ABOUT lily
Lily Belldale is a dressmaker and sewing teacher living in Western Massachusetts. She is passionate about connecting with her local community and sees the need for “old ways in a new age.” She has worked professionally as a seamstress doing a wide variety of work giving her a thorough knowledge of the craft. She has worked teaching sewing classes, doing costume making for theater, dance, and museums, stitching small batch garment production for small brands, detail work in high end tailoring shops, and wrangling heavy-duty industrial machines doing marine upholstery for the boating industry.She studied Textile History for her bachelor’s degree at Goddard College and recently finished a year at Sätergläntan Institute for Craft in Dalarna, Sweden, where she was fully immersed in the rich world of the Swedish folk sewing tradition.
about common thread studio
Common Thread Studio is a physical studio in the Brushworks Arts & Industry building in Florence, Massachusetts, and it is also the business from which I teach all of my classes— including at other locations! In addition to the Studio, I am currently also teaching at the Hill Institute and Art Always, both also in Florence.
My teaching philosophy is centered in enjoyment of the making process as much as being satisfied with a finished result. I am not a perfectionist and enjoy helping students break out of the mindset that there is a “right” way to do things. Instead, I like to give options and let students find what works best for them.
Sewing is, like many crafts, a perpetual experience of problem-solving. This is not something to be afraid of but instead to be welcomed in manageable chunks, with satisfaction in a job well done and the right balance of new skills and comfortable flow. I will help you find that edge of growth and support you at your own pace.
I believe everyone deserves to wear clothing that is comfortable, fits well and reflects their personality. I am dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all bodies and abilities.
Accessibility and Locations:
Common Thread Studio is located at 221 Pine Street #116. We are on the first floor, which is accessed by an outdoor ramp or stairs. There are gendered bathrooms that are shared with other units also on the first floor.
Classes through Art Always and the Hill Institute are both located just down the road on Pine Street and are both wheelchair accessible.
We are mask-optional and require that you do not attend class if you have a covid-19 exposure, positive test, or symptoms.