Rockford-based TaylarMade Tailoring has begun offering sip-and-sew events, an evening with drinks, food, and sewing lessons.

Taylar Franz, TaylarMade owner and namesake, says the sip-and-sew idea grew from her desire to help others learn how to use sewing machines. She owns 12 sewing machines that she has on standby to provide for events for those who lack one.

Recent sip-and-sew events have been held at various venues, including Conley’s Place Restaurant, in Spokane Valley, and a Spokane-area Round Table Pizza restaurant.

All event attendees make a usable item, Franz says. Projects can be holiday themed, such as a table runner during the winter holidays or a trick-or-treat bag for children. Although certain venues only allow people ages 21 and older to enter, Franz says most events are family friendly.

The next sip-and-sew event will be April 18 at Twigs Martini Bar, at 14728 E. Indiana. The project will be a reusable Easter bag. Registration is $40, for those who bring their own sewing machines, and $45 for those who use Franz’s sewing machines. Franz precuts and prepares fabrics and materials to save time during events.

Those interested in creating projects at home or throwing a sewing party with friends can subscribe to a monthly Sew What Box, which Franz offers for $45. The box includes sewing supplies, materials, and a link to an instruction video by Franz for the specific project.

Before offering sip-and-sew events more recently, Franz launched TaylarMade Tailoring, in October. Since then, her work has ranged from wedding dress alterations to motorcycle suit repairs. She says that her rates range depending on projects, but her prices generally are competitive with most tailors in the area.