Summer Camps

It still seems like a long way off, but a heads up that I will be hosting kids summer sewing camps in 2012.   The kids who took this class last summer had so much fun and I had great feedback from parents.  I am reorganizing the way I schedule these classes so that it will be easier to schedule them around vacations.  Last year I offered 12 hours of classes over 3 weeks.  This year they will be scheduled 1 week at a time with a total of 9 hours of instruction per week.

The weekly sessions will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30AM-12:30PM.  I may add a 1PM - 4PM class some weeks if the morning class fills up.  The cost is still being determined, but will be right around $100 per week with you providing the supplies to make the projects (fabric, thread, zippers, elastic, etc).  I will still be providing sewing machines, scissors, patterns, pins, and all the non consumable supplies of that nature.  If you have never sewn with me before then you will also be required to take a 1 time beginners class.  This class will either be held on Monday or Friday.   It will last 3 hours.  The exact cost for this class is still being determined, but will not exceed $30.

If you would like me to keep you updated on exactly which weeks class will be held and other details on summer camp then send me an email and ask to be notified when I post the schedules for these classes.  I will post all the information under my camps tab as soon as I get all the information figured out.  Keep checking back for more details!

UPDATE: I had a few minutes and decided to go ahead and figure out as much of the summer schedule as I could.  Prices and policies along with the June class dates are all up on the blog now!  Look under the Camps tab to see all the information.  Hopefully I will get July and August dates solidified and up in the next month or so.  Until then feel free to contact me about any June classes you are interested in as I will honor the multiple class discount if you reserve one or more classes for June now and then reserve a July or August date within 2 weeks of them being posted!

Poodle Skirts Galore and future plans!

Well, I finally finished all of those poodle skirts for my daughter's 5th grade music performance!  In a matter of just a few weeks I made all of these skirts (plus 1 that is not shown), taught my regular weekly classes and cut and prepared over 100 pieces of vinyl for an order from the other part of my business, and of course continued to play mom to my 4 wonderful children!   I have never been so glad for a month to be over! 

Now that that is over I am trying to take my house back ;)  I have had to make some hard decisions this last month as things just got way out of control busy.  I have decided to do fewer ongoing classes and more camp type classes.  My family has to come first and things are just way too busy around here.  So, if you would like to be kept updated about when we will be having another camp class then please email me to get on my mailing list.  I will send out an email each time I schedule a new class.   Thanks!

5th Grade Poodle Skirts!

As promised here is a picture of the sample skirt.  The order forms must be turned in to your child's teacher or Mrs. Harvey by this Friday at the start of school.  I will be picking up the order forms right after school starts!  The sample will also be on display in Mrs. Harvey's classroom this week.

If you have any questions then feel free to call or email me.

Homeschool Sewing Class!

I have been teaching a home school sewing class for some friends.  Today was our 3rd lesson.  I took some pictures last week that I forgot to post so I am putting them below.  Also, something that I remembered today and wanted to post.  Sewing is great for math.  Today we talked about fractions and what 5/8 inch was.  There is a lot of measuring, fractions, learning to follow directions, and I am sure other things that I am not thinking of right now that you need to learn to sew.

 I can never seem to get the pictures to go exactly where I want them.  Sigh!  Oh well.  You get the idea!

Sew Much to Share!

Like my little play on words!  Life has been incredibly busy around here.  I thought things would slow down once my kids started back into school, but that is not the case!  The thing I have not really gotten around to is updating the blog!  So, today there will be several things going on here.  I am going to get back to my roots and post some sewing projects that will be included in the upcoming Kids Saturday Camps!

First I have a couple of projects that you can make in the accessory class.  The fringe scarf is super cute!  Either this or the hat below could make a really cute holiday gift for someone!

We also will have a matching hat with a poof of fringe on the top!  I must say that my model is oh so cute!  She was very helpful in showing off the scarf and hat!

We also have the doll sleeping bag and pillow that can be made in the slumber party class!  The pillow  is hard to see as it matches the inside of the sleeping bag, but if you look closely you can see it poking above the top of the sleeping bag.

If these projects look like fun then check out the Saturday Camps that are posted under the camp tab on the sidebar!  Stay tuned for more featured projects in the upcoming days!

Sewing class pictures!!

Well, with my computer breaking down last week I am a bit behind on posts.  I changed over to a Mac so that brings its own set of challenges, but I am liking it so far.  Since I am now getting the hand of it and starting to catch up from having no computer and then having to get everything up and running on a new one..... I am ready to start posting again!

First of all I have some summer camp pictures that never got posted!


Here is Halle showing off the doll skirt that she made.  It is super cute and matching the one she made for herself!  Halle also made a secret project that I promised her I would not post here until after her mom's birthday next month.  She made something special just for her!  It turned out great!







