Made Institute in Philadelphia
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Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, US
Site: http://www.made-institute.com/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:10AM–6PM
- Wednesday:10AM–6PM
- Thursday:10AM–6PM
- Friday:10AM–6PM
- Saturday:10AM–4PM
- Sunday:10AM–4PM
I cannot say enough positive things about my time at Made Institute. I started the designer development program last October with no previous experience sewing. I was worried that I would be completely lost, but that was not the case. Rachel, along with each and every teacher I learned from were incredibly patient and kind. They sincerely want to see every student succeed regardless of what your goals are. I went from barely sewing straight lines to putting on a full capsule collection this past fall. You will learn more in a year then you can imagine without forking out the ridiculous amounts of money that are required to enroll in other similar programs. You will learn from experienced teachers who have worked in the industry ( teachers range from current pattern makers, to illustrators, designers, seamstresses,) and whom actually care about their students. Made Institute is the real deal, whether you want to sew for fun, or are trying to navigate your way into the industry, do yourself a favor and check it out!!
Rachel is an amazing teacher and MADE is a gem to find locally. They have great classes and you learn so many things that can only come from someone with years of experience and talent. Took most of the classes and some great and interesting workshops. I have always seen but was self trained and had gaps in my knowledge. Her studio helped me to become more knowledgeable and confident in my work. Have some ideas to make some pieces in the near future to sell and looking foward to using the studio space/getting pointers from Rachel and her trained eye!
Made Institute is such a unique and amazing place to be a part of. Great sense of community and support coupled with a fresh approach on making it as a designer. As someone with a BFA in art, I can tell you that Ive had a million times more hands-on experiences than I ever got from the overpriced academy I came from. Finishing up the Designer Development Program has left me completely baffled by how much information Ive absorbed in a year. If youre someone who is self-motivated and ready to dig in to what it means to be a self-made designer or business owner- Made tops my recommendation list. Its a new and unconventional approach to learning from an institution (and owner) that truly invests in the students and the creative process.
I love teaching at Made and being a part of this awesome community. I really love helping students to learn about the fashion industry. The Made studio space is great to work in. If you are looking for a fashion community to be a part of you should connect with Made, there are many different classes, workshops, free seminars and open studio hours to suit any and every fashionista.
I cant say enough great things about MADE. I came into the program with years of sewing experience, and left with techniques that have taken my garment sewing to the next level. With the help of the instructors at MADE and all they have taught me, sewing and designing is now my career!
After researching the various introductory sewing courses in the area, I decided go with MADE based on the positive reviews and intimate classroom environment. I registered for Sewing 101 this spring and was very excited to improve my skills. The first lesson covered the basics of using the machine and subsequent lessons covered the skills we would need to construct a basic tank. The subsequent lessons are where things fell apart for me. The class was overbooked so I ended up sharing machines with the instructor. This meant I had less time in comparison to other students to work on my projects and constantly felt rushed because the instructor needed to get to the next class demonstration. Bringing my own machine was not an option as the studio is so small there was no place to set it up. The overbooked class really diminished my experience. Instead of learning to sew most of time was spent sitting at a table contemplating what I could have done with the money I spent
I originally left a review about how unhappy I was with the fact that we didnt cover everything on the course description/syllabus, but Rachel, the schools owner, kindly reached out to me and let me know that that is not how things are supposed to be and worked with me to fix the situation. She gave me a lesson on the material that was missed, answered all my questions and made sure I fully understood the material. She also told me that she spoke with all of her instructors about my situation to make sure that it doesnt happen again. Rachel is very gracious and Im glad I had the opportunity to learn from her.
I am so happy to have found MADE. I just completed Evening Wear 1 and am beginning Evening Wear 2. In these last 2 months I have learned SO much and I cant wait to take my next course! I believe that these are the exact skills that I needed to take my business to the next level. Awesome place to be :)
Total reviews rating 4.8
21 Reviews for Made Institute 2023:
Review №1
2018-12-12Made is such an incredible place to learn! If designing is something that you are really interested in, this is the place to be. Being here made me feel like a designer for the first time. The people are amazing & so are the vibes. I would spend everyday here if I could! Founder Rachel is so encouraging and inspiring, and she genuinely wants you to be successful. I cant wait to get back here and take more classes. I would tell anyone who is interested in designing or learning more sewing techniques to go here.
Review №2
2016-11-13Where do I begin… I stumbled upon this lovely gem MADE while looking for beginner sewing classes online. I intended initially just to take one or two introductory classes because I needed to get started using the sewing machine I had purchased over a year prior but hadn’t touched. I had always wanted to design and sew but pushed it aside. When I found the website I was intrigued, so I signed up for a class and a workshop (trip to NYC to learn about fabrics and fabric shopping). Once I went to class I fell in love with everything about MADE and have since continued taking classes and workshops. The environment is warm and fun, the staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, and the students are amazing people (all friendly and supportive).At first glance you may think the prices are a little high compared to some other local “classes” offered but it’s more than worth it when you are gaining the type of skill and techniques (old school, high-end, couture techniques) they have to offer compared to other places, not to mention the equipment and studio space available at MADE. It’s Real fashion education and opportunity for incredibly reasonable prices compared to universities and the likes.Being at MADE is always inspiring and exciting, whether it’s for a class, a workshop, open studio, working on a project, or just talking about ideas. Whether you are a beginner who has never touched a sewing machine or someone who needs to hone existing skills or learn other facets of the industry (business, illustration, pattern-making, etc.) if you have a love for fashion and an interest to learn, MADE is definitely where you want to be. Rachel (the founder) is always so inspiring and gracious. She is very hands on and makes a real effort.I am so happy to be a part of MADE. It’s inspired me to dream bigger and go farther than I initially planned when signing up for a basic sewing course. Once I complete the Designer Development program Ill continue to be a part of the MADE family. I feel like it is such a movement for the fashion community in Philadelphia. Lastly, while I love the cozy atmosphere of the current location I am super excited for the new space (coming soon).
