Aristotle was the first to write that what separates man from beast is not our ability to reason, but rather our ability to use yarn and needles to sew our own books. Craft your own copy of Poetics with today's Groupon: for $39, you get a two-hour private in-home sewing lesson (an $80 value) from SewJessica.

A graduate of the accolade-draped halls of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, instructor Jessica Dooley whip-stitches basting beginners into fully-fledged seam wranglers during her private sewing lessons. Calibrated to serve fabric fanatics of all ages and abilities, Jessica’s lessons come with basic sewing supplies such as needles, thread, and embroidery chain saws, as well as project-specific gear, and the use of her own sewing machine and/or serger. Each two-hour in-home lesson unloads reams of knowledge within the private confines of area homesteads, where intrepid tailors can tackle cloth creations ranging from simple dresses and vests to complex miniature costumes for literal pet-shop revivals of Cats.

Reviews

Though SewJessica has yet to receive many online reviews, six Yelpers give her former store location, The Sewing Lounge, a five-star average:

• I went in not knowing how to sew or work with my sewing machine at all and left with a tote bag I had sewn myself and enough knowledge to go home and start sewing away! – Danielle G., 10/1/09
• Jessica is a very capable and patient teacher. She creates a supportive environment and keeps things moving along at just the right pace. – Ange M., 6/28/09