Here we have Emma showing off 2 things.  She made a peasant nightgown for her doll.  She is the first person I have taught how to use elastic thread.   She did a great job and I think she convinced me to start teaching both the girl's and doll's peasant nightgowns that way.  I really is not that hard to do and looks so much cuter!  She also made a doll sized drawstring bag which you can see in the peace sign printed fabric.  Not shown is the super cute patch purse and pod pouch to carry a MP3 player in!  She was busy this session!

Riley made both pajama shorts and a top to match.  This picture is just of the top.  She successfully learned about adding a facing to the neck of a shirt.  She did a great job on her shirt!

We had so much fun!!!  If your child wants to learn to sew then be sure to check out the weekly classes tab and the camp tab.  I have scheduled some Saturday camps that should be really fun!!!

An unexpected favorite things post!

Well, this weekend did not go quite as planned.  I had planned to turn out some really cute projects yesterday and to get them up on the blog.  However, my computer had other plans. The power on it died!  So instead of creating some really cute stuff I ended up spending the day figuring out computer stuff.  I ended up having to get a new computer and it is now at the store with the old one so they can get the stuff off of my old one and transfer it over.  We knew this day was coming, but had hoped to hold it off for a while.  So, since I am on a borrowed computer, without all of my files, today I get to post something that I had not planned on.  It is officially a My Favorite Things post!!!!

So today I have decided to share one of my favorite finds.  This is one of those things that you discover and think how did I not know about this sooner! Why did no one clue me in about this sooner!  It is a very simple product called a fabric turner. Maybe I am the only one who was clueless about this product, but just in case I am not the only one here it is!  There are 2 versions of this product.  The 2 links below will take you to sites where you can see what I am talking about.  This is not an endorsement of any particular brand - they were just the first ones I found in my search.  There are 2 kinds.  You will have to decide which you like better.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd2991

http://www.createforless.com/Dritz+Loop+Turner+Quick+Turn+Fabric+Tube+Set/pid173792.aspx

What can these little wonders do.  You know how when you are making a tie for a dress you sew the 2 long sides and 1 of the short sides right sides together.  Then you have to use the open side to turn it right side out.  I hate doing this.  It is cumbersome - especially when you are dealing with narrow ties.  Well, these products make it easy and fast!   I no longer mind doing ties as it goes so quickly and is not at all cumbersome.

I think the one with the hook on the end is pretty self explanatory.  Stick it inside and hook the far end of the tie and pull it back towards the opening to turn it.  The other one may not be as clear from looking at it.  You essentially put the tube inside the opening and all the way up to the end.  Then you take the dowel and push the small closed end of the fabric into the tube and keep pushing until it comes out the other end.  Then pull it the rest of the way through with the dowel now inside the tube.  Use the dowel to get your corners square and then take the dowel out.  I am not sure how clear that is, but it really is super easy.  When I get my computer back I will post some pictures of what I mean.

Hopefully this is helpful and makes your sewing easier and more enjoyable.  Stay tuned for some really cute stuff to be posted mid week.  And then once school starts in a couple of weeks and 3 of my 4 little munchkins are gone for at least a few hours of the day I hope to have time to start posting a ton of new fun stuff!!!

Enjoy!

A fun day in class!

Today in class Emma finished her doll skirt and started a doll size drawstring bag to match the one she made for herself.  She wanted to wait to finish the bag and then take a picture of both together... so stay tuned for that update. 

Riley is working on a top to go with her shorts that she made.  She is doing a great job and working hard on it.


Julia has decided to try her hand at a no sew blanket.  You use fleece, cut fringe on the edges and then knot the fringe. 

Halle finished her skirt today and started on a matching one for her doll. 

Two more classes in this session.  I am excited to see what other great projects the girls will finish!

More Fun Projects!

It is hard to believe, but we are half way through the 2nd session.  The girls have been busy sewing all sorts of fun stuff. 

Riley and Halle hanging out at the sewing machines!

Emma using elastic thread for the 1st time on a doll peasant nightgown. 

Emma showing off her peasant nightgown and the skirt she made for her doll.  The doll shirt is a partially finished peasant top that I am working on.  It's not quite finished, but the doll needed a top to wear for the picture and it was handy!

Halle showing off her 1st finished project.  Her drawstring bag.  She did a great job and is now working on her skirt. 

Just for fun.  After class Emma was waiting for her mom when she and Julia decided that my thread drawer needed to be organized by color.  It looks a whole lot better than it did before!  Julia just finished a pod pouch.  We need to take a picture of it so I can post it.  It is a little pouch with a ribbon attached for carrying around your ipod!  She has been proudly carrying it around everywhere we go.  She has decided to make a tied blanket next. 

