Level 1: Sewing Machine Basics

Students will learn how to operate their own sewing machine (or rent one). Students will make a pin cushion and./ or small stuffed animal. This class will cover the fundamentals of sewing machine use and sewing terminology. I recommend one hour sessions for sewing machine basics.

Lesson 1:

Sewing Safety and Machine Basics

Students will learn about sewing safety. Students will learn terminology and sewing machine basics such as threading, bobbin winding and handling the machine.

Lesson 2:

Students will learn the basic Sewing machine operations such as straight sewing, reverse, cutting threads. Students will learn pattern basics and cut up a small pattern.

Lesson 3:

Students will complete a simple pin cushion project with their sewing machine

Level 2: Beginning Garment

Estimated 5 classes, 2 hours each (Or the student can do additional work on their own)

Project costs are extra.

Students will make either pajama shorts or pants for their first project. Students aged 13 and up may select any project they choose. This class covers the fundamentals of beginning sewing for the new sewer, and those who desire a refresher. Students choose their own project and work at their own pace. Includes measuring for pattern size, pattern selection and pattern envelope reading, fabric and notion selection, pattern layout, cutting, sewing machine use, and sewing to complete the garment. Due to the complexity of the project students choose, completion may not be possible in this 5-week session.

Lesson 1, this is the INTRODUCTION CLASS: (30 minute class)

Fabric information, measuring for pattern size, pattern selection and pattern envelope reading, fabric and notion selection are discussed. Students will actually need shop for their fabric and pattern after this first class meeting. Fabric pre-wash and care information discussed, and pattern piece cut-out. A sewing machine is not needed for the first class meeting.

Lesson 2:

Students return with their fabric washed and the pattern pieces cut out (not the fabric), ready to layout their project. Instruction is given regarding grain-line of fabric and pattern piece coordination, fold-line vs. selvage relationship, etc. Student will cut out of project and sewing starts. Sewing machine threading, and operating instructions are offered.

Lesson 3,4,5:

Students work to complete their projects. Due to the complexity of the project chosen, and the speed of the students accomplishing construction steps, completion may not be possible in the four lessons. Students may work at home on projects.

Level 3: Intermediate & Advanced Garment Sewing

Project costs are extra.

This class may be repeated as many times as desired by student

In order to advance their sewing knowledge and skills.

This class is for the student that knows how to read a pattern envelope and select fabric.

Any and all of these subjects can be included in an Intermediate Class:

• Upscaling old/used garments

• Costume sewing

• Garment alterations

• Mending

• Buttonholes

• Zippers

• Formal Wear

• Lining

• Pattern Alterations & Fitting

• Home Decorating items

Lesson 1:

Students should arrive with Pattern and supplies for garment. Sewing machines are needed for this first class meeting. Students may select projects with zippers and/or buttons. They arrive for class with their fabric washed (if washable fabric) and the tissue pattern pieces cut out. Please "bubble cut" out the paper pattern pieces. That means cut the pieces out beyond the size lines, leaving all sizes intact. You are simply separating the individual pattern pieces from the huge tissue paper sheets. If you feel confident enough to do so, you can pin the paper pattern pieces to the fabric if you would like, but please do not cut the fabric. Instruction is given regarding grain-line of fabric and pattern piece coordination, fold-line and selvage relationships, etc. Cutting out of project and sewing starts this class. Sewing machine threading, and operating instruction is offered if student needs help with their machine.

Lesson 2, 3 & 4:

Students work to complete their projects. Due to the complexity of the project chosen, completion may not be possible in the four class meetings.

Mend & Hem, and Alterations

Kids, Moms or anyone who want to save money! Use that dusty sewing machine to do the easy alternations needed! Bring your pile to this class! Bring your most challenging projects: sew on buttons, shorten dresses or skirts, hem your kids or spouse's pants, or sew on patches and badges to uniforms. Learn as much as possible in two hours. Can be scheduled as any one-time visit to any 2-hour intermediate/advanced class listed above (open or closed). This class can include how to use your sewing machine, if need be.

Open Sewing Class

Open class attendance

This class is for those students who wish to work on a specialized sewing technique such as tailoring, special occasion and wedding sewing, knits, costume sewing, or anything the student desires, or just needs extra time to finish their project. Choose a single class meeting at the intermediate/advanced level to learn to sew in a zipper. Sewing machine use/instructions are not offered in this class.