At Sewista Studio, learning to sew is about much more than fabric, patterns, and machines. It is about helping children discover what they are capable of creating.

Founded by owner and sewing instructor Anna Ostrovskiy, Sewista Studio offers sewing and fashion instruction for children ages 7 and older. Located in Sarasota, the studio provides weekly classes during the school year, themed summer camps and hands-on workshops. Students work with real sewing machines, fabric and patterns to complete projects they can wear, use or proudly take home.

Anna’s connection to sewing began when she was 10 years old. Frustrated that clothes did not fit the way she wanted, she learned to make her own. What began as a practical solution quickly became a lifelong passion. She later studied fashion design, trained as a professional seamstress and earned a degree in graphic design and branding.

Even while working in graphic design, Anna continued sewing. When her daughters became interested, she began teaching them at home. Soon, several of their friends joined the lessons. Those small gatherings reminded Anna how much she enjoyed teaching and revealed a need for a welcoming place where children could learn sewing in an encouraging, thoughtful environment. What started around one table gradually grew into Sewista Studio. The studio has grown since then, and other teachers have joined the team. Each of them has their own sewing journey and a genuine passion for sharing it with children.

Anna believes sewing teaches skills that extend far beyond the finished project. Each assignment encourages students to plan ahead, think spatially, solve problems and remain patient when something does not go as expected. The most rewarding moment comes when a child holds up a completed project and proudly says, “I made this.”

For Anna, that reaction represents more than satisfaction. It marks a shift in how students see themselves. They begin to understand that they can take an idea and turn it into something real, a lesson that can support future interests in fashion, design, architecture, engineering or any other creative field.

Sewista Studio also offers children a meaningful break from screens. Anna encourages parents to give young people opportunities to explore hands-on crafts, even when the adults in the family do not sew. Families may begin with a free trial class, allowing children to visit the studio, use a real sewing machine and discover whether sewing sparks their interest.

Community involvement is also an important part of the studio’s mission. Sewista reserves scholarship spaces when possible for families who may not otherwise be able to participate, and community members can sponsor a child’s tuition. Students also take part in service projects, including sewing protective covers for Humane Society cat trappers.

Originally from Russia, Anna lived in New York before moving to Sarasota with her husband and two daughters in 2021. The family was drawn to the area’s beaches, cultural offerings and vibrant arts community. Today, Anna is grateful to build a business that combines creativity, craftsmanship and education while helping local children gain confidence one project at a time.

Sewista Studio is located at 2015 S. Tuttle Ave., Unit B, Sarasota. For class schedules, camps and registration, visit sewistastudio.com or call (941) 405-3117.