A “BIZZY” sewing class

Tuesdays class was busy and fun. With another new student joining we opened the last extra sewing machine that was stashed away so everyone would have one to use. The class is growing and that’s exciting.

In class there are 2 students that started less than a month ago. They have already completed some well made projects. A pin cushion, sample quilt blocks and a couple of small fabric bags. Neither lady had ever used a sewing machine before and both are doing great.

Today another lady that has never used a sewing machine joined the class. When a person has never used a sewing machine it can be a bit intimidating so I had her, (like I do with all my new students) spend her 1st class doing nothing more than getting used to the machine. I explained the basics, gave her a stack of fabric scraps and just let her sew. Straight stitches, curved seams, forward, backwards, bobbin winding, machine threading and more. With lots of encouragment and no pressure she was able to go at her own speed and simply get used to the feel of the machine. At the end of her class time she said with a smile that she felt much more comfortable using the machine now. At her next class I will start her on her first sewing project.

I always use a pin cushion for my new students first project. It teaches a number of important basic sewing skills and is a fairly simple item to make. It’s also something that can be used everytime they sew from that point on and it is a handmade reminder of when their sewing journey began.

I have students I taught years ago that still use the pin cushion they made in my class. More than one has told me how they treasure it even though it has become thin and worn with the many years of use. When asked why they don’t make a new one they all say the same thing-(some more
adamantly than others lol) that they will never stop using it because it was the first thing they ever made and it holds too many memories. It’s so humbling and a huge privilege to have been a tiny part of their sewing journey.

Would you like to learn how to sew and to make your own pin cushion ? If so, contact me about joining one of my classes. There’s always room for one more.