Sewing 101 Weekend Class full of beginning sewing enthusiest

Sunday's class was wonderful. A Class like this is the reason that I love to teach. There were 8 enthusiastic ladies, eager to learn to sew. The signed up for the Sewing 101 class which to many, are surprised that it is not a hands of class. In this class I do a floor walk explaining first how to read the end of a bolt of fabric and what to do with the information.

Next stop, is the pattern tables and files. We check out the pattern books, I show how to find the patterns in the files. After finding the pattern, I dissect the information on the back of the pattern. The amount of information shared at this point has many people glazing over. Not this group. I saw huge smiles and some "Aha" moments.

From there we head to the different fabric areas. Stopping at the cutting counter if they are not busy, (RARE) talk about the Viking center, and end up in the notions isle. At this point I discuss machine needles and pins and when to use which of the many varieties available. On the way back to the classroom I point out Buttons, zippers, and thread. More on threads and this group was pumped.

Back in the classroom, I answered lots of thought provoking questions, that helped bring all of the information together. Then we go into pattern direction information. Pattern layout point, and specifics. By the time we finished with patterns, out 2.5 hours was gone.

For those that were interested, I demonstrated, threading and bobbin winding on the machines that 2 ladies brought. Luck had it that one was a hook and the other a drop in bobbin. We discusses what to look for in a machine. With emphasis on "what do you plan on sewing with your machine... clothing, home interior, quilts?, what restrictions do you have? etc.

At the conclusion of the class, we scheduled a Machine Basics class so that they can bring in their machines and together work thru the details. the class will be on November 7th from 4-7 pm.

This was one of the most enjoyable classes in recent memory.

Quilting Class - has a ball.

Last Night's class was fun, with an interesting blend of students. Basically, there are 2 new quilters and an fairly experienced quiltier who is speedy McGraw. Last night was the 2nd of a 4 part class that I am extending to 5 parts because, the first night of the class was the first time I was teaching the Serene Shores quilt and quite honestly, the directions received from corporate that I used to teach from, were lacking. The cutting directions were not as accurate as I thought they should be, so I was struggling as an instructor.

That class was so frustrating for me, so I knew the ladies were also. The only fair thing to do was to add another session. Last night, everyone received the written revision of the cutting directions. All but one student was contacted earlier in the week with an update, so we were cutting fabric and labeling it. So they of course have homework. The get to complete 18, Square-in-a-Square units and begin the 70 something flying geese. These were the units that I was unhappy about with the original directions. When using the original measurements, the points would be buried in the seam allowance.

So off to my handy, dandy, graph paper and I worked out better demensions. Now, I am happy to say the points will not be buried, and they will not float too far into the block either. Whew! they will have better pieced tops than my sample. I actually made my Sample in July, and had forgotten about the problems with the cutting.

Quilter's hint:

• When you are doing flying geese and square in a squares, add 1/8" to the logical dimensions so that you don't bury your points.
• Your quilt block will only work if you accurate with your cutting as well as piecing.
• For better piecing, press (and starch) as you go. Don't wait until you have finished the block. Units that are presses as they are created, are easier to piece into a block. Same goes for garment construction.
• Keeping an iron and pressing surface within reach of your sewing machine, makes pressing as you go, a breeze.

Do you have a hint to share, let me know and I will add it to my blog, giving you credit, of course!

Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch, Stitch, Stitch.

Karen