Sewing class

Earlier this summer, one of my friends told me that she had signed up for a sewing class that was canceled. I told her I could teach her, for free. Pretty soon it became a four-member class, and we were off. I don't charge them, but they pay for my gas (they are about 45 minutes from me).

All of the class members had some experience sewing, but felt they were missing some of the basics, so that is where we started. When I was in high school, girls usually took "Home Ec" where they taught you (among other things) how to sew. I wanted to to take Wood Shop -- I already knew how to sew. My mother had been making clothes for herself, my sister and my brother all my life, her mother had always sewn, it was just normal for us to sew. But, in the early 1970's, they would not let girls take shop; I was an ace at Home Ec, though, since I already did all the things they taught us. Anyway, back to the basics class...

Over several weeks, I showed the class how to use their machines. For a project, they all made a scrub top. That allowed them to learn how to read and use patterns and how to construct and finish a garment. We followed that with a lesson on installing zippers. Now each member is working on his/her own project (half of the class are guys), and we are meeting bi-weekly for support.

I have really enjoyed this group. I enjoy sewing, and the class/group has led me into more creative sewing over the past few weeks. I made several throw pillows, to illustrate different methods:

Then, because one of the women has been making bags, I tried my hand at bag making. I made a laptop bag. It has a pocket on the outside, two zippered pockets inside and a divided interior. You'll note that it looks a lot like the pillows -- I'm working off a stash of upholstery-weight fabric that she gave me.

While I was working in this vein, I made my sister a birthday present using the "Wasp Bag" pattern from Alison Reeve and machen/machen. Again, I used some of the same fabric as the pillows, this purse has an inset pocket and a key-chain holder, and a magnetic latch. I've shown it sitting up, by itself, on my couch. I fused a very stiff interfacing to the already heavy fabric to create a purse that holds its shape.

I'm fired-up about sewing gifts now, so I've been collecting patterns and ideas. I've made pajamas and/or robes for my kids for Christmas the last couple of years; I'm ready to try something different.

I hope that our sewing group/circle will continue for a while, it is a lot of fun.