SUMMER TIME!

So here I am months later, wondering, what happened? Why didn't I post since Christmas? I have gotten projects done, found inspiration for projects and had some good ideas that were worth something, but eh, it just didn't rank. Now it's summer, I don't get to dance as much and I have all this time to.........TEACH. Which I have discovered is the true passion for me, not the dance, not the sewing, but the helping others learn how to do it, and do it how they want within or beyond their capabilities.

So it's time to commit! I am going to do a class EVERY week. Saturday mornings 10:30am until you leave, and then Tuesday evenings 6pm until you leave. Regalitos Quilt shop at ART 634 has graciously offered me to use her space, with all her tables and cutting boards and everything! The first hour will be $15 and $10 after that. Stay up to 3 hours :) All classes are open to 8 years old and up, unless otherwise noted.

So here's the schedule. PLEASE let me know if you have questions regarding a certain class, project, or any other aspect of the classes. 

Saturday July 7th: MEET YOUR MACHINE- Bring your own machine in, even if you have never made a single thing with it, and I will show you how to wind a bobbin, thread your machine, change the tension, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, or button hole. Anything your machine can do I will help you walk through it. Bring that every growing mending pile with you for practice. Or I will have supplies for you to make a fabric bag out of upholstery samples.

Tuesday July 10th: FOLLOWING A PATTERN- So you had thought you would teach yourself by getting a pattern from Jo-Ann's and there it sits, or you just want to learn how to follow a pattern. Bring your own supplies ( at least a pattern and any notions the pattern calls for, they will help you figure that out at JoAnn's if you ask) Regalitos has wonderful cotton fabrics, but remember you may want a different material for different projects. Bring it all with you and I will walk you through cutting it out, pinning, sewing and finishing. To keep it a one class project pick something relatively simple. Baby clothes or accessory patterns are usually simple, as well as aprons, skirts, dog clothes, or hats (which are all nice in Cotton).

Saturday July 21st: SEWING HOME-  Pillow covers can spruce up the couch, curtains add a new splash of color to the living room, cloth napkins always impress guests with your ecologically friendly entertaining, place mats or a runner for the table always look nice, or go functional with cloth snack bags. Just pick a project you have been wanting to do around your house, get your fabric and I will help you with the rest. Most household projects work well in the beautiful cottons available at Regalitos, but if you want sheers you'll want to get that ahead of time. Feel free to call with ANY questions about quantity before you buy your fabric!

Tuesday July 24th: REDESIGN- Sometimes great thrift store finds show their true colors the first wear or even once you just get into better light. Have you bought a shirt, then found a stain or tear? We can make the shirt better for it! Have you bought a skirt, but there's not enough leg room for you to move? We can add some gores to it (they will make it flare). Bought something you loved the color, let's make it into something new! Bring options to this class and we can brainstorm together and make over your clothes. You'll be surprised how easy it is!

Saturday August 4th: EMBELISH- Some simple embroidery stitches with bright colored thread, a few beads, an accent color sewn on; anything you can think of can hide a stain, or just spruce up a old skirt your are bored with. I will provide some embellishing options, but there is also Bead Culture at Art 634 if you want to get the perfect beads. I will have some books for inspiration, and you may want to bring a few projects, just to give yourself options and ideas. This class will be mostly hand sewing, there will be lots of time for chatting and helping each other. This would be the perfect class to bring your redesigned clothes from Saturday the 24th's class and add your personalized finishing touches.

Tuesday August 7th: TEAM BUILDING- Bring a team mate (5 years and up), your team mate can draw you the stuffed toy you will create. I will have an assortment of fabrics, notions and everything you'll need to make whatever creation you and your team mate can think of! Great time to build a relationship and teach kids how to work together and they always LOVE to see one of their drawings come to life. They will also enjoy seeing how you can take 2 dimensional fabric and make a wonderful 3 dimensional creature!

Well, hopefully something will pique your interest and you can let me know you want to be there! I will try and post weekly updates with an example prior to the class, to also remind you how you want to take them!

Happy sewing!