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Sewing Basics: Build Your Sewing Skills
Are you newer to sewing and hoping to build skills needed to make fabulous quilts or clothes customized to your body? Join us for our new, four-class sewing basics series! In each class you will work on a different project that will teach you fundamental skills towards your ultimate sewing goals.
Class One: Napkins
Swap out disposable napkins for reusable, earth-friendly alternatives—handmade by you! In this class you will gain confidence using a sewing machine and sewing a consistent seam allowance. You will also explore fundamental skills like using a rotary cutter and top-stitching and learn about the importance of finishing raw edges.
Supplies Needed:
- 4 fat quarters
- Thread (match or contrast for topstitching fun!)
Class Two: Tote Bag
In this class you will make a generously sized tote bag that is perfect for groceries, library books, or even stitching projects. This class builds on the skills learned in the napkins class and introduces the idea of working in three dimensions by boxing corners.
Supplies Needed:
- 5/8 yards canvas or quilting cotton for bag exterior
- 5/8 yards quilting cotton for bag interior
- 1 & 5/8 yards Pellon SF101 interfacing
- 1 and 1/4 yards webbing for handles or 1/4 yard fabric to create your own handles
- Matching or neutral thread for topstitching
Class Three: Pillowcase
Now that your confidence is growing, let’s sew a beautiful, custom pillowcase. This class will give you more practice with cutting, working in three dimensions, and teach you the magical burrito method for hiding raw edges. Depending on your choice of fabrics, you may also learn about working with directional fabrics when sewing!
Supplies needed:
- Main (Body) Fabric: 1 yard (Width of Fabric, typically 42–44")
- Cuff Fabric: ½ yard (WOF)
- Trim Fabric (optional accent strip): 1/8 yard (WOF)
- Thread: Choose a coordinating or contrasting thread if you'd like to add topstitching or decorative stitching. Otherwise, white or a neutral thread works well.
Note: Pay attention to the direction of the fabric’s print for both the body and the cuff. Using WOF (width of fabric) is easiest for this project, but if you prefer your fabric print to run a certain way, be sure to check the cutting instructions and adjust your yardage accordingly.
Class Four: Zipper Pouch
We're so excited to stitch up one of our favorite zipper pouches with you! The Noodlehead Open Wide Pouch is a functional and stylish pouch that is made with an extra-long zipper allowing it to "open wide" so you can see everything inside! This class will give you an opportunity to practice all of the skills you have learned to date while you learn how to install a zipper.
Supplies needed:
- Two fat quarters - one for the exterior and one for the interior
- 1/2 yard of SF101 interfacing
- One 12" (or longer) zipper with plastic teeth
- Thread in matching or contrasting color - cotton or polyester is ok!
Class fees include a copy of the pattern for each session.
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By registering for this workshop, you agree to the class policies. Please read them here.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Skill Details: | You should be able to wind a bobbin and thread a sewing machine. |
| Materials Included: | Expert Instruction + Patterns + Access to Classroom Sewing Machines and Cutting and Pressing Tools |
| Instructor: | Hilary Barnes OR Rachel Bond Baron OR Amanda Karel OR Marci Schwartz OR Stella Singleton |
| Instructor Bio: | Hilary has been crafting since junior high school and has enjoyed cross-stitch, needlepoint, embroidery, and knitting. She started sewing in 2014, but really became obsessed after taking her first quilting class in 2022. As an educator by profession, Hilary loves teaching and sharing what she has learned to others. Hilary lives in Mt. Airy with her partner, John, and their two cats, Peter and Sarah. Hilary can be found on Instagram at @cefjquilts. __ Rachel learned to sew at a young age and has always been a maker. Her tools and materials have changed but her desire to create is a constant. When she returned to sewing, she dove into modern quilting, bag making and enjoys garment making from time to time. She has had the pleasure of teaching a variety of subjects to people of all skill sets and ages. Rachel has recently moved to the Philly area after a career in NYC events, theatrical costume & prop shops and running a scenic company that specialized in painting sets and backdrops for Broadway, national tours, operas and events. She is excited to learn about the hidden Philly gems you're willing to share. Check out her IG @baron_re __ Amanda Karel began cross-stitching when she was 6 years old. Over the years, her love for making things expanded into several formats -- sewing garments, baking, crochet, embroidery, macrame, and now quilting. She loves teaching, learning new skills, and helping people realize their creative visions. You can see some of Amanda's projects on Instagram: @amanda.karel or visit her at Needles & Bolts during one of her shifts. __ Marci is a midwest native who is passionate about creating with needle & thread. After decades spent acquiring the “perfect fabric” for myriad projects, she rediscovered her sewing machine during the pandemic and is finally putting those fabrics to use. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her two rescue cats, Cinder and Clara. You can follow her creative ventures on Instagram @marci.makes. __ Stella has been quilting since 2006 and has been enabling - we mean inspiring - quilters ever since. She has a great eye for color and has been building her toolbox of techniques since creating her first quilt. You can see her work hanging on the walls of the shop. She is an active member of the modern quilting community and has fulfilled her dream of owning a shop filled with beautiful textiles. |
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