ABOUT

Mission:

To empower youth and adults by healing mindsets, building bridges, and creating unity through sewing and community-centered programming.

Organizational History: Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective

Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective (LSAC) was established in June 2009 by its visionary founder, Keiona Cook. Motivated by her own childhood longing to learn essential life skills—particularly sewing—Keiona set out to revive a generational trade that had quietly disappeared from public school systems. She discovered that home economics had been removed from many schools in the late 1980s due to lack of funding, leaving a void in practical, hands-on education for youth.

A proud graduate of North High School in North Minneapolis, Keiona went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the prestigious Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). With formal training and a passion for couture construction, she returned to her hometown to share her knowledge and spark healing and creativity in her community.

Over the past 14 years, Keiona has taught sewing to more than 500 individuals of all ages, with LSAC impacting over 20,000 lives through community events, youth programs, fashion shows, and sewing socials. Her work combines couture fashion, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mindfulness—empowering participants to build confidence, develop real-world skills, and reclaim sewing as a culturally rooted, STEM-aligned trade.

From its beginnings in a small North Minneapolis studio, LSAC has grown into a dynamic nonprofit serving youth, teens, and adults across the Twin Cities. Through every stitch, LSAC continues to build bridges, transform mindsets, and cultivate the next generation of creative leaders.

Curriculum and Sewing Experiences

At Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective (LSAC), we offer hands-on sewing experiences and enrichment programs for youth, teens, and adults that foster creativity, healing, leadership, and financial empowerment. Our curriculum is designed to meet learners where they are—offering both structured instruction and flexible, community-building formats.

Group Sewing Classes

Our group sewing classes provide an engaging, collaborative environment where participants learn essential sewing techniques while building confidence and communication skills. These sessions promote peer learning, creative problem-solving, and teamwork, while also nurturing a supportive community of makers. Classes are available for both beginners and those seeking to advance their skills.

Private Sewing Lessons

Private one-on-one sewing sessions are tailored to each student’s individual goals, skill level, and learning style. These classes accelerate learning and allow participants to dive deeper into specialized techniques or personal projects. This personalized instruction supports confidence-building and helps students experience tangible progress in a short time.

Group Sewing Parties

Sewing parties are joyful, community-centered events that bring together families, friends, and peers for a shared creative experience. Participants work on fun projects—either individually or collaboratively—while learning the fundamentals of sewing in a relaxed, social setting. These gatherings encourage bonding, creativity, and memory-making.

Team-Building Sewing Workshops

Our team-building workshops for schools, nonprofits, and businesses use sewing as a vehicle to strengthen collaboration, communication, and creativity. Participants engage in hands-on projects that foster patience, problem-solving, and a sense of shared accomplishment. These workshops not only support professional development but also promote wellness and stress reduction in the workplace.

Expanded Creative Curriculum

In addition to sewing, LSAC integrates yoga, dance, public speaking, entrepreneurship, poetry, and life skills into our curriculum. These experiences teach mindfulness, leadership, patience, and accountability. Every element is designed to support holistic growth for youth and adults alike.

Sewing & Entrepreneurship: Youth and teens learn how to design, price, and sell their creations, while gaining foundational skills in money management and saving.
Yoga & Mindfulness: Each session includes trauma-informed practices that help participants self-regulate, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
Public Speaking & Leadership: Our programs help youth and adults find their voice, build self-esteem, and lead with purpose—whether on the runway, at school, or in life.

Sewing as Self-Care & Social Connection

Our adult sewing socials and workshops provide space for creativity, connection, and healing. These gatherings support mental wellness, reduce stress, and foster a strong sense of community. Whether among coworkers, caregivers, or community members, sewing becomes a powerful act of self-care and collaboration.

Our Commitment

At LSAC, our ultimate goal is to build bridges between communities and shift the narrative surrounding North Minneapolis through creativity, inclusion, and skill-building. Sewing is the foundation—but the result is transformational growth for individuals and communities alike.

About

Mission:​

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