Nestled in the basement of the Joseph F. Smith Building sits a room little known to the rest of campus. Machines hum quietly as students bustle around the sewing lab bringing their creations to life.

While some may think that it's a thing of the past, sewing is making a comeback.

"We're seeing a resurgence in home sewing," said Dawna Baugh, a BYU home and family living professor. "Our sewing classes are filled."

BYU offers several different classes dealing with sewing: pattern making, tailoring, textiles and costume design.

Even with the diverse sewing options, previous experience is not needed in order to take the classes.

"I just took the class even though I had never touched a machine," said Hilary Cirac, a sewing Teaching Assistant. "You learn everything you need to know."

Cirac heard about the class from a friend and signed up. She is now double majoring in Home and Family Living and History.

While in the past sewing was mainly a woman's hobby, times are changing and the classes are not just for women. In the three semesters that she has been a TA, Cirac has taught two boys who were better sewers than the girls, she said.

BYU has one of the most well-equipped college sewing labs, she said. There are two labs available with 20 sewing machines in each to accommodate the growing classes.

According to TIME magazine, the annual sales of Singer sewing machines have doubled to 3 million since 1999. BYU student, Jane Decker owns her own machine, but is learning a lot of new techniques.

"It's a fun class," she said. "I like [sewing classes] a lot."

There are many sewers out there, said Amy Webber, special events specialist for JoAnn Fabrics. Sewing stores such as JoAnn's work to cater to all sewers, offering patterns, classes and sewing tips.

"People want to have more one-of-a-kind clothes," Baugh said.

The classes teach people how to sew skirts, pants, shirts, dresses and other accessories.

"These skills are priceless," Cirac said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Jul 2007