Setting the scene. The middle of Yearbook class with 28 students asking questions, uploading photos, checking out cameras, selling ads, entering sales, layout and color and design decisions. In other words, controlled chaos. But good at that as we approach our first deadline of 48 pages.
In the midst of all of this one of my other students, from first hour and my business club who is a hard worker at the coffee stand, quietly sneaks up behind me and when I turn around she says she was sent up to me because I would be able to help her. She had fabric, pattern and wonder-under in her hand. She was sent up to me by the Home Ec teacher so that I could help her figure out her quilt pattern. Yes, a quilt pattern. It's not especially quilty since it is a design that is traced on wonder-under and cut out and flipped over and ironed on the backing fabric and stitched all around the raw edges, but it is a start. So, I explained the process, explained the difference between ironing and pressing, explained the importance of pressing very flat and not pressing in wrinkles, cutting carefully, even all the little snippets, and that patience would be needed. She was shocked to learn that she would have to cut out all those little spots around the eagles wings and moose horns and the like. And yes she would be satin stitching around it all. "But that's so much to cut out." And I replied, "Oh my dear, yes it is for your first project but you'll do fine, and I'll bring in a picture of my fireweed quilt to show you a whole lot of cut outs."
So on Wednesday she got her pattern traced and today she got the pattern pressed on the fabric and started cutting out. There were a few snippet problems but I got her started on an easier spot and will bring in my short fine-point applique scissors tomorrow for her to use. One step at a time. Apparently it is a pattern that her Grandpa and Uncle designed but she is making it for herself.
So I thought, how ironic that the Home Ec teacher would send a student up to the male business-computer teacher to be taught a few things about sewing. I love it. It was a funny but bright spot in the day.
Steven Alaska