We are having a lot of fun!  If you know someone who would like to join us for future classes then have them check out the weekly classes tab for my upcoming schedule or keep an eye on the camp tab as I will be scheduling and posting some more camp classes soon!

Best Bobbin Storage Ever!!!

I don't know about you, but I have always hated how my spools of thread and my bobbins come unwound and get all tangled up.  Well, a few months ago I found the best bobbing storage solution ever!  The Clover Stack 'N Store.  It holds about 30 bobbins and it keeps the bobbins from coming unwound and getting tangled.  It cost just under $11 on Amazon. 

http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Stack-Store-Bobbin-Zieman/dp/B002BOSYW4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310956128&sr=8-2

Now I just need a similar solution for all of my spools of thread.  I have a couple of decent ideas that I need to try, but I don't think any of them will contain the ends and keep them from unwinding as well as this great tool!  

Remember that I am now taking registrations for my Fall classes!   There is a special deal for those who sign up early!  Check out the weekly classes tab!

Ribbon Storage Tip!

I have an organization tip that I have been meaning to share here.  I am not a naturally organized person.  Which means that I am always searching for ideas on how to improve my organization.  My ribbon collection was in need of an organization makeover and I came across a great idea to help me.  I do not remember where the idea came from or I would give credit to the source.  Anyways here it is!

I now take all of my ribbon off of the spools and wrap them around foam board that I have cut to the size of my storage drawers.  I put similar colors on the same board and then file them in my drawers.  I have significantly cut down on the space that my ribbon takes up by doing this!  I use a sewing pin to secure the end of each ribbon.

So now at a glance I can see what I have and it takes up less space.  I love this solution and hope that it helps someone else out too!

Fall Schedule and Last Summer Camp!

I only have 1 or 2 spots left in the July/ August summer camp.  If you are interested then hurry and sign up before they are gone!

I have finally posted my Fall schedule.  These classes start in September, but I am running a special deal for those who sign up by the 1st of August.  Check your schedules and reserve your spot soon to get the best deal.  I am starting with Mondays and Tuesdays.  If those days don't work for you then call or email and let me know when does work.  If enough people get on the wait list for a specific time then I will try to do a class at that time.

Check out the camp tab and the weekly classes tab at the top for more information on either of the above classes!

Last Class!

We had our last class of the June session last week.  I took a few pictures.  The girls worked on trying to finish their peasant nightgowns.  A few of them finished.  Most of them just needed to thread their elastic through the casings and hem the nightgown before they are done. 

Here are a few pictures of Grace and Riley showing off their finished projects!

Everyone did a great job and we had a great time.  I am looking forward to beginning the next session which goes for the last 2 weeks of July and the 1st week of August.  Check out the camp tab for more details! 

Keep watching...  More to come soon!

So much fun! So little time to post!!!!

Well, it has been a busy few weeks and I cannot believe that today is the last day of this session of sewing class. The girls have completed their drawstring bags and their skirts.  Today we are working on finishing up our peasant nightgowns.  It has been so much fun!  Here are a few pictures of the last few weeks.

 Here is Jenna with both her drawstring bag and skirt.   All of the skirts turned out so cute!

 

And we also have Berlynn showing off her drawstring bag.  It turned out great!

Sydney showing of her cute bag!

Somehow I missed a picture of Riley and her bag and skirt.  She must have run out the door too fast!  We will have to get an extra cute one of her today!  She also did a great job on her projects.

And from the other class we have Grace, Emma and Julia showing off their skirts.  They all turned out great!

If anyone is interested in additional classes then feel free to check out the camp and weekly classes tabs up above!

Day 2 of Classes!

On day 2 of classes we continued working on our drawstring bags.  The 1st class is getting close to finishing them and the 2nd class pretty much finished their bags yesterday.  It was a whirlwind of activity, but I think everyone is still having fun! 

The earlier class was moving so quickly yesterday that I did not get any pictures taken.  I did get a few pictures of the later class.

The 9:30 class should finish up their bags Tuesday morning and then start their skirts.  So please make sure that they have all the supplies they need for both projects. 
The 11:30 class will start their skirts Tuesday.  Please see that they have all the supplies for this project.

First Day of Classes!!!

Today was our 1st day of classes and it was so much fun.  I enjoyed every minute of it and the morning flew by.  We started the day by talking about some of the rules that we must follow to keep everyone safe (parents: you can check out the policies tab to see some of the rules we went over) and a basic introduction to the sewing machine and how to use it.  Then the real fun began!

Here Riley and Julia are sewing on paper without any thread in the machines.  I have a variety of shapes and patterns for the kids to follow as they practice everything from sewing a straight line to pivoting at a corner or doing curves.  The kids try to sew so the holes made by the needle follow the lines.  I sent some home with the kids and told them that they could practice at home if it was O.K. with their parents and if they had time.  It is just a fun way to practice controlling where the machine is stitching!

