April 3, 2014

Prepping for Classes… and little preview

I’ve been prepping for a new class session. Being prepared and organized definitely helps the class time to go more smoothly. Most often I teach project based classes. These types of sewing classes are popular, because everyone likes to have something to take away with them. Unfortunately, with kids sewing classes, this means you can have 1-2 students who have never sewn anything before. Sometimes they come to class with their brand new sewing machine, still in its unopened box. This is tricky to work with, because you have to teach these kids some basic sewing, before they can actually start the project. Being flexible and having a good attitude goes a long way. In end, I’ve managed it and each student has been able to finish their project. But it’s not the ideal.

Avery Lane Sewing beginning class program — Student Seam and Sample Book

After so many of these classroom situations, I decided to develop a kids sewing beginning class and club programs. A class lesson plan that will give the students the basics, sew samples, and learn sewing skills that will enable them to sew on their own later. So often I hear sewing teachers just telling the student what to do, without explaining why or using the sewing language, which helps the students become familiar with terms that they will read in a sewing pattern. This method so often used helps the student finish the project, but does not help the students gain a deeper understanding what they are doing. To my mind, as the teacher, the key is to foster independent sewing skills, and not develop a dependence on the instructor.

Here are the supplies I’ve been prepping…I’m very excited for the first session of my new class program to start this weekend. Each student will receive a Seam and Sample Book, and can practice as many times as they want for each skill. We will work through the book together, and they will take home their work to help them sew at home.

Over the 3 class program, the kids will sew samples and small projects that utilize those skills. So they will still make something each class, but hopefully they will better understand the skills they used to make the project. After each student completes their Seam and Sample Book, and the 2 small projects as a class, they will be able to choose from an assortment of projects that are designed for the very beginner. Making the same type of projects over and over builds their sewing skills and confidence. It’s also important to keep their interest. Who wants to keep sewing pillowcases or tote bags?

I have worked hard to design some projects that kids will like, but aren’t any more difficult. [It’s good to have choices] I have written down the project instructions, to help the kids learn to read a pattern as well. Here are some of the choices they will have:

The Kitty Pillow is the most challenging, and will be for those who are ready for sewing those curves. It’s important to help kids not jump in levels. This can be frustrating for them and make the classroom more difficult to manage. If a student takes on a project too challenging for their skill set, then she will need your help more than other students, or be waiting more than other kids, which is no fun.

After they complete this 3 class course, they can sign up for the Sewing Club. They will continue to learn new skills and add those samples to their Seam and Sample Book. They will be able to work independently on a project they choose.

Here is a preview of 2 of the projects found in my book, the Flounce Skirt and Fitted Tee. My book, Sew in Style-Make Your Own Doll Clothes, is available for pre-sale in my Etsy shop or on Amazon!