Papermaple Studio

18 Jul Papermaple Studio

When Leisa Stanton made her dreams come true, the sewing world took a giant step forward.

Welcome to Papermaple Studio.

 Located on a quiet street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the meticulously renovated 1900’s building sets the stage for a consummate sewing experience. 

When I met Leisa in 2013 at my first Susan Khalje class, she was constructing a Dior ball gown. At the next class it was a biker jacket with white Valentino lace.

I immediately recognized Leisa’s generous and creative spirit, her patience, skill, kindness and unquenchable quest for knowledge. I’ve been in awe of Leisa from the day I met her. Founder of the popular blog,  A Challenging Sew, Leisa detailed sewing couture garments, and provided Marfy pattern tutorials. Read her fascinating bio under FAQ HERE.

Three years ago, Leisa moved from the East Coast to New Orleans. I was not surprised when I learned of her plans to open a sewing workshop, but once again, I am awed by the results of her studio and atelier which opened after months of Covid delays on June 1.

Mission………

Leisa wanted to create the sewing experience she wished she had had when she learned to sew by offering slow, small classes in a beautiful and well-stocked studio. The classrooms feature large, rolling, cutting and crafting tables, dedicated sewing stations, all the latest pressing and ironing tools, new Janome and Brother machines and sergers, drafting and draping equipment and a large selection of dress forms.

From Leisa:

I wanted to create a very different learning environment, where there was time to not only fully understand the lessons, but also the freedom to ask questions and try out new techniques. 

At Papermaple Studio, we don’t follow strict lesson plans. We do have a schedule, but the goal is to maximize learning by teaching outside of the lines and working with each student in a more personal setting, at their own pace.  The studio also functions as a working atelier where students are not only able to see Custom Couture being made to order by me but understand the process and techniques behind it, if they are interested.

My aim for the studio is to offer a wide variety of affordable lessons that teach skills ranging from absolute beginner to couture, encourage sustainability and refashion, and host respected sewing teachers from all over the globe. 

Workshops include week-long immersives from visiting teachers as well as slow fashion sewing, and, of course, Mardi Gras and NOLA themed events such as headpiece and costume design.

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Currently 52 classes are offered! Classes are taught by Leisa unless otherwise noted.

Check out the classes HERE.

Check out the calendar HERE.

Visiting Instructors HERE.

Customized classes are also available.

Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished sewist, there is a class for you.

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If you are seeking a new sewing skill or experience…………if you are interested in enhancing an upcoming NOLA trip……… planning a girls getaway…….introducing your child to sewing………….if you are interested in learning to think outside the box……(perhaps making Mardi Gras Masks to auction for a fundraiser in your hometown?)  it’s all available HERE at Papermaple Studio.

I hope you will support Leisa, a creative entrepreneur extraordinaire, in her new adventure by treating yourself to a New Orleans adventure of your own!

PS………Julie and I are currently planning a Papermaple Tunic Bible Workshop Spring 2022 🙂