Topatopa Sewing Studio

Learn to sew a modern, handmade wardrobe in Ojai, California.

At Topatopa Sewing Studio, we believe making our own clothes is an act of empowerment, a way to reclaim our bodies and our resources through creativity, expression, and community.

 

Meet me (Kathleen) and learn more about my sewing philosophy.

  • "Kathleen is a passionate, patient and thorough teacher to work with, who never fails to keep you inspired with each and every project. Her tips, tricks, and attention to detail when it comes to patterning and fitting have become a priceless resource for me as it can be so hard to find clothes in the world that truly fit the way you want."

    Lilly M. from Los Angeles, CA

  • "Kathleen is a wonderful sewing instructor. I am fairly new to sewing and was floundering. A few lessons and I feel like I am soaring."

    Lisa I. from Ojai, CA

  • "Eventually, I retired and took up knitting and luckily my path crossed with sewing teacher Kathleen Blackmur! She has opened up the sewing world to me. Her classes are top notch. I’ve learned so much."

    Theresa S. from Ojai, CA

Located in Ojai, California

The Studio is a 30- to 45-minute drive from Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria, and Santa Barbara. Wherever you are on your sewing journey, even if you’re a fledgling sewist, come to Ojai to learn the basics, hone, or level up your skills.

 

Follow along on Instagram!

 
Adelaide asked to sew a dress with Grandma when she visited last week from Texas. She selected the fabric and trim, made all the design decisions (pattern was freestyled), and sat on my lap to help sew almost everything! We ran out of time for the
The debut of my memade patchwork trouser block pants from #zerowastepatterns by @birgittahelmersson (see previous post and highlight for a bit of the process). The fabric is all 019 linen @fabricsstorecom from other projects. A big art of the fun wa
Progress on my @birgittahelmersson #zwtrousers stalled today, but I have saved the the process so far in a highlight! I have sewn the trousers together and fine tuned the waistline curve by folding the top edge over two inch elastic ….. alwa
Unexpectedly chilly day in the Bay Area and I uncharacteristically under packed. But I have layers: merino tank and athletic knit pants (@blackbirdfabrics), linen shirt (retired @roughlinen sheet) cashmere pullover (@quinceandco), linen vest (remnan
I created a new textile out of my stash of largish @fabricsstorecom 019 linen remnants. Not thinking too hard about it, I cut strips and blocks using cardboard inserts. Took me an afternoon and a morning. The plan is to sew a pair of @birgittahelme
At my last in person @stonemountainfabric pilgrimage, I fell hard for this @alexanderhenryfabrics cotton as I was checking out - iykyk! I knew it would be Big Pants. For once I allowed myself a generous cut, and it turned out to be enough for a self
Say it’s August without saying it’s August. Shorts are @jessilous_closet elastic waist #tapiocatrousers in a weird stretchy cotton nylon woven. Top is a linen @daughterjudypatterns #ventotank, fully lined using the burrito method. I am