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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: blackie
Date: 10-24-2005, 11:12 PM (1 of 6)
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After Saturday's resounding success, I am teaching again! My second sewing class will be Beginner Sewing. I'm looking for help in setting the class up. I have a lesson plan in mind but thought I'd check with you fabulous people for tips. The class is going to be Nov. 12th and 19th, 3:30 to 6:00. So, two consecutive Saturdays, for 5 hours total. THOSE DATES AND TIMES ARE SET IN STONE, so don't tell me to change them!  The first class will be techniques, terms, how to read a pattern, a take-home project, and materials list for the second class (where they get to work on a choice of three simple items). The second class we will review the take-home project and work on our chosen project. It will be OK if some lame-arses haven't done their take-home project. So - I'm looking for ANY input on this plan. Anything I should and shouldn't do. Maybe things you wish your first instructor had shown you (or things you self-taught that are vital). Project ideas or ideas for refreshment (should I or shouldn't I provide?). Haven't decided how much I'm going to charge yet. Thank you all for any input you have. Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-25-2005, 03:26 AM (2 of 6)
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If your class is 2 1/2 hours each time then I would give them a break midway for a cuppa and a biccy - not more than that, if they are not used to sewing/concentrating they will need to get up and stratch and then come back to it. What is their second item going to be? When I was learning to sew we had to first a) learn to thread machine, b) learn to sew in a straight line c)sew in a curve. These last two were done by sewing along a pencil line on paper with no thread. Then we jumped in on reading a pattern and pinning it out - this can take hours of you are new to it - stil takes me hours now. Then we sewed the thing. First project - an apron with a pocket, ties and bib. 2nd project, a pair of shorts (straight in there - fly, zip, waistband 4 seams meeting) From having mentored a 16 year old in making an evening gown oooo it took ages!) I was surprised that she couldn't tack things together. When pinning things out it didn't occur to her that you needed to pin more at points of stress (turning corners,shoulders darts etc) or even outside the seam allowance. These things are so basic to me it came as quite a suprise. Your potholder turorial was an example of instructional text: clear, crisp directions with well chosen photograps tp illustrate the teaching point. If the rest of your classes are as well prepared anyone would be privileged to work under your tutelage. 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: AndreaSews
Date: 10-25-2005, 06:53 PM (3 of 6)
Kelly, I just looked at the fall schedule of classes at our local special fabrics store. They're offering beginner sewing classes that are 12 hours (2 6-hour days or 4 3-hour days, etc.) for $139. so, $11-12 per hour. But, so many instructional programs, group or individual, like piano lessons, karate, gymnastics, etc., go for about $16-17 per half hour. So, really, I think you could pick any number you think your guests will pay. 
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: blackie
Date: 10-25-2005, 07:37 PM (4 of 6)
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So far my query here has brought only two posts. But what great information in each post! Magot - that was quite a class you took. They really jumped in. I hadn't thought about sewing a curve. But now I think that's a pretty good idea. I was thinking $50 for the 5-hour course (2 days at 2 1/2 hours). Then I thought that was too much $$. But after what you've said, it's probably fine. Also, for some weird reason, if you do stuff like this cheaply people figure it isn't worth it. It's weird, KWIM? Thank you Magot and AndreaSews! Anyone else with more tips - even small ones - I am planning my course now! Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-26-2005, 02:07 AM (5 of 6)
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Actually Kelly, mine wasn't a sewing class for adults - domestic science lessons at school age 11. I learnt everything from that teacher.
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: bridesmom
Date: 10-26-2005, 01:05 PM (6 of 6)
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Kelly, how exciting for you! I just happen to have a brochure from one of our big sewing stores here in the lower mainland and they have a beginner class, here's their writeup. Learn the basis of sewing machine operation as well as basic sewing techniques in this comprehensive introductory level course. You will learn how to select and sew the best seams and seam finishes for different weights and types of fabric., how to sew with knits, how to insert a zipper, how to sew with a twin needle, to create a double sitchd hem, how to mark and sew darts and how to read commercial patterns. Learn about different threads, needles, stitches, presser feet and more in this great beginner level class. 4 - 3 hour classes $84 plus supplies. (and thats Canadian) Doesn't tell you what you will be making though which is unfortunate. I'm sure you will do fantastic! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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