Hi, I’m Michelle. Thank you for visiting my website!
I discovered my love of sewing at a very young age. I learned to hand sew at age five and was gifted my first sewing machine when I was seven. From there, I continued developing my skills through sewing and fashion classes in junior high, high school, and community college.
After high school, I considered attending a formal fashion college, but ultimately chose to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. I moved to the Bay Area to attend San José State University, where I earned my degree in Occupational Therapy. I enjoyed a fulfilling career as an occupational therapist from 1997–2015, then taking some time away to raise our daughter, Emmy.
In 2020, I began working at a school helping it to reopen during the pandemic. During my time there, I discovered how much I loved working in a school setting and was able to combine my OT background with my creativity by designing and running a sensory oriented calming space through 2025.
Since 2022, I have taught summer sewing camps, along with middle school sewing electives, and after-school sewing classes. I am passionate about sharing my love of sewing and helping pass these valuable life skills on to a new generation of Sewists.
In fall 2025, I came full circle back to my original dream of fashion school by enrolling in the Fashion Department at Cañada College, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Custom Dressmaking. While I love fashion and design, my true passion is teaching and inspiring young creators to build confidence through sewing.
Our camp co-instructor is Mrs. Rinda Van Lennep, my sweet and very skilled Mother In Law whom specializes in quilting and all things sewing. She is extremely active with the American Sewing Guild in the San Diego area, and was a very popular instructor at our 2025 camp. I am delighted for her to join us again for Sewing Camp 2026!
I want to thank you so much for your consideration in enrolling your student Sewist in one of my classes, Sewing Camp, individual lessons or any of my other sewing services. Your support for my business, Sewing With Mrs. Van means the world to me.
Sincerely,
Michelle Van Lennep, ORT/L
Sewing Educator, Sewist
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Create anything
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.
Discover a world of possibilities
Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.
Sewing With Mrs. Van 