Purse-onality Fun 7 camp

 

All their projects

     Last week was purse camp.  Three of the girls from last week's beginning camp did the purse camp.  

Carmela and her purse

Maggie and her purse

Paage and her purse

     The projects for this camp were all made from a yard a double-faced pre-quilted fabric and a fat quarter. Unfortunately there were not a lot of choices at our local JoAnn fabrics so two of the girls had the same fabric but they used it different ways. 

     The first project we did was the purse.  I cut all the pieces with my rotary cutter. They did need a little help with pressing as the fabric was thick.  They learned how to use Wonder-clips instead of pins for the the thick folded fabric.  They also learned about how to sew 'backwards' by going forward but twisting the fabric around.  This was to prevent broken needles caused by trying to go in reverse over thick layers.

Paage's projects

     Next we did the tissue holder which went quickly.  Because they were sewing so quickly, I decided we had time to add some machine embroidery.  

Maggie's projects

     For their coin purse, they did their first name initial.  They got to choose the font  and color of thread.  They learned how to sew zippers and I even taught them how to make fabric zipper pulls.

Carmela's projects

     Their last project was the billfold.  It involved learning how to sew on bias binding.  It also had a zipper.  I let them embroider their nickname on the billfold.  Paage chose 'Love' as she said it was what her name meant in Korean.  It was fun seeing them choose colors and fonts.  They did such a great job, especially as it was only their second week of sewing.

  

Beginning Sewing June 2023

 

All their projects

     Last week was the first of my Beginning Sewing Camps for the summer.  I had Jiya, Paage, my granddaughter Maggie and Carmela in class.  They quickly picked up the basics of the sewing machine but even by the end of camp they still were a bit hesitant at times.

Jiya and her patchwork pillow

Paage and her patchwork pillow

Maggie and her patchwork pillow

Carmela and her patchwork pillow

     After sewing on paper and then learning how to thread the machine, they sewed multiple samples for their workbooks.  Their first project was a patchwork pillow.  They had a lot of fun choosing their squares.

Jiya and her drawstring bag

Paage and her drawstring bag

Maggie and her drawstring bag

Carmela and her drawstring bag

     Next they learned about zigzag stitching and seam finishes.  Then it was time to make their drawstring bags.  That was on Wednesday.  Thursday was our last day.

Jiya and her book bag

Paage and her book bag

Maggie and her book bag

Carmela and her book bag

     On Thursday they learned about sewing curves and how to cut to reduce the bulk on outside curves and how to snip the fabric on inside curves.  Then it was time to make their book bags.  They learned how to turn a tube and how to line a purse.  I did need to help them a bit at the end so they could finish but we got it all done.  Four new sewing enthusiasts join the world.  

Black and White Patty Cake Quilt

 

Finished Quilt

     This is the second layer cake quilt I made from fabric I bought while on vacation in Virginia back in 2018.  I bought extra squares at Mill House Quilts and the background, folded border, and outer border & binding fabrics at Patched Works.   The cutting isn't difficult but when piecing you really need to pay attention.  The pattern I used was Patty Cake Quilt.   

Block detail

Borders and binding

     I got it cut at home and pieced at a fall week getaway in October 2020 with my husband in Fairfield Glade TN.  My husband worked while I sewed in the second bedroom with watching TV or listening to podcasts.  I also took several hikes while there.

Two color back

Quilting detail

      I bought flannel at JoAnn Fabrics for the backing.  I decided to go for two different colors.  My friend Joni was finally able to get it quilted and I just finished up the binding yesterday.  

Label 1

Label 2

     I used a quilt label design from Embroidery Library for one of the labels.  A quilting friend suggested that I add the year to the label so I am going to do that from now on (if I remember).

The End of the Year for After School Sewing 2022-2023

Averie and her flannel pants

     Last week was the last of the classes for the school year 2022-2023.  I had new students start and had some drop out.  I mostly had full classes Monday thru Thursday.  Several of my students finished the Avery Lane portion of sewing and are now working anther own projects.

Emma and her lycra shorts

     Libi worked on her prom dress when she finished her projects, she took a short black dress and added a double skirt and lots of embellishments.  Nalanii was working on a summer dress for herself and Armani made a dress and was working on a hooded jumpsuit from velour.

Ximena and her watermelon pants

    Emma made herself a pair of lycra shorts, next school year she will make the matching top and hoodie.  Ximena made a pair of watermelon print pants and is working on a top to match.  Roisin has made a dress, several tops and is currently working on a pair of pants.

Juliette and her flannel top

     Averie made herself a pair of flannel pants and a knit top.  Juliette made a pair of fleece pants and a top and is currently working on a dress. 

Armani and her dress

     I love teaching the students the basics of sewing with the 12 projects from Avery Lane but it is a delight to see what they pick for themselves when they start working on their own projects.  I have them read the instructions and then I will explain what they mean and how to do that step.  My ultimate goal is for them to be able to sew by themselves and have a lifelong love of the art.