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From: blackie
Date: 02-14-2005, 09:01 PM (1 of 10)
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OK, I am a mom of two young kiddos who are often sporting my sewing / quilting / knitting projects. I have been asked multiple times by friends and acquaintances to teach sewing for a couple simple kids' projects. I was thinking of teaching a series for beginners to sew a couple kids' things. Specifically, three classes which are a few hours each where you end up with 2 or 3 finished items for young children (newborn to 5 or so). For the items I am thinking a kids' sling for carrying dolls (very EASY first-time project) and a pair of pants... Hmm, not sure what else. I would be structuring the class to get basic sewing skills (pattern cutting & marking, measuring and adjusting for good fit, fussy-cutting, hemming, etc.) but also to end up with a couple finished items. So I am wondering what your advice is for this sort of thing. SPECIFICALLY, if I teach some easy pants (which I really want to do), HOW am I going to require a pattern from people? Do I just say, "go buy a McCall's such-and-such" or do I give people the option of picking out a pants pattern themselves? I am loathe to do the second option because I can just imagine people bringing Ottobre or something with a zipper or whatever that would be beyond their sewing abilities and / or slow down the class. Also, WHAT would you charge? The local quilting store will let me use their space and I am thinking about 6 people would be ideal. Should I make it a series of classes or just have one session be pants, one session a sling, etc. Also, any other ideas for simple yet fun kids' items? I honestly just want to do it to get out (I have a 3 y.o. and a 10-month old so I could use some time out of the house!), but I know I should also charge something to make it worth my time AND to make sure people value the class to come! Any tips you have will be GREATLY appreciated. - K. (also posted in Basic Sewing forum) see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-28-2005, 12:08 PM (2 of 10)
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Sorry I just saw this now. Blackie, I only know a couple of things about this. One is that it takes twice as long as you think it will to do anything. One basic pattern is much easier on you. Everyone will be on the same step at all times. Each class should be on its own. If someone wants to learn how to make pants, but don't like the other classes, then what? This is just my humble opinion, maybe others are more knowledgeable. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 02-28-2005, 01:37 PM (3 of 10)
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Blackie, I really liked what you said about giving your students some good solid basic sewing skills. If they go away from your classes with nothing else, you will have still fulfilled your committment. As to teaching pants, go with one pattern -- have each student purchase her own pattern. Then she can cut, adjust, write on it, and so forth to her heart's content, or as much as she might need to. If you talk with a local fabric store, you might be able to get some kind of discount for your students to purchase either the pattern, the fabric and notions or all those things. You might not, of course, but it's worth a try. If you will be teaching young mothers (and it sounds to me like that's what you have in mind) a session of several hours might not be easy for some mothers to accomplish. Perhaps two or three shorter sessions would serve better. Mary is so right -- it will take you twice as long as you think it will! Ask me how I know this! What to charge? That's a tightrope -- you need to charge enough so people will realize they are getting something of value, but not so much that you price yourself out of the market. Since you are hoping for six students at a time, try starting with what you would like to earn per hour, then divide that by the number of hours you will devote to each class (include prep time) and determine how much you would charge each student. Please keep us posted on what you decide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: blackie
Date: 02-28-2005, 01:50 PM (4 of 10)
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Mary - thank you for your tips, especially the part about how it takes twice as long to get something done. That's a great ratio to know. The reason I wanted to do a class in three parts with 2 or 3 items at the end was to not only have the students come away with the items they sewed but to learn basic skills. I thought I would start with simple projects and work up. But your advice makes me re-think things. I could just do the classes in order of complexity so if someone wanted to take them as a series they could, but if they didn't want to, they could take only one. So how much would you charge per person for a 3 hour class? These will be relatively simple projects taught by an Intermediate seamstress (that's me!). Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to give your tips. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: blackie
Date: 02-28-2005, 02:10 PM (5 of 10)
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Blackie, I really liked what you said about giving your students some good solid basic sewing skills. If they go away from your classes with nothing else, you will have still fulfilled your committment. As to teaching pants, go with one pattern -- have each student purchase her own pattern. Then she can cut, adjust, write on it, and so forth to her heart's content, or as much as she might need to. If you talk with a local fabric store, you might be able to get some kind of discount for your students to purchase either the pattern, the fabric and notions or all those things. You might not, of course, but it's worth a try. If you will be teaching young mothers (and it sounds to me like that's what you have in mind) a session of several hours might not be easy for some mothers to accomplish. Perhaps two or three shorter sessions would serve better. Mary is so right -- it will take you twice as long as you think it will! Ask me how I know this! What to charge? That's a tightrope -- you need to charge enough so people will realize they are getting something of value, but not so much that you price yourself out of the market. Since you are hoping for six students at a time, try starting with what you would like to earn per hour, then divide that by the number of hours you will devote to each class (include prep time) and determine how much you would charge each student. Please keep us posted on what you decide. Thanks for the input, Linda. All of it is very helpful! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-28-2005, 02:29 PM (6 of 10)
