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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: blackie
Date: 02-21-2006, 11:29 PM (1 of 17)
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http://kelly.hogaboom.org/files/200602classflyer.jpg I'm teaching a class at our local art store. Here are my notes in PDF: [download] (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/files/200602classnotes.pdf). I would love to have (constructive) criticism, compliments, suggestions, and /or feedback. The class is SHORT - only 2 2 1/2 hour sessions. Please keep this in mind if the notes don't seem complete. I worked me bum off for these notes. I'm proud of them, but obsessing on them too and keep working on improvements! I had my first class last week, my second class will be this Saturday. Also - any ideas on follow-up classes? I really appreciate the feedback. (X-posted to Gen Sewing forum) see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 02-22-2006, 08:56 AM (2 of 17)
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Kelly, I think that your notes are excellent  I love how you interject humor into your teaching. I wish I lived closer, so I could take your class.  I really like how you included footnotes, too. And resources. I think your notes are quite complete. So glad you are teaching. It seems like something that you will really enjoy and do well at. I bet you are a fun teacher, too. Congrats! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-22-2006, 10:19 AM (3 of 17)
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REgarding follow-up classes, I think once you begin teaching the intro class, you'll gain a sense of what your audience needs and will go for. If they're primed for making chachkas, then they'll want a follow-up class that focuses on learning techniques through doll projects, handbags, and draftstoppers. If they're primed for fashion, then follow-up classes with a skirt project or jacket will sell. I think the follow-up classes will fill up if they are project-oriented. Some of the magazines feature projects that are simple enough to do without a pattern. For an intermediate class, you could have them show up with a pattern in hand and take it from there.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: blackie
Date: 02-22-2006, 10:52 AM (4 of 17)
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REgarding follow-up classes, I think once you begin teaching the intro class, you'll gain a sense of what your audience needs and will go for. If they're primed for making chachkas, then they'll want a follow-up class that focuses on learning techniques through doll projects, handbags, and draftstoppers. If they're primed for fashion, then follow-up classes with a skirt project or jacket will sell. I think the follow-up classes will fill up if they are project-oriented. Some of the magazines feature projects that are simple enough to do without a pattern. For an intermediate class, you could have them show up with a pattern in hand and take it from there. Every word you wrote makes sense. A "project-oriented" class sounds perfect. I shudder at the thought of a chachka project, both because I don't like that kind of thing personally and I don't think I could sew a doll if my life depended on it! Thanks for the input. Thanks also, Jen, for the compliments. I really had a great time putting them together. I see that I wasn't totally clear - I was also offering up these notes if anyone wanted to use them. If people would like a copy, I could edit them (take out my name, take out dates, take out local references, etc) and send them on. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: SheliaHC
Date: 02-22-2006, 12:48 PM (5 of 17)
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I am a brand new sewer, just got my first sewing machine for Christmas. I think your notes are great and I actually learned several things from them. I've made several things like pillows and throws that didn't require a pattern. I actually bought my first pattern last week and your notes gave me alot of information on how to start this project. Wish I was close so that I could attend your class. Thanks for posting your notes here, I sure there are a few newbies like myself that will learn alot from them. Shelia |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-22-2006, 02:18 PM (6 of 17)
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Blackie, fantastic! Good for you, I agree with your sewing philosophy too. I wish you all the success in the world. I'm keeping a copy on my computer just in case I decide I'd rather teach sewing than kindergarten. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: esrun3
Date: 02-22-2006, 02:32 PM (7 of 17)
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great instructions Kelly. love the sense of humor added in too! You did a wonderful job.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Melanie T
Date: 02-22-2006, 05:54 PM (8 of 17)
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Kelly, these instructions are beautiful! I need to do something like this for my beginning sewer instead of sewing/teaching by the seat of my skirt each time. As you offered, could I have the non pdf or time/place specific version of them? Thanks so much for posting these. It is a great inspiration! Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: Magot
Date: 02-23-2006, 12:58 PM (9 of 17)
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Clear and precise instruction Kelly, Bravo - we write in a similar styl so I appreciated it immensely. I like the layout and formatting - easy and proffesional - it will stand you in good stead. 2 points to make - do you have copywrite permission to show the envelope front and back (pps 8 and 9) If you are printing and selling the document it is a point worth considering - often a letter to the company would give a favourable response as you are not attempting to resell their product but in many ways are advertising it. On page 14 Bullet point 12, you mention Chain stitching an item speeds things up but did not explain what this meant. Not a problem in a class situation but tricky in a standalone docement Fab work Kelly, and I love the photos of your daughter. 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: mozeyrn
Date: 02-23-2006, 04:39 PM (10 of 17)
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Kelly - I tried to PM in response earlier but got the message that your box is full. - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: blackie
Date: 02-25-2006, 01:09 PM (11 of 17)
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Maureen - thanks for the hint via Inbox, and thanks for your PM'd typo corrections. I adopted all but one (and PM'd you). Melanie - and anyone else interested - here is the link to download my "generic" notes: [ download ] (http://kelly.hogaboom.org/files/genericclassnotes.pdf). I won't keep these up on my server for very long, so get them while they're hot! Jan - Thanks for the copyright tip. I added a description of chain-stitching in my notes. Thank you! Kelly see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-25-2006, 04:26 PM (12 of 17)
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Excellent instructions Kelly! Lots of luck as you move forward. I'e had several women (young and old) asked me recently if I would be interested in teaching them to sew and I'm considering it but it may have to wait until I retire next year so I have sufficient time to give to that type of project. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: JulieS
Date: 02-25-2006, 05:31 PM (13 of 17)
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Kelly- I thought your notes were excellent... very technical but also very fun and protrayed a love, fun and enjoyment of a craft that can be overwhelming for beginners! I caught a few minor typos and subject-verb issues, but figured you came across them while actually teaching the class. What product do you use to trace your patterns? When I trace, I use a tissue-type paper and would love to use a heavier-weight product. I took a "class" a couple of years ago when I was just getting started. Classes were held Fridays from 9:30-12:30 and we would all work on our own projects and get help from the "instructor" when we needed it. So, some folks would be working on home projects, some on handbags and some on daygowns. But since everyone (and every project) progressed at different speeds it worked. And it was wonderful to sew with a group (who among us does not feel the need to "talk things out" sometimes?). In any case, good luck with your classes! I would go if I lived near you! Julie |
User: JulieS
Member since: 01-11-2005 Total posts: 26 |
From: Karebear
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:51 AM (14 of 17)
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Kelly, You are a jewel!! I have always appreciated your writings to this wonderful forum... and this just "zips" it up to Oscar talent!!!! Thank you.. I have been sewing for over 40 years and your "lesson" gave me a whole new view on "stickin'"!!!! Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-28-2006, 09:38 AM (15 of 17)
Kelly, you did an enormous amount of work for these lessons. Kudos to you.  The photos are well done as well and I especially like your advice for the beginners. "Never belittle your own sewing efforts." That is a godsend to those with little self confidence.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: blackie
Date: 02-28-2006, 10:16 AM (16 of 17)
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[snip] I especially like your advice for the beginners. "Never belittle your own sewing efforts." That is a godsend to those with little self confidence. The ironic thing is, when I talked about that in class, no one seemed to "get it". They all just stared at me like I was being too warm and fuzzy! Oh well. Mary if you ever want me to do any notes or formatting for the site, let me know. It is a lot of fun for me! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-28-2006, 11:57 AM (17 of 17)
Thank you Blackie, that's a lovely offer. Formatting is about as much fun as peeling potatoes. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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