By Shaina Glick
What began as a childhood fascination for Zeldy Schwei has grown into a vibrant community hub for creativity, confidence, and connection.
Schwei, owner and founder of Behind the Seams, traces her love of sewing back to her earliest memories. “Every time my mother took out her sewing box, I was captivated,” she recalls. That spark ignited a lifelong passion. In high school, Zeldy began taking sewing classes and quickly fell in love with the craft. Whether she was in production programs or seminary, she always found herself gravitating toward the sewing room.
Determined to refine her skills, Zeldy went on to study sewing professionally in college. After getting married and moving to New York, she began offering clothing alterations in her spare time, alongside her work as a teacher. It wasn’t long before she noticed something consistent among her clients—they didn’t just want clothes fixed, they wished they knew how to do it themselves.
That realization sparked a new idea: sewing lessons. Zeldy began teaching a small group of young girls in Crown Heights. The response was overwhelming. Word spread, and her classes quickly expanded into full programs for girls ages 8–12, as well as private and group lessons for women of all ages.
Now, Behind the Seams is excited to launch a brand-new summer course for post-seminary girls and women with no prior sewing experience. This beginner-friendly program is perfect for anyone looking to pick up a creative hobby and gain practical skills to mend and customize their own wardrobe. Students will begin with fun, achievable projects—like sewing a tote bag—and gradually work toward confidently repairing their own clothing instead of relying on a seamstress.
The summer course will run June 24 through August 26, from 8:30 to 9:45 PM, at a centrally located studio on President Street and Albany Avenue. Limited spots are available, so early registration is highly recommended.
Zeldy’s students consistently describe her classes as warm, welcoming, and empowering:
“Zeldy had a wealth of knowledge about everything about sewing! She explained every component slowly and with such kindness until we understood properly. And then she guided us through all the steps ensuring we feel confident in our work. I’m so glad I took her course and have already completed some projects on my own since!”
— Z.H.
“Great class 🙂 Zeldy is super warm, knowledgeable and always such a nice environment to be in and so therapeutic.”
— C.D.
“I really enjoyed the creative atmosphere in the room. Everyone was working on their projects independently while also interacting and helping each other out.”
— Z.C.
For more information or to register, message Zeldy Schwei at 347-543-7503 or Sewingwithzeldy.com
From childhood curiosity to community impact, Zeldy Schwei continues to sew inspiration into every class—one stitch at a time.
Hatzlacha!!
why no pricing?