Karlene Ball has been into the sewing world since she was a child. Although she wanted nothing to do with sewing when her mother practiced the craft, Ball has since plunged headfirst, immersing herself in craft fairs, teaching classes, and all things stitching.

Ball now runs her own business, showcasing and selling her handmade creations. Her business, Sew Envious, sells products at Coast Creations as well as during festivals, including at Swampscott’s annual Hand Made by 01907 Artisan Craft Fair.

“I like making things that make people happy,” Ball said. “It’s a lot of fun. I like the community aspect of it.”

Sew Envious offers everything from quilted keychains and makeup bags to coffee cozies and book sleeves — the latter of which Ball recently taught participants at the Swampscott Library to make.

Ball has hosted sewing classes at the library on a semi-regular basis. The group most recently learned to make book sleeves, but they also have covered key chains, sunglass holders, wallets and coffee cozies.

“I started teaching classes last fall at the Swampscott Library,” Ball said. “We started with a couple of teen classes, just learning the machines, and then we switched over to do some adult classes too.”

The beginner-friendly sessions teach participants how to set up and safely operate a sewing machine, covering everything from winding a bobbin to basic stitches and machine functions.

“We do some practice stitching on some fabric, and then in the last 90 minutes we’ll actually make a project,” Ball said. 

Big Blue Bargains has sponsored the sewing classes. The nonprofit thrift store reserves the space at the Swampscott Public Library and supports Ball’s teaching efforts.

Ball also provides a variety of fabrics, which she describes as “fun and vibrant.”

“Sewing’s becoming younger and younger,” Ball said. “A lot of young people are interested in learning how to sew, especially if they want to learn how to make clothes or fun gifts and things too, even mending your own clothes and things like that.”

Sew Envious’ next class at the Swampscott Public Library has not yet been scheduled, but Ball said more sessions will be offered in the future.

Ball said the classes typically have a waiting list because of the limited number of sewing machines available at the library. If a participant cannot attend, those on the waiting list are contacted to fill the spot.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Ball said.