After that we moved on to cutting out our tissue paper pattern, pinning it to our fabric and then cutting out the fabric.  The girls got a great start on their drawstring bags.  The 2nd class, where the girls are a bit older, even started to fold up and pin the edges of their bags.

 Berlynn and Sydney show off their fabric that is all cut out, but still attached to the paper pattern.  They did a great job getting those pins in.  It can be a bit tricky for little hands.

Emma and Grace were busy pinning that edge getting it ready to sew.  Only 3 more edges to go!

Jenna is busy inspecting her work.  She was getting ready to start cutting her fabric when this picture was taken.

I had a great time with the girls today and I think they had a good time at their 1st class as well.  I am excited for tomorrow when we will be able to make more progress on those drawstring bags!

Shorts and other news!

And for anyone who has been waiting to hear.... We are staying put for now!!!! Yay!!! That means that I am now officially moving forward with my business.  I am so excited!  I only have 1 spot left in my classes that start this week, but there are quite a few left in my July/Aug. class.  Check out the links above for more information on the summer camps.  If none of those work for you then let me know some days and times that would work for you in the Fall and join us for our after school classes!

These are the shorts from Girl's Level 1 Classics.  I made them from a denim material, but I could also see these being made with flannel and used as pajamas.  There are so many options when you are making them yourself. 

Remember all of the projects that have been featured so far are from the 1st girl's book.  That means that all of these projects and more would be made in their 1st year of classes.  Happy Sewing!!!

Round Neck Blouse

I disappeared for a few days!  We had both my parents and in-laws in town for the holiday weekend for a special family event.  It was a lot of fun, but I did not get much sewing done.  Before they got here I had most of this shirt done and today I was able to finish it off.  This shirt is assembled just like the square neck blouse.  The only difference in the two projects is the shape of the neck.  It is a great project to continue practicing what we will be learning.

I have to ask that you excuse the picture quality.  My good camera is temporarily unavailable and so I have to settle for my camera that does not take as good of quality of pictures.  The pictures over the next week or so are likely going to be taken with the inferior camera, but you still can get the idea of what the project looks like.  Until next time... Happy Sewing!

Square Neck Blouse!

Another project from the Girl's level 1 - classics book.  The square neck blouse.

There are 2 pattern pieces for this shirt.  You cut 2 pieces of fabric from each pattern piece.  The front and the back are the same and then the other 2 pieces are to use as facing at the neckline.  The facing is a piece that is cut the same as the neck opening and then is sewn to the neck opening with both fabrics right sides together and then you turn the facing through the neck opening to the inside of the garment.  This produces a finished edge at the neckline instead of the raw or unfinished edge that was there before.  Adding the facing, which means getting it all lined up and sewing it in correctly, is the hardest part of this project and a key new skill.  There are several projects that practice this skill. 
In the next few days I will be featuring another project from the Girl's Level 1 classics book.  Until then - Happy Sewing!

Project #2 and a preview of the rest

As promised here is a picture of the simple skirt that is project #2.

It is hard to see, but there is a small piece of fabric sewn at the top of the slit in the back.  This helps the skirt not to rip open at the top of the slit.  The main part of this skirt is made from 1 pattern piece.  There is a 2nd pattern piece for the piece that is sewn at the top of the slit.  This skirt reinforces the concepts of sewing a straight line and hemming.  It also shows how to make a casing for the elastic waistband and how to thread the elastic through that casing.  This skirt was made from a jean material, but this skirt can also be made from any woven cotton material that is not stretchy or slick.  Stretchy and slick materials are harder to work with and we want the kids to be successful on this project. 

You can also add 2 buttons to this skirt.  They are purely decorative and optional, but if you choose to use them then you put them on the tab that is sewn onto the skirt at the top of the slit.  I chose not to add them to this skirt.

For those of you who are wondering what is coming next I have copied some drawings of the different projects in the first book.  After the denim skirt the kids can choose which item they would like to tackle next.  I suggest the pants or shorts simply because I think they are a bit easier, but if they want to tackle one of the tops or night shirts then they are able to do that as their next project as well. 

Back Slit Denim Skirt		Square Neck Blouse		Nightshirt
Side Seam Pants		Round Neck Blouse		Peasant Blouse
Shorts		Sewing Bag
Peasant Nightgown		Notions Bag

If you are wondering about boys or teens then rest assured that there are separate books for these groups that tackles projects that would be of more interest to them.  I will post a picture of the projects in those books sometime soon.  I am willing to teach a class to either of these groups as long as we can find 4 students wanting to take the class.  So get your friends together and come have fun learning to sew together!  And until then happy sewing!!!