Designer Joi\\\\\\\’s Sewing Factory

Designer Joi’s Sewing Factory is located at 4011 Floyd Blvd. in Sioux City, Iowa. We moved in during the fall of 2016.

The history of Dress Forms Design Studio, LLC begins in April 1999 when she registered her LLC, shortly before Joi graduated from Iowa State University. Before that, Joi worked in a tailor shop throughout high school and college, along with other business experiences. She taught her first class when she was 16 to other 4-Hers and would hold regular sewing classes on her mom’s dining room table throughout high school. Her first for-profit business venture was designing therapy puppets for a local adoption agency at 16 (and no, she did not charge enough). “I always knew I would start my own design business, and that was always the vision. I have been sewing professionally for a long time. Our first business location was in a small retail building near our Southern Hills Mall shopping area, and opened in May 1999, a week after graduation. “My dad gave me the first month’s rent, and I have been in business ever since. My grandfather (who was also an entrepreneur and started a construction company, bought a lumber yard, and ran his own longhorn cattle business) always told me to value my reputation and do my best work with every customer, and you will always have customers. I have always remembered that and try to live by that daily, striving to do my work to the best of my ability, and I have never not had work”. In 2016, something fascinating happened. I found a place where my dream could grow.

Located in the historic Old Town Leeds Bank Building, this hidden gem of a 3,000 sq. foot creative space sat empty for about 5 years. What once was a hub of industry almost 100 years ago, this space has housed a historic bank, a modern bank, a wooden furniture factory, and most recently, a computer store. The large wood floor had been used as a practice floor for the adjoining dance studio located next door. The upstairs was a roller-skating rink back in the day, and the adjoining mirror image space was the original Leed’s grocery store.

 

Joi had a vision when she walked into a dusty but sound building. It was love at first sight.

 

“I had driven by this building for almost 18 years and literally never noticed it. By chance, I noticed it in April 2016, and now after the remodel I feel amazed and blessed that this is all my creative space. Well, it is a place to make things that make people happy and impact their lives. It really is for you, my sewing family and friends. I am very humbled.” Designer Joi

 

Joi saw an industrial-looking wood floor meant to be refinished and to house her tables and machines, an amazing old bank vault needing some paint and a creative touch, large walls waiting for beautiful artwork and inspiration, a giant storefront window waiting for objects that would inspire and entertain the viewer on one of Sioux City’s busiest streets and ready for Joi’s creative touch.

 

From April 2016 to September 2016, it took time to plan, remodel, move, and put everything in the right place.

 

Now, Joi does her sewing and design work here every day, films videos, photographs her work, teaches classes, hosts sewing groups & schools and more, the space is outfitted with a classroom full of sewing machines, features a creative area for consulting with design clients, racks of beautiful fabrics, a fun chalkboard wall for guests to sign, inspirational photos, machines by BERNINA, thousands of spools of Mettler thread, colorful dress forms, beautiful chairs, striking garments and more . . .