Advise needed, re: teaching sewing

My sister works at Hancock Fabrics and they have sewing classes. My mom also used to teach at the local schools adult ed. sewing classes. In Bedford MI, they have a community ed organization that teaches classes like that also. Maybe this will give you some where to start.

Cindy

Reply to
Jeanne Burton
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Hello,

Two ladies working with a one of my relatives would like to learn how to sew. I have been sewing since I was a little girl and would say my sewing skills are pretty good. I've made everything except a formal gown. A basic search on Google turned up a couple of interesting books on the subject that I will try to get from the library before buying. Does anyone have any advice for me? As far as I can tell by searching the phone book and checking my local fabric stores, no adult classes are offered in the area. There are several quilting classes, but no basic sewing for garments classes. My main concern is teaching out of my house. I do have space and three extra sewing machines, but I worry about strangers in the house. These two ladies that are interest do not justify renting classroom space. My ears are open to any ideas, any at all. Thanks, Liz

Reply to
Ward

Do you have a couple of portable sewing machines? Or do *they* have sewing machines? If so, why not teach in one of *their* homes? All you need is some cutting out space and a table for the machines. Next week I'm back at my son's school, and will take 3 or four machines in for them to play with: the Featherweight (kids love it coz it's so cute!), the Elna Lotus (they love that too, coz it looks like a toy and works like a pro!), and the Viscount (more stitches, but still simple, and built like a brick netty!). I may also take Lily so we have another zigzag machine (kids love Lily because she never messes up, and the boys LOVE writing their names!)

Plan the lessons carefully, and give them some 'homework' to do between lessons. I usually plan lessons round a simple garment, and we make a portfolio of samples of each technique that they can keep and refer to for ever more. Take a look at the Sewing for Dummies patterns as a starting point, or the Kwick-Sew teaching patterns.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Thank you Jeanne and Kate for your good advise. The two woman in question won't be ready for sewing class until after summer. That gives me some time to plan something. I do have portable machines that I could take to one of their homes. No Hancock stores in this area, only Joann's ... lots of Joann's.

Reply to
Ward

Hi Liz: Could I just add that, if they are complete newbies, do not start on clothes? In my experience, making their own clothes and having problems with fit and mistakes are what discourages most people from venturing forth on their own.... I would suggest something simple like hotmats, teacosies, and butcher aprons as beginning projects. Or: pillow cases and cushions, drawstring bags - anything that they don't have to wear. From there I would graduate to the "It's Sew Easy" patterns by Simplicity or the simpler Kwik Sew or Burda patterns. Something to start with that gives them a sense of accomplishment and an "I can" attitude goes a long way! Cynthia

Reply to
Cynthia Spilsted

I agree! Just like in knitting...I've seen so many people get completely turned off because they started out trying to learn to knit with something that needed to 'fit', like a sweater. Much easier to learn the basics on a dishcloth, or an afghan, and then tackle the problems associated with gauge, etc.

Doreen in Alabama

Reply to
Doreen

Reply to
Amber

Thank you all for your help. I believe these two ladies do have very basic sewing skills. They want to know how to insert a sleeve, do a cuff, the different zippers including a fly front, buttonholes, and notched collars. They haven't asked for classes on making a garment, just the skills they will need to do it on their own. I'll keep you posted.

Liz

Reply to
Ward

Reply to
sewing4ever

Thanks for the tip! The sample idea is a good one, plus I like the idea of them leaving with something they can reference later on.

Liz

Reply to
Ward

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