<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1sfkPB_1Gpm0SkY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1sfkPB_1Gpm0SkY00" width="1756" height="1180" ></figure>A local business owner recently launched a nonprofit sewing studio on Dubuque’s lower Main Street.Sew Fun, at 190 Main St., provides a space for people to learn to sew and craft items without having to buy all the materials themselves. The studio also offers opportunities to build community and step away from the digital world.“I’m to that point where I just want to give back to others and help them learn the love of sewing,” said Kim Kunkel, who also owns Kunkel &amp; Associates. “It brings pure joy to my life, and I made so many friends sewing. I want that for other people.”Thirty-five people have already taken classes at the studio, and Kunkel is ramping up programming at Sew Fun to include more classes, one-on-one lessons and open studio times. Groups also can rent the studio and use it themselves or have a private lesson.She hopes to eventually invite local groups, such as Quilts of Valor Foundation, high school drama departments and theater groups, to use the space.“I want this to be a space that everybody feels comfortable to use, and it can be affordable to them,” Kunkel said.Kunkel also wants the studio to connect with charitable organizations to teach people using their programs to sew.“I would love to teach people that skill, and then they could start producing an item … and they could sell those items and earn money on the side or become an entrepreneur,” Kunkel said.Sew Fun features 10 sewing machines; a longarm quilting machine, which sews multiple layers together; a serger, which adds stitches; and an embroidery machine that can stitch lettering on an item.The studio accepts donated sewing items and equipment and provides those to individuals who cannot afford them.Around 15 people are already signed up to volunteer at Sew Fun, including Jeana Gansemer, a member of a local sewing group with Kunkel. She taught Sew Fun’s first introduction to sewing class and helped with a pillowcase-making class.“We try to keep it low-key,” Gansemer said. “We want to make it as fun as possible for people that come in.”She enjoys seeing the excitement from participants who have never sewed or have very little experience but are able to make something during the class.“There are so many people that don’t have the means, ability or funds to buy fabric or a sewing machine,” Gansemer said. “Kim provides that outlet for them.”Donated fabric is available, but participants can also bring in their own. Local fabric shop owners are excited to see the nonprofit opening up.“There is so much in our industry that is not just quilts,” said Kathy Regan, who owns The Cotton Cabin Quilt Shop at 1075 Main St. with her husband, Mike. “There are bags, purses, pillowcases and all kinds of things. This is really going to open up a new fun hobby for some people.”Kunkel purchased some of Sew Fun’s sewing machines from Regan’s shop.“If they are using one of the sewing machines we carry and get hooked, they can stop in and see us and get a good deal on one,” Regan said.Pam Davis, who owns Quilt This at 10760 Diesel Drive, Suite 2, believes Sew Fun is good for the community because it gives opportunities to people who do not have the resources to learn to sew.“Maybe sooner or later, they will come in and take some classes from us or purchase from us,” Davis said.She hopes to collaborate more closely with Kunkel in the future.“This is a really good thing, and we’re excited about it,” Davis said.For more information, visit sewfun.org.</div></body>

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A local business owner recently launched a nonprofit sewing studio on Dubuque’s lower Main Street. Sew Fun, at 190 Main St., provides a space for people to learn to sew and craft items without having to buy all the materials themselves. The studio also offers opportunities to build community and step away from the digital world.

Dubuque nonprofit sewing studio adds space for community, learning

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A local business owner recently launched a nonprofit sewing studio on Dubuque’s lower Main Street. Sew Fun, at 190 Main St., provides a space for people to

Dubuque nonprofit sewing studio adds space for community, learning

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