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From: fairymom
Date: 05-29-2006, 05:03 PM (1 of 13)
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Hi, I am a pageant wear designer and do very well But I also give sewing lessons on the side for friends and friends of friends. I want to teach more!! I want to teach children and here is my plan. Please feel free to critique and give any advice... -I am planning on having about 10 kids per class at $125 per child. (with a helper of course) -have two classes a day for 2 weeks with different age groups for 2.5 hours each class (4 groups all together) going mon-fri -have them make a back to school outfit and at the end the Summer have a fashion show showing off there items they made. -I would like to get sponsers for the show...for refreshments,photographer and rental of a building to use for the show -All the money earned will go to fixing up a biulding to start a mini school so I am able to teach full time. -I plan to use my helpers gearage for this. Is there any advice or input?Are there any legal issues? Thank you Angie |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: Sew-Enchanting
Date: 05-29-2006, 05:45 PM (2 of 13)
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Wow, that sounds like a terrific idea! Love the idea of a back-to-school outfit. I'm actually looking to branch out into lessons as my slow time of year starts (after June brides, business falls for a couple of months). If this is in your home, I'd check your liability insurance. That's a lot of kids to have in one place! Never hurts to make sure you're covered if they fall, sew their finger, etc.  Do you mean 12.5 hours per child, or 25 hours per child...? I might just be tired, but I didn't catch that. Even at 12.5 hours/child, I would think you could probably charge more, but that's jmho...plus, if you have 10 per group, you're still getting a nice profit there. I bill out at $23-$25/hour, depending on the job. Not sure if I can get that for sewing lessons, though. Sponsors sound great - what a terrific way to get your dream off and running! Good luck! Kris
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User: Sew-Enchanting
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 53 
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From: fairymom
Date: 05-29-2006, 11:25 PM (3 of 13)
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Thank you for your reply. I mean two and a half hours per class, 5 days a week for one week. Angie |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: Melanie T
Date: 06-01-2006, 10:13 AM (4 of 13)
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I have done classes like this and it works great. Watch the ages of the kids, though. If they are under 12 you will have problems with more than 4-6 per class, even with a helper. Remember, if it takes you 1 hr to sew it will take an adult you are teaching 4 hrs and a child at least 6. Don't try to cram too many projects into a week. Sometimes it helps to have the class run three days a week for 2 weeks instead of every day. With younger kids, every day gets too intense, but every other works ok. They forget what you taught them the day before and there is always a clown in the class. You will get very tired. Ok, my thoughts for now. It is fun to do this, just make sure you are really, really prepared. 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: auntyippee
Date: 06-02-2006, 11:06 AM (5 of 13)
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Fairymom, I am trying to break into the pageant world. Can you give me any hints? I have been sewing since 85. I have my own business. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Auntyippee 
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User: auntyippee
Member since: 05-28-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: fairymom
Date: 06-03-2006, 10:23 AM (6 of 13)
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Sure you can yahoo instant message me anytime my ID is fairymom77 ANgie
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User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: Sherri
Date: 06-03-2006, 11:30 AM (7 of 13)
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How are you going to step them up to making a back to school outfit? Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: fairymom
Date: 06-03-2006, 01:48 PM (8 of 13)
| well maybe not an outfit...back 2 school related...such as..bookbag/tote, book cover, and such. |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: fairymom
Date: 06-03-2006, 03:24 PM (9 of 13)
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A few things have changed as time progressed. We are going to use vacant Sunday School rooms for the camp and give lessons there for awhile until money is raised for a Studio. For the camp we will have "Pajama Party" a "Summer Theme" and "Princess" |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: funthreads
Date: 06-08-2006, 07:35 AM (10 of 13)
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I teach kid classes all year long. I totally agree. It will take the kids a lot longer to sew everything. It will take the average 11year old who is learning to sew approx. 4-6 hours to make pajama pants or a simple skirt. Also remember if you are going for garments to make them VERY simple and loose fitting. They will have a hard time controlling an accuate seam allowance. I've also found that more than 6 in a class is a nightmare. Even with help. They tend to get louder, less focused, more into racing each other and just plain out of control. Adding three more will seem more like you've added 8 more Time will fly. The sessions are a good length. Definitely check into homeowners insurance if you are sewing in a home. Some companies will add to the homeowners policy and some won't cover working with kids/dangerous equipment at all. Be sure to make a safety in the classroom sheet for parents so they know what you are teaching the kids to do. Let them know up front that needles break on machines, they will be using sharp items and hot irons. Parents are clueless that kids can get hurt while sewing. Remember kids will do crazy things with sewing supplies as soon as you turn your back even with safety instructions. Repeat safety instructions at the start of each session too. Also be sure to check with the county/city for zoning rules. Some places won't let you teach in the home or have a limit on the number of students you can have. There can be big fines if you are turned in by a disgruntled neighbor. You may also need a license. Hope that helps a little. Have fun! carol |
User: funthreads
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 17 |
From: fairymom
Date: 06-08-2006, 12:21 PM (11 of 13)
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Thanks for the information. You are so right!! I checked with zoning and I cant teach in my home at all...thank you so much for letting me know this. I am going to move it to our church I guess until I can get a building. You are also right about the things I am teaching them. I may not do clothes but small craft objects and have them advance to designing and creating clothes. I am so excited about this...all I can think about and dream about...I love teaching someone how to love this thing called "sewing" ANgie |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: funthreads
Date: 06-09-2006, 11:03 AM (12 of 13)
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Have you looked into insurance? Will you and the kids be covered under the churches policy if someone gets injured since it's not a church activity? Make sure you have that base covered too. You just never know people these days. It's sad to have to say that. carol |
User: funthreads
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 17 |
From: fairymom
Date: 06-09-2006, 11:29 AM (13 of 13)
Yes the pastor says the kids are covered as I have done lessons there before for the sunday school, so thats one thing I dont have to worry about other then the kids getting hurt themselves  I do want to check into getting it on my own tho, So when I get my own Studio open I will already have all that covered. Thanks for the advices...keep'em coming Angie |
User: fairymom
Member since: 10-22-2005 Total posts: 18 |
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