"Sewing" conjures up junior high school memories of fugly generic cartoon-character pillows.

Kick it up a notch at Sewtropolis, a sewing studio and fabric boutique owned by "sew-ista" Nikol Gianopoulos.

The quilter and pro-stitcher created a sanctuary for designers -- both experienced and aspiring with everything from stylish clothing patterns to sassy bolts of fabric.

No prior experience is necessary to partake in most of the store's sewing classes, which teach hobbyists how to make tote bags, yoga pants, T-shirts and more.

Sew beats those creepy pillows.

Sewtropolis, 5 W. Diamond Lake Rd., Mpls., 612-827-9550 (call for reservations).

Summer of skirts: For $10, receive a 15-minute style consultation with Sasha Westin of Fabuliss, a $25 gift certificate on future styling services and $10 off of a skirt sewing class ($50). Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

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