Review №3
2016-11-21I stumbled upon MADE Institute while searching for fashion design programs in the Philadelphia area. I have only been in the program for a couple of months and already feel like Ive learned so much and have become SO inspired by Rachel and the amazing teachers!I am a CPA by trade and have always dreamt of entering the fashion design world. Once I met Rachel and the studio I knew right away that the Designer Development Program was my calling and I had to make the leap! The program is structured in such a way that you learn various aspects of fashion design at the same time and enhance and hone down on your skills class by class. I also love that the classes are structured a strategic and thoughtful way to ensure that I am equipped with the skills I need to to begin my next career venture, starting my own fashion line!The classes outlined are so relevant and I know will be useful for me in the future. This goes from learning sewing skills (which I have never done before), to fashion illustration, Photoshop & additional classes that help on the business side of fashion design to help and guide you navigate the industry whether it be get a job or become a fashion entrepreneur. Now that I think about it, most of the skills I am learning are new to me which is very exciting. I have just started but am so excited to take the rest of the classes as the program goes on! I truly feel lucky to be a part of such a great program and thankful that MADE Institute exists and cannot WAIT to learn more after every class!Also, if you have ANY questions or anything related to the program or classes, Rachel has been extremely helpful to make sure they you take the classes that are right for you and what you are looking for individually.Being a student at MADE Institute has been an amazing and humbling experience and I only started a couple of months ago. It is so refreshing to be excited about going to class and learning and advancing in various aspects of fashion design.THANK YOU!!!
Review №4
2016-11-11I have learned so much at Made! I have taken four classes so far and all the teachers really know their stuff. The classes are fun and you really learn a lot. The Designer Development program is very exciting whether you plan to become a designer or just hone your sewing skills. I would recommend it for anyone who loves sewing and wants to learn to make great clothing that fits well!
Review №5
2016-11-09Made Institute has the ability to give anyone the education they need to be success in the different aspects of the fashion world. Being apart of the fashion designer development program I was taught how to go from Step A to Step Z in becoming a fashion designer....from learning how to thread my own sewing machine to putting my first collection within a years time! So if you are looking for fashion education without the high university price Made Institute is the place for you!
Review №6
2016-11-08MADE Institute is an awesome place for both budding fashion designers or those who want to just learn some technical sewing skills. I found MADE by accident while working on a fashion case study for MBA school and it was for what I had been searching for years! I wasnt interested in pursuing another degree, but wanted to hone my technical sewing skills, since I was mainly self taught, as well as learn about the entrepreneurship side of fashion. MADEs Designer Development Program provides this and much more!
Review №7
2021-01-11Made is the only school or should I said institute that the only goal is to prepare their students for the fashion industry teaching them how to overcome the barriers of the industry.Made is the place that when you coming feel the positive energy that surrender the building with dedicated instructors that teach with love and respect the classes that are part of their fashion program.Olso Made Institute have a master tailor teaching technics that unfortunately been lost on timeI can personally say that Made is my other home.RespectfullyGiovanni Franco
Review №8
2016-11-09I found the Made Institute while researching different fashion schools on the internet. I had been interested in fashion and learning how to sew for years. Made offered a program that worked best for my busy schedule. That combined with the founders, Rachel, warm welcome helped me make the decision to sign up. Before joining; I didnt know how to thread a sewing machine. At Made; I learned how to make my own pattern and designed a dress that was featured in the OCFS. If you are interested in designing, you should consider the Made Institute. It is the place to get hands on training in a studio that feels more like a community than a school and, the classes are taught by teachers who make school enjoyable. I look forward to learning more at Made.
Review №9
2016-11-08MADE Institute is everything! I found MADE online while searching for sewing classes. I had no idea everything they had to offer! Not only does their Designer Development Program cover everything from high end sewing skills to the business behind production and the industry, MADE offers a supportive and welcoming community of designers. From newcomers looking for guidance to seasoned designers with successful brands, MADE has created the perfect place to be a designer and student of fashion and the industry!!
Review №10
2018-09-09Clearly if you are looking into becoming a fashion designer in Philadelphia, this is the place to go! But not only you can just take classes for fun! I sew just for fun because I like learning new skills. I always feel welcome in the studio. The teachers are extremely knowledgable and will always give you tips to help you out. Rachel is literally the sweetest and kindest person which is helpful when you are frustrated after messing up something with your project. The studio is big and beautiful with tones of natural sunlight which is very nice when you work for hours on your project rather than being in a basement. I could go on and on saying great things that they deserve but just go check it out by yourself you wont regret it!