The Sew Simply Academy

A new venture for Tracy Munn

In May 2007, a brand new sewing school opened in Black Mountain, NC. The Sew Simply Academy has been launched under ownership of industry leader and author Tracy Munn.

Tracy, who has 45+ years of sewing experience, is the instructor at the academy and is offering classes to all skill levels, from the total novice to the experienced. Her classes range from the “let’s learn your machine” to the more difficult fit issues for professionally tailored garments. She is also teaching classes covering all categories of home decor.

“I’m very excited about this new venture in my life,” said Tracy. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Always in the back of my mind, and in my heart, I knew I wanted to some day have my own shop or something definitely related to sewing. So this year, I took the leap and am in the throes of starting my own sewing school!”

Giving some specifics on The Sew Simply Academy, Tracy said classes are held in her home in Black Mountain, NC. The academy classroom is located in her newly built sewing studio. Classes are offered during the day and in the evenings, some spanning over multiple days.

When students travel from afar to attend her academy, they have a cornucopia of spectacular bed and breakfast lodges to choose from for their overnight accommodations in Black Mountain. Tracy also noted her home is only 15 miles from Asheville, NC, which is a huge vacation hotspot, full of wonderful restaurants and attractions.

Students of The Sew Simply Academy have fun while learning a wide range of sewing skills. Tracy said some of the classes offered involve making pillows, cushions, duvets and window treatments as well as bags, totes, cute aprons and accessories.

“I also plan to implement a summer sewing camp for pre-teens and teenagers,” Tracy shared. “Weekend retreats offering slipcovering techniques and other areas of interest will be forthcoming.”

For a detailed listing of classes and academy information, you can check out Tracy’s Web site, www.sewsimply.com.

Tracy, who refers to her teaching personality as “entertainingly educational,” said opening this academy is a long-time dream come true because she has a deep love and passion for sewing. Her “love affair with sewing” began at the young age of 12.

“I made my doll clothes from chicken feed sacks in my home state of Kentucky!” Tracy remembered. “And I made all my own clothes starting with my teen years. I also made my wedding gown, all my bridesmaids’ dresses, and my mother’s dress for my 1972 wedding.”

Tracy began sewing for her two (now grown) children, when they were babies, while living in South Carolina, and still sews for her two granddaughters today, and herself when she can find the time. She started sewing for others (mostly friends) back in the 80s and began her first “business” of custom sewing clothing and home décor. In 1997, she became a contributing designer to several Lark Books. They included Every Sewer’s Guide to the Perfect Fit, Making Handbags & Purses, Weekend Sewer’s Guide to Dresses, Terrific Totes & Carryalls, and Scented Gifts.

“In 2000 I was asked to write a book on slipcovers by Lark,” said Tracy. “I devoted nearly the entire year of 2001 to make all the slipcovers and write my book Sewing Simple Slipcovers published by Sterling Publishing Co. It hit the shelves in 2002 in hardcover, and a year later in softcover. It’s been translated into other languages, both French and Polish.”

In 2003, Tracy took her teaching skills on the road and presented workshops and seminars at three sewing expos. She taught hands-on classes on boxed cushions and pillows to students attending the Sew the Puyallup Show in Puyallup, WA, the Round Bobbin Expo in St. Louis, MO, and the Round Bobbin Expo in Louisville, KY.

To date, she also is a valued member of the American Sewing Guild, the Home Sewing Association, and the Sewing Educators Alliance.

With that experience under her belt, Tracy approached the community college in Asheville, NC, in 2002 to teach a class on how to make slipcovers. She said they jumped at the offer, and she also agreed to teach the window treatment class as well. Throughout her five years of teaching at the college, she added other classes including pillows and boxed cushions, bags and totes, sewing labs, and took over the clothing construction classes, beginner to intermediate.

Recently, Tracy resigned from her teaching duties at the college so she can now focus on making her Sew Simply Academy a big success. Interestingly, Tracy is leaving the position, and her students are following to support her in her new endeavor.

Explaining, Tracy shared, “What has been joyful for me is that in the past five years that I have been teaching, I have also been creating friendships with my students. I have this wide array of women who have become my sewing buddies and they are already signing up for classes.”

This kinship Tracy has developed with her students is special, and when it’s coupled with the love of sewing, it becomes a form of therapy for all involved. Tracy said she has always viewed sewing as a form of therapy, and added, “When you add the quotient of other women, it just enriches your life. I value these friendships that I have made and look forward to enriching the lives of all my students through my new sewing academy.”

For many students, the journey and adventure of having Tracy as a teacher is just beginning, as they begin enrollment at her academy. Others, however, are simply lucky to have their journey continue with Tracy. Kathleen Walsh is a great example. Kathleen started classes with Tracy as an intermediate-level sewer, and although Kathleen has learned from good teachers, she said Tracy outshines them all.

“Tracy cares about her students and wants them to succeed,” said Kathleen. “Her individualized attention and vast knowledge of the best techniques and shortcuts to use have made me a much better sewer. With an infectious laugh and easygoing charm, she can make a complicated sewing pattern make sense while boosting a student’s confidence. Tracy’s teaching is entertaining, making everyone excited to attend class and come away with a great looking project -- whether it’s a cute pillow, a fun bag, a kicky little dress or whatever -- the sky’s the limit!”

Additionally, Tracy said another key factor in the future of her business is to target the young “20-something” sewers. She is excited to bring those students under her wing and into her sewing school.

Tracy added, “I feel sewing has really come around again as the trendy hobby among the young 20-somethings. They really want to learn to sew, and some have already decided to make sewing their career as well.”

The Sew Simply Academy is a great place for these young sewers to obtain more creative knowledge and skills. Tracy said those equally welcome are sewers who have “been around the old sewing block” several times.

“I want my school to be a place where all levels of sewers feel welcome. If they are new to sewing or just want to update their skills and find a place to be with other sewing enthusiasts to share ideas and information -- my academy is the place for them!”

You can contact The Sew Simply Academy at 1-828-669-3978.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, June 2007