Last week was the last of our fall classes and workshops! I scheduled a much shorter fall session than typical this year since Baby Stitch should be making his or her appearance any day now! One of my teen students asked if I was sad that the sessions were over and I could so truthfully answer: Yes! and No! Obviously I'm so excited to welcome another little one but I had such a great time working with all of my students over the past few months and I'm already missing seeing everyone each week!
Here's a little roundup of what we worked on over September and October...
KIDS...
My Tuesday kids started off with cinched backpacks to store their projects and quickly moved on to some Stitch Softies. These are a favorite among my students! Each student designs their own animal and we work together to figure out how to bring those animals to life. It takes a few weeks to complete but the end results are always amazing!
My Wednesday ladies started September with their own cinched backpacks, an excellent project for practicing straight stitching. Next up were pillowcases with custom machine applique motifs. Lastly they tackled zippers with these adorable cupcake pouches. There was lots of handsewing and embroidery this fall!
When I asked what they wanted to make in October there was an overwhelming request for stuffed ice cream cones with pompoms. They practiced tracing patterns, sewing curves and clipping corners while bringing these sweets to life! Lastly they finished up with modified Purl Soho Gathered Skirts with POCKETS!
All students get their choice of fabric from our shelves and I love seeing their personality and eye for design come out in projects like this.
Kids Classes will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday next year. Winter and spring sessions are now open for registration. They sold out quickly this fall, so be sure to save your spot! REGISTER NOW
TEENS...
My teens are such a fun group to work with. They have a solid understanding of the sewing machine and loads of creativity, so we can take on some more technically challenging but open ended projects. In September we discussed the basics of Improvisational Quilting and they each designed their own wall hanging.
Next up was the Ms. Lipsie pattern from Lia Space. They were each provided with some basic guidelines: pattern pieces, zippers, embroidery "requirements", etc. and then let loose. I love what they came up with and wish I could keep these on display in the studio full time!
For the October sessions they wanted to try out some more traditional quilting. They each had a choice of 1 of 4 traditional blocks to make. Each block came with it's own fabric/color "rules". For the 9 patch block they had to choose a "warm" fabric and "cool" fabric, for the rail fence block they had to choose 1 main print and 2 supporting prints, etc.
Then they chose what they wanted to make from their patches and the final projects are one of the reasons I LOVE sewing with kids and teens. None of them made quilts. One made a beautiful sashed pillow, two made "loveys" (one with quilting, one without) and one student immediately said "I'm making a skirt and the blocks are pockets". I love teaching adults as well, but we're not nearly as comfortable with thinking outside the box on the fly like that.
Teen classes will be held on Wednesday afternoons next year. Winter and Spring registrations are open now. REGISTER NOW!
ADULTS...
I wasn't as thorough with my photo taking for our adult workshops this year unfortunately! These were two of my favorites: the zipped pillow cover (don't those look professional?!) and the Rivet Tote.
This fall we also introduced two multi-week classes. On Wednesdays our Adult Sewing Basics class met. These beginners worked on their skills over 4 weeks starting with drawstring pouches and moving on to zipper pouches and corded pillow covers! That they brought in sparkling cider and cookies for the last class didn't hurt either!
On Tuesdays our Garment 101 class met. We worked on Grainline's Scout Tee pattern learning how to choose fabric, read and prepare a pattern, choose the correct size and, of course, sew up the final tee. One efficient student made 3 of the tees over the 4 weeks (she worked on them between classes!). Aren't those fabrics gorgeous? I'm going to be showing you more of her work in just a few weeks and I can't wait!
Our Adult Workshops, Adult Sewing Basics class and Garment 101 classes are open for the Winter and Spring Sessions. Sewing Basics and Garment sold out this October so register soon!
Phew. What a busy 2 months! (And that doesn't even include some more of our workshops, private lessons and private parties!). Our winter and spring classes are open for registration on the site. I hope you'll join us in the New Year!
If you haven't yet, sign up for our newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We have some fun posts coming up for the holiday season that you won't want to miss! (just because I can't be in the studio doesn't mean I'm actually taking a break!)
Happy Stitching!
Laura
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