helping us run it one day a week! This position run on a week to week basis, you are given access to the next 4 open studios after your volunteer shift completes.

Basics level class assistant 12-4pm or 5:30-9:30pm: 4 hours- improve your sewing skills while assisting in our beginner and intermediate level sewing classes. Organize samples and hand outs, assist with machine problems, supplies and instructor needs. Volunteers will be placed in assistant positions based on sewing skills and instructor requests.

Master level class assistant, commitment for entire courses required: 4-6 hours per week as per instructor needs- Perfect for the serious Seamster looking to apprentice or to repeat a master class you particularly enjoyed. Organize samples and hand outs, assist with machine problems, supplies and instructor needs. Volunteers will be placed in assistant positions based on sewing skills and instructor requests. It is strongly encouraged, but not required, that you have taken the master class you are interested in assisting on.
*** PDX Seamsters Sewing Studio http://pdxseamsters.com