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If these are complete novices you are going to have to spend some time on how to thread a machine, how to sew in a straight line, how to sew round a curve. Would it not, therefore, to make sense to start on something simpler than a pair of pants (are we talking pull on elastic waist here or set in zip?) How about a practice cushion cover/pillow for a childs room in with a zip set in? A set of hanging pockets to put toys in? And then move onto garment sewing. If they have never garment sewed before I would agree with the stick to one pattern principle - you will need to teach them the pattern symbols and what they mean, how to lay the pattern on the fabric, importance of a straight grain, how to cut out, marking fabric, tacking etc before you ever get to sew a garment. I am mentoring a young friend (16) through her Design Technology GCSE. She decided to design and make a prom dress. essh - never made a garment before and we start with a prom dress. She has adapted the pattern (but didn't know how to read it at first) I sent her away to pin and cut out the toile (we used an old bedsheet) and when she came back I discovered she had only cut out half of it not having noticed the 'cut 2' written on the pattern. Her cutting out skills were ropey such that it went together rather badly ( thankfully only the mock up) but she is sooo pleased - she can see beyond the mistakes to the finished item! I had underestimated the skills that are natural to me. It would never occur to me not to use enough pins, for example, to keep the pattern still on te fabric (hence slipage and odd shapes) It is however great to do and I am enjoying it as a chance to spend time with her. It is not that she is unintelligent or incapable just unskilled and untrained! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: blackie
Date: 02-28-2005, 03:04 PM (7 of 10)
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If these are complete novices you are going to have to spend some time on how to thread a machine, how to sew in a straight line, how to sew round a curve. Would it not, therefore, to make sense to start on something simpler than a pair of pants (are we talking pull on elastic waist here or set in zip?) How about a practice cushion cover/pillow for a childs room in with a zip set in? A set of hanging pockets to put toys in? And then move onto garment sewing. If they have never garment sewed before I would agree with the stick to one pattern principle - you will need to teach them the pattern symbols and what they mean, how to lay the pattern on the fabric, importance of a straight grain, how to cut out, marking fabric, tacking etc before you ever get to sew a garment. I have thought about all those issues. My class requirement is that they can thread their own machine and sew a straight stitch. The pants pattern I was considering starting with is an elastic waist pair with and a couple patch pockets. No zippers or anything, but rewarding enough to complete for a newbie! The thing about a cushion cover or a hanging pocket is no one seems to want those things. I didn't like those projects in home ec either. But I agree, that would be easier for a first-time project. I also have a pants pattern that is all straight lines (has an ingenious crotch gusset) that is super easy. I am still mulling over which pants to teach. That is great to hear about your friend and the successes you have had, even though she is a beginner and picked a relatively difficult first time project. It is so satisfying to mentor or help someone who is enthusiastic enough to do their part, but also relaxed enough to appreciate what they've sewn, even if there are a few mistakes! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-28-2005, 03:56 PM (8 of 10)
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You should be fine witht he elastic waist if you have those requirements - I'm intigued by your crutch convolutions. The first thing I sewed at 11 was a pair od shorts - waistband, critch zip and all! It is possible for beginners. I hadn;t realised until I saw Lydia's patternt hat is was bias cut as well! Trial by fire. Good luck with your pants - I can understand dthat nobody wants the pockets/cushion idea - satisfying to produce a garment. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-01-2005, 07:04 AM (9 of 10)
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Blackie, they should be comfortable and familiar with their machines. Otherwise a lot of time will be spent playing with tension, etc.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 03-01-2005, 02:09 PM (10 of 10)
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When I teach beginning sewing, I always start with a skirt that has a zipper and set on waistband. This gets the student over the scary part of putting in a zipper. Get that out of the way first, and after that they are more receptive to sewing more detailed garments. When it comes time to sew pants, those things can be tricky. You really do need to know your crotch depth, for example. If they have some of the basic sewing skills learned already, it makes things like pants (and blouses with set in sleeves) go so much easier. While I usually teach private sewing lessons, I am making plans to begin teaching a class for beginners, with a maximum of ten students. Again, we will start with a skirt -- and all the basics -- how to measure yourself, how to pick out your patern, and so forth. One of the things I will be insisting on is -- the students will need to bring their own machines in good working order and have a basic working knowledge of those machines -- how to thread, how to wind a bobbin, how to change needles and presser feet, etc. I simply will no have time to help them through those steps. I've been doing this successfully for several years now -- on a one-on-one basis. Teaching a class will be new ground for me, hence the need for my students to know their machines. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
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