Brian him/his (Studio Owner)
Hello! I’m Brian, the founder of Newton Sewing Studio, a welcoming space for those who love fiber arts in the Boston and Metro West areas. We’ve been around since 2012 and are proud to be a part of this community. We’re happy you’re here too!
I’ve always been interested in how things work, especially when it comes to sewing. This curiosity, along with my background in education and mechanics, drives my passion for teaching others. I love diving into the details of new techniques, figuring out how they work, and sharing these insights with our staff and students. My current obsession is flatbed machine knitting!
I’m committed to nurturing an environment that’s not only a center for fiber arts learning but also a source of inspiration and creativity for all who walk through our doors.
Abra she/her (Studio Manager, Adult/Kids Sewing Instructor)
Abra’s love for sewing began at a summer camp in Maryland back in 2002. After earning her B.S. in Physics from Dickinson College, she spent a decade as a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. During that time, she rekindled her passion for sewing and began creating costumes and clothing in her free time.
Seeking a career change, Abra left patents for patterns to join Newton Sewing Studio. She enjoys working with people of all skill levels and ages to help them develop their sewing skills and confidence. When she’s not sewing, Abra can often be found throwing clay at Indigo Fire Studio or snuggling with her greyhound Fiona.
Carolyn Ferris she/her (Lead Sewing Instructor)
Carolyn brings her passion for theater arts and technical craftsmanship to Newton Sewing Studio as one of our valued instructors. As a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with dual degrees in Theater and English, Carolyn combines her creative vision with excellent communication skills to guide students through their sewing journeys.
Her extensive background in theatrical costuming provides a unique perspective to our classes, where she helps students understand not just the “how” of sewing techniques, but also the “why” behind design choices. Before joining our team, Carolyn honed her skills as a Production Apprentice with Gloucester Stage and served as lead Stage Manager and Assistant Production Manager for the UMass Theater department.
Carolyn’s technical expertise extends beyond management to specialized areas including costuming, lighting, and theatrical hair and makeup design. This multifaceted experience allows her to help students explore the full creative potential of their sewing projects, whether they’re crafting everyday garments or special occasion pieces.
When not teaching at Newton Sewing Studio, Carolyn also works with the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, keeping her connected to the vibrant performing arts community in Massachusetts.
Her patient teaching style and attention to detail make her classes suitable for both beginners and advanced sewists looking to enhance their skills in a supportive environment.
Jess G she/her (Adult/Kids Sewing, Knitting, Crochet, Maker Space)
Jess learned to sew, knit, and crochet at an early age—a foundation that eventually led her to study fashion design in college and later expand into graphic design and early childhood education. Her background gives her a deep, intuitive understanding of textiles, construction, and creative problem-solving.
She is not only a highly skilled artist but also an exceptional teacher, a combination that brings tremendous value to our students. Jess has a natural ability to break down complex techniques in sewing, knitting, and crochet into clear, achievable steps. Her approach is patient, encouraging, and grounded in a strong understanding of how people learn. Students consistently feel supported, seen, and motivated in her classes.
Her experience teaching in Montessori classrooms shaped her strengths in guiding learners of all ages, nurturing independence, and fostering curiosity. She later continued to develop her craft by designing costumes for dancers while teaching yoga and movement classes—work that refined her sense of fit, form, and the relationship between fabric and the body.
In the studio, Jess brings exceptional attention to detail, approachability, and a calm, welcoming presence. She creates an environment where beginners feel confident taking their first steps and more advanced makers feel challenged and inspired.
Outside the classroom, Jess has been exploring machine embroidery and enjoys working with plants, always expanding her creative practice.
Jess D she/her (Sewing Camp Manager, Adults/Kids)
Jessica is a dedicated student at Boston College, where she is pursuing her dream of becoming an English teacher. Her passion for education is evident in her enthusiasm for helping students grow and learn. With a keen interest in literature and language, she is well-equipped to inspire and educate the next generation.
Outside the classroom, Jessica’s interests are diverse. She is a talented musician, skilled in playing the piano, flute, and trombone. Music is a significant part of her life, offering her a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Additionally, Jessica is committed to staying fit and active, often participating in various fitness activities in her free time.
Since joining our team in 2015 as a sewing instructor, Jessica has been an asset. Her passion for teaching shines through in her interactions with her sewing students. She excels in guiding them to develop new skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Her approachable and caring nature makes her a favorite among our younger students!