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From: mozeyrn
Date: 11-26-2006, 03:55 PM (1 of 14)
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I know many of you teach others how to sew (sometimes your own family), but I don't have that advantage. I'm the only one in my family that likes to sew and since I moved to FL I don't have anyone to ask or bring in my fabric to work with questions liked I used to do. I spoke with one of the women down here at one of the JoAnn's Superstores (she works in their sewing machine department) who said that she teaches sewing. I said my problem wasn't that I needed a grounds-up sewing course but there are some of the basics I've missed from not taking a Beginner Sewing class. She said that she'll teach me (she's now teaching 3 home-schooled kids) the things that I need to know/what I've missed in a basics Beginner class and help me on a one-to-one basis. Her charge is $10/hr. She doesn't charge if I have a question and ask her while she's working at JoAnn's (a quick question) but I know there are some things I've missed out on learning on my own. I don't know if the price is too high but the classes given at JoAnn's for Beginner Sewing is $75.00 for 9 hours which works out to be a little over $8.25 an hour and I don't know how many students would be in the class. I would only probably go to her 2 hours every 2-3 weeks since I don't have unlimited free time. But is this a good price? It would be one-on-one in her home, there is no specific class outline and she'd help me where/when I needed help which is in the construction of a garment and some of the confusing pattern directions, not buying the material and cutting out the pattern. All of you ladies have been sooooo helpful with suggestions and how to do things but I want to get beyond making my dd's pj's, tote bags and pull-on skirts. The books I have have helped but they can only get me so far. I will check out Julie Timmel's lessons here on the board first before going to someone (that's how I got back into sewing anyhow) and see how far I can get. Thanks for any info/thoughts. I'm sorry that this was so long to read. - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-26-2006, 04:08 PM (2 of 14)
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For one on one I do not think she is pricey. I would try her out one time and see how you feel. She may be wonderful or you may find she doesn't help you at all.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-26-2006, 05:01 PM (3 of 14)
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You could go for a couple hours one-on-one armed with the questions you need answered and techniques you want to learn. Take all your materials. Be ready for it. Then when you get home think about it. Do you have $20 worth on new knowledge or confidence or whatever you are looking for. If so go back. If not well it was only $20. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-26-2006, 08:18 PM (4 of 14)
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I don't know that much about colleges/universities in Florida but have you considered taking a college/junior college/trade school or university clothing construction course? It is possible that in the long run it could be cheaper. Those courses are taught from the ground up but you quickly advance at your own pace. You'll have young professional seamstresses and beginning seamstresses in the class together. I know that it is frusterating to consider starting from the ground up but in order to get all the fine points, sometimes starting at the beginning is the easiest way. Most college courses are taught not only on an advance at your own pace speed but they also offer a time to socially interact with others who have the same interests as you. You may also find this type of thing at JoAnne or some other dealer or fabric store in your area. The thing is that you know what you'll be getting in the college course, how long, etc. I really don't know about independant courses. If the purpose of the class is to advance their sales, it isn't what you want.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 11-26-2006, 11:07 PM (5 of 14)
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Pam, I agree that a college-type class would be great, but with my daughter needing someone to watch her at night (since my dh is still travelling alot and my in-laws not always willing to help) it would get pretty pricey paying a babysitter. I went through that when I had to take the peri-operative class at night and believe me, babysitter fees adds up really quick! JoAnn's hasn't put up the schedule yet for January classes. The only class that is going on currently is Sewing II, which had already started. The one thing I can be is patient if it is for something I really want and I'll just keep my eyes peeled. I'm still trying new things though - I'm making a full front apron with two pockets that is going along pretty quickly. I know for some of you it'd be stitched up faster than I can write this thread but I've learned if I take my time I rip out alot less! 
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: toadusew
Date: 11-27-2006, 09:00 AM (6 of 14)
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Mozeyrn, I used to teach beginning sewing--one on one --in my home and my charge was $10 per hour. In my particular case, I had a 6 week course set up--12 hours of instruction, so my students paid $120 to me, plus they bought their own supplies. Most people in that area at that time, thought this was a real bargain. Many of my clients urged me to raise my prices because they felt that they got more than $120 worth. I think that $10 an hour is more than reasonable, and maybe even a little on the low side, if this lady is a good teacher. I agree with Dorothy and the others who suggested going at least one time and see if you got your money's worth. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-27-2006, 09:22 AM (7 of 14)
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I would go for one on one over college classes. More of your questions and needs are answered, not the instructor following the program, or having the same group of people demanding the instructors time. It would be at your pace, and more hands on. Wish I knew of someone I could refer people to when they ask me at work do I know a sewing teacher.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 11-28-2006, 02:18 PM (8 of 14)
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I agree with the above. If you're sewing for personal growth, then go ahead and choose a project that is slightly more advanced than your comfort level, start it up, get stumped, and then make an appointment with your instructor. It's a good deal. You may well find that all you needed was one visit to get you over a hump. Once you have a foundation, you can tackle most new challenges on your own.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Lillybooh
Date: 11-28-2006, 02:45 PM (9 of 14)
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I am in South Florida. in my area they offer adult education/self improvement classes at local high schools. In palm beach and broward county they put out a publication in the newspaper called the "Adult Educator" and it list all the school and programs. you can also check with local vocational training centers. over the years I had taken plumbing, real estate licensing and mortgage broker classes, typing, computer repair and their are many more I would like to take. Unfortunitely, the schools nearest to me do not have the sewing and clothing construction class. The classes are fairly inexpensive. I also have taken a class at the shop where I purchased my machine, but I didn't really get the attention I needed. But the instructer and workers were every helpful with questions. I found I got more help on days when I just walked in with specific questions, than on class day. I would suggest also looking at smaller shops and quilting centers for help.  All this advice from someone who can't stitch a straight line
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User: Lillybooh
Member since: 10-26-2006 Total posts: 13 |
From: lendube
Date: 11-28-2006, 02:52 PM (10 of 14)
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I like the one-on-one idea assuming she's a good teacher. Here's a thought. Have her pick out a good beginner's pattern that covers many different techniques. It may not be ultra beginning but you'll get a good overview. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-10-2006, 10:39 PM (11 of 14)
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There is a class being given at Joann's in January but alot of it is really basic stuff that I think would be a waste of money. Out of the total 9 hours of class time I might only benefit from the last class since I know about picking out patterns and how to ask for the correct amount of fabric. I have picked out a skirt pattern with a set-in waistband and zipper. I have the fabric and it's perfect for Florida weather. I will look over Julie Timmel's site (she has a section for set-in waistbands) and see if that will help me. My big problem is getting the fabric folded correctly so I can start pinning the pattern - the fabric stores don't do the straightest cutting and I don't understand about pulling the fabric to make it straight. I'll make an appointment with her and have a list of questions ready and bring some unfinished projects that I've gone as far as I can without someone physically showing me how to do some stuff. I'll see how it goes and if she's really helpful and we get along I may start going to her once or twice a month. Thanks for all the advice!!
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-11-2006, 07:08 PM (12 of 14)
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The only time that you pull fabric is if the grainline is off. The problem is that most fabrics now are heat set and pulling really doesn't work that well (they tend to go back to the same position.)
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-12-2006, 10:36 AM (13 of 14)
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If she is any good. $10 an hr for individual training in cheap. At $8.25 you are probably sharing her with 5 other people.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-17-2006, 09:26 PM (14 of 14)
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Thanks, Tom. I was thinking too that a class might have a high ratio teacher:student. I'll take a closer look after the holidays. Things are just a little too crazy right now.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
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