Wednesday, July 6, 2011

What a blessing!

A friend of mine recently asked me to make the blessing dress for her baby.  She had already had 4 four boys and now that her 5th was a girl it was an extra special event.  I felt so honored to be a part of their special day.  Little Miss Lucille "Lucy" was blessed last Sunday.


Little Miss Lucy's Blessing Dress
This is the slip for the dress.
We decided that after 4 older brothers, she needed some pink to
celebrate the big day.




Girls 5-8 Class

This is my 5-8 girls class.  They each learned about hand stitching first before we moved on to the machine
by learning how to embroider their initials into fabric that we would be making pillows out of.


Here are the girls finished pillows.  They did such a great job picking their color schemes and learning
how to finish the pillows off on the machine.  We had a small snow storm in June stuffing pillows.  What could be better?
Purses anyone?  This is the girls last project which they all chose to do.  They were all so creative in the patterns and colors they chose.  Great job girls.  

Girls 8-12 Class Headbands


These are my 8-12 Girls.  They each chose their own fabric for their super cute headbands.  The great thing is that these were all made from scraps so it doesn't really cost anything to make.  Next time we will make skirts to match.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Summer Class Projects

Youth Class 12 & up:  Fabric Headbands Project #1

These headbands look so shabby chic but take only minutes to make.  This is a great project for scraps and odds & ends.  So gather all of your left over pieces and we will all share what we have together.


Monday, May 9, 2011

Tip of the Week and Sign Ups!

I am so excited about our summer schedule that is filling up.  If you haven't talked to me yet, please let me know which day you would like to come so I can reserve your spot.  Also, I have included a new "tip of the week" for everyone.  This week's tip is to be sure to get your machines into the shop now if you need a tune up or any kind of adjustments for the June session.  It usually takes about a 3 to 4 day turn around to get one done.  I have always used Dave's Bernina in Provo.  They do a great job and are really fast.  Just click on the picture of the sewing machine to go right to the Dave's Bernina link.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Who would have known that Katie was so crafty?

Katie Holmes Is Oh, Sew Crafty!

Katie Holmes is known for her style and fashion sense. But as it turns out, the 32-year-old actress is also one crafty mama!
Not only does she sew aprons, pillows, and clothes for her daughter, Suri, who's almost 5, but Katie even makes clothes for her Barbies! Who knew?!
"My mom grew up making curtains and pillows and everything and it made our home very warm, so I like to do things like that with my daughter," Holmes told Women's Wear Daily. "My husband [Tom Cruise] got me a sewing machine for my birthday."
But don't expect any details on the make and model of that machine. Holmes isn't giving out that info.
"That's like asking a woman her age," Katie's friend, Heather McQuarrie, said with a laugh.
As for how she manages to make a home away from home for Suri while traveling... thatHolmes is willing to share, and according to the star, it's all about having the right supplies on hand.
"Bring lots of crayons, glue, good paper and you can turn any room into a very warm, familial place," said the actress.
And her love of arts, crafts, and fashion is definitely rubbing off on Suri.
"She'll really tell me what she thinks," said Katie. "'You've got to wear these shoes.' Or 'That's so pretty, Mom. Wear that.' She's got a great eye."
Photos: Fame

Summer Class Schedule

The schedule for summer sewing classes is as follows:

Monday         9:30 - 11:00  AM      Adult Basics                 $55
Tuesday         9:30 - 11:00  AM      Youth ages 5-8             $35
Wednesday    9:30 - 11:00  AM      Adult Basics                 $55
                      6:30  - 8:00    PM      Adult Basics                $55
Thursday       9:30 - 11:00  AM      Youth ages 8-12           $45
Friday            9:30 - 11:00  AM      Youth ages 12 & up     $55

Classes will start Monday, June 6th.  Space is limited to 4 for
each adult class.  Supplies are not included.  You will
need to purchase those separately.

The adult basics class and the youth ages 12 & up will cover:
1.  Introduction to the sewing machine
2.  Understanding Patterns (We will cut out our first project)
3.  Sewing Construction Skills
4.  Finishing your own project.

The youth classes  ages 5-8, 8-12 will cover:
1.  Basic hand sewing tools
2.  How to choose the right fabric
3.  Assembling a project
4.  Finishing a project

Each student is encouraged to bring their own machine if they have
one.  It will make it much easier to learn on your own machine for
later projects if you have learned the basics on it.  I do have a few
extra machines on hand.  Please let me know if you will need one
of them so I can reserve one for you. Rental is $20.00

Also, each student will need a basic sewing kit.  The kit should include:


1.  Scissors - these should be only designated for sewing.  Gingher's are my personal favorite.  However, Fiskers brand also makes good ones too.   If the kit is for a child, please buy scissors to fit their hands.







2.  Seam Ripper









3.  Tape Measure










4.  Pins - I use the yellow ball headed ones.  They are longer and don't get lost in fabric as easily as the silver smaller ones.  You will need some kind of pin cushion or magnet to hold them.  I use a red magnetic dish to hold all of my pins rather than a cushion, but a cushion will work just fine.






5.  Safety Pins - regular size as well as  large ones.






6.  Basic Thread Colors.  At least 6 colors.  There are many brands of thread on the market.  I am a firm believer that quality makes a huge difference when you are sewing - so that being said, I always buy Gutermann's thread.  You can purchase these separately or in a set.  Again, any cotton thread will do though.




There are many pre-assembled kits at stores which include these items.  
I will have kits available for purchase here as well.  The nice thing about
buying your own supplies is that you can customize the kit for your needs or likes.

Please email or call me if you would like to sign up - or if you have ANY
questions. This will be really fun and exciting as we all sew together.
So again, get out your machines, dust them off and let's get sewing!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Welcome!

I have been sewing as long as I can remember.  I have fond memories of sitting at my mother, grandmothers, & great-grandmothers sewing machines learning how to sew.  Almost every important moment in life has been accompanied by a dress handmade by one of these women in my life.

Now having four daughters of my own, it has been a joy to pass this skill down to them and see them designing their own creations.  So many of you have expressed an interest in having your young daughters learn how to sew as well.  I am hoping that through the summer classes and hopefully an alterations class later for those who would like to learn how to alter what we already own, that this will be a way to connect with our daughters and develop (or just refresh) a skill we should have.  The old saying is that you are never to old to learn and I would just add that you are never to young to sew.  

Please check back to see our class schedule for summer courses starting soon.