Three years ago, Rosa was searching for a way to share her passion for sewing with others. She envisioned a space where people could gather, learn, and create—somewhere welcoming, inclusive, and, most importantly, accessible. But finding the right place wasn’t easy. Many venues were either too expensive or filled with restrictions that made it difficult to host casual, drop-in sewing sessions. Then, through a Facebook recommendation, she discovered Little BIG House, and everything changed.

Sewing with Purpose

Rosa’s love for sewing began in high school when she took a textiles elective on a whim. What started as just another subject quickly became a lifelong passion. She pursued fashion and creative arts at TAFE and university, refining her skills and deepening her understanding of the craft. But sewing, for Rosa, was never just about making clothes—it was about expression, empowerment, and community.

At Little BIG House, Rosa found the perfect home for her vision. Here, she could create a space where beginners and experienced stitchers alike could come together, share ideas, and support one another. And so, her sewing classes were born—not just as workshops but as a vibrant community where creativity flourished.

More Than Just Sewing

Walk into one of Rosa’s classes, and you’ll immediately feel the energy. The hum of sewing machines fills the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter and friendly chatter. People of all ages and backgrounds come together—some picking up a needle and thread for the first time, others refining their skills. Rosa moves between them, offering guidance, troubleshooting machines, and celebrating small victories.

But what truly sets Rosa apart is her unwavering commitment to making sewing accessible to all. By keeping her sessions affordable at just $20, she ensures that cost is never a barrier to creativity. When someone is unable to pay, she pays their spot forward, allowing more people to participate and experience the joy of sewing. This approach fosters a sense of generosity and inclusion, making the classes about more than just learning a skill—they become a shared experience that strengthens the community.

A Space for Connection

For many, Rosa’s classes are more than just a chance to learn how to sew. They are a place to belong. Friendships form over shared projects, and participants cheer each other on as they conquer tricky stitches and make their first successful alterations. It’s this sense of connection that keeps people coming back.

Her students come from all walks of life—young adults discovering a new hobby, older women reconnecting with a skill they love, and newcomers to the country finding a creative space to connect with others. Recently, a participant from Ukraine in her 60s joined a session, bringing her own experiences and enthusiasm to the group. Despite English not being her first language, she engaged with others through the shared language of sewing, demonstrating how creativity and kindness can foster meaningful connections beyond words.

Sustainability at the Heart

In a world driven by fast fashion and disposable clothing, Rosa champions a different approach. She teaches people to mend, alter, and upcycle their clothes rather than throwing them away. Her classes often focus on practical yet creative techniques—hemming pants, resizing thrifted finds, and, of course, adding pockets (because who doesn’t love pockets?).

All of Rosa’s fabrics are second-hand, sourced from thrift stores, market stalls, and organisations like The Sewing Basket, which resells donated textiles. Nothing goes to waste in her classes—every leftover scrap has the potential to be turned into something new. Through her work, she is not just teaching sewing—she’s fostering a culture of sustainability and conscious consumption.

Looking Ahead

As Rosa continues to thread her passion for sewing into the fabric of the community, one thing is clear—this is about more than just making clothes. It’s about empowerment, sustainability, and human connection. Rosa dreams of hosting most of her classes at Little BIG House, creating an even stronger sense of community in a space she has grown to love.

She is also determined to make sewing more inclusive by encouraging more men to get involved. While sewing is often seen as a female-dominated craft, Rosa knows that it’s a valuable and practical skill for everyone. She actively promotes the classes to men and hopes to see a more diverse group of participants in the future.

With growing demand for her sessions, Rosa is looking forward to expanding from once a month to twice a month. But it’s not just about adding more classes—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to experience the joy and fulfillment of creating something with their own two hands.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to sew, alter a garment, or simply be part of something bigger, Rosa’s classes at Little BIG House are waiting for you. Come for the sewing, stay for the community, and leave with new skills, new friends, and maybe even a new favorite hobby.

Want to be part of Rosa’s next class? Stay tuned for updates and sign up for a session at Little BIG House!

Here’s more about Rosa:

My favourite thing about the Little BIG House is…

The inclusive community!

The event / program I’m running in the Little BIG House is called…

Sew for JOY! – Sustainable Sewing classes

I chose to host my event at the Little BIG House because…

They accepted my project and ideas with open arms after many set backs and being rejected elsewhere. 

I hope this event / program will make participants feel…

Included, safe, and supported, while also allowing them to slow down, nurture their creativity, build meaningful friendships, and contribute to helping others.

My favorite memory from hosting an event or program at the Little BIG House is…

There are so many! One of the moments I cherish most is seeing participants support and help one another—whether it’s guiding a beginner through their first stitches, sharing fabric and design ideas, or celebrating each other’s progress. The sense of community and encouragement in the sewing classes makes every session special.

The top thing on my bucket list is…

To travel to Japan & get lost in their fabric district!

I’m most grateful for…

My support network, friends, family and gorgeous fur members of my household!

The last Little BIG thing / action I did for someone else or received from someone was…

My wonderful girlfriends volunteering their time to help me out at a huge market! Their support, generosity, and hard work meant the world to me, and I couldn’t have done it without them. It was a true reminder of the power of friendship and community.

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About the Little BIG Foundation

Little BIG Foundation is dedicated to fostering connection, creativity, and community through accessible and inclusive events. We provide the Little BIG House as a space where people can come together to share skills, explore creativity, and build meaningful relationships. By keeping venue hire affordable for community-focused events like Rosa’s sewing classes, we aim to support initiatives that empower individuals and bring people closer together. Whether it’s through arts, culture, or hands-on learning, Little BIG Foundation is committed to making a big impact in small, everyday ways.