Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Titus 2: Basic Sewing, Part 2 REMINDER

This Thursday, July 8th 6:30-8:15pm will be the next basic sewing class. It is designed for beginners, but anyone may attend. We will be measuring, marking, cutting and sewing a reversible table runner for your table.

If you would like to make your own table runner, remember to measure the longest side of your table and bring following items (many items can be borrowed if you don't have them).
  • Sewing machine
  • Two yards of two different (but complimentary) fabrics at least 44" wide (depending on the size of runner you want). Cotton or cotton/polyester is preferred for beginners.
  • Spool of thread to match fabrics
  • Any desired embellishments (ribbon, tassels, rick rack, etc.)
  • Straight pins, pin cushion
  • Fabric scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Marking pencil/chalk
Feel free to attend to just observe or assist if you have some experience.

See the original post here.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Titus 2: Sewing, Part 2

The Titus 2 first beginning sewing class went exceptionally well. We had a handful of ladies with their sewing machines and owner's manuals attend. Everyone learned something new -- even me! Who would have thought that space age technology would have been used on the humble gears of a sewing machine? Of course, it WAS European. Ahem.

The next sewing class is still for beginners, but anyone may attend. We will be measuring, marking, cutting and sewing a reversible table runner for your table.

What to bring...
To prepare for it, attendees must do a little homework. First, measure the longest side of your dining table (or the table you want to sew for). For round tables, just measure the diameter (how long it is across the middle). Keep that measurement in mind for the class. Then purchase (or find in your stash of unused fabric) two yards each of two different (but complimentary) fabrics that are on a bolt at least 44" wide. They ought to be cotton or cotton/polyester. If you are more adventurous, check the home decorator fabrics and look for flannel-backed vinyl, or something brocade. These bolts are usually 56" wide and will afford you more extra fabric for placemats or other items you wish to make.

Also bring a spool of thread that matches the fabric, and bring it to class. If you'd like to add embellishments (such as ribbon or tassels or rick-rack) select those things and bring them along. Straight pins in a pin cushion will also be helpful, as will fabric scissors (these would be the sharpest scissors in your house that you diligently protect from use on such things as plastic blister packs or flower stems), a tape measure and a marking pencil or chalk. Don't worry if you don't have all these things -- there will be some on hand at class as well. Once you know how to make your table runner, you can use leftover fabric to make matching place mats -- the steps are the same; just the shape is different.

And don't forget your sewing machine and owners manual! We could also use a couple ironing boards and irons.

At the class...
Due to the fact that there will be variations in the amount of time each person may take to accomplish each step in class, early birds may begin as soon as they arrive, and although the class will be addressed step by step as a group, individual progress will be assisted. The Lord provided helpers at the last meeting who were gracious and good company, and I trust He will watch over our efforts in our next class as well. Even better than a make-it and take-it sewing class, these events are a place where the love of Christ is exhibited and friendships can flourish. Please attend, even if you don't have a machine. To tell you the truth, I never got to sew until I was out of my mother's house -- she made the things I selected, pinned, marked and cut -- the preparation for the machine! So see you there!

Thursday, July 8th, 6:30-8:15pm, join Laura Vollmer for the 2nd Basic Sewing class as she helps you use your sewing machine to make a table runner. Experienced sewers are welcome to come and help the novices.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Titus 2: Basic Sewing, Part 1

You see someone wearing a cute dress or carrying a cute bag, and after the compliment they say, “Oh, I made this!” Or you walk into someone’s house and notice how the window treatments and the cushions on the dining chairs are coordinated and so unique, and again, the hostess lets you in on her secret – “I made it last summer!” Do you feel frustrated, left out, defeated? You don’t have to.

Sewing by machine uses one needle, going up and down, one stitch at a time, primarily in a straight line. If you can hold your fabric steady along a guideline right there on the machine, you can say “I made it!” too. The first step is to open the box and make the acquaintance of your sewing machine. Right there in the box with the machine should be the owner’s manual, and if it’s missing you can probably find it online. It will not only tell you how to use the machine, it will give you the names of all the parts, and will make recommendations on certain sewing actions – how to pick the right needle for any type of fabric, or how to put a buttonhole into your garment. I promise you’ll learn how to sew faster than you could learn any other foreign language.

We won’t go too fast for you. We’ll take most of the mystery out of it the first night. You’ll have something to show for your efforts right away, though you might not think you’ve made anything spectacular. You’ll see. Just bring your machine, even if it’s still in the box.

Thursday, June 10, 6:30 pm, join Laura Vollmer for the first Basic Sewing class as she helps you use your sewing machine. Bring it along! (even if it's still in the box). Experienced sewers are welcome to come and help the novices. In July and August and September there will be followup sessions.