Sewing Lessons

Are you ready to learn to sew? Local folks (30 mile radius-Mocksville)




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The class is at your house or a location reserved by you (friend, church, club house, etc.) and you will have a finished product when I leave.  Send a text or email to set up a time.  336-408-5143 or hotshotpolkadot@gmail.com.  We can discuss finding a machine for your use.

Prices are $25.00 per class for one-on-one instruction or $20.00 for a bring a friend rate ($20 per person).  Three people would be a comfortable number.  More than three would be less one-on-one instruction.


Children 8 years and older
will learn to use the machine while making a doll skirt or boy/girl tote bag.  For safety reasons, the child's first class using the sewing machine should be one-on-one.  For young children using the machine-a parent should stay during the class.

Children younger than 8 years old:
For younger children-I feel that before starting with the machine, your child needs to understand the mechanics of sewing.  This is best learned through hand sewing.  Once they understand about the stitches, seams, fabric, thread, pins and needles, or how to attach fabric to fabric, they may be ready to try the machine.  We can discuss the type of item your child is interested in sewing.


Adults:
For the beginning sewist, I am offering "How to sew a little girl's skirt" or "Sew shorts for children" to interested local friends. Don't have kids or grand-kids? We will find a different project. You will have a short list of preparation and items to purchase.

The "Paper bag" skirt

drawstring skirt

Note:  The shorts are drawstring and no pockets.


Two good beginner machines:

around $60 at Walmart

$60-$70 at Walmart

*Do not buy cheap child's machine.*

I have one and it is very frustrating.  The thread breaks every 10 minutes or so.

I can do a separate one-on-one lesson for adults on how to use your machine.  Price:  $25.00 per hour.


Preparation for skirts and shorts:

Skirt:

1. Measure the child from waistline to preferred length.
2. Add 4 inches (for hem and casing).
3. One yard purchase is usually enough for a gathered skirt for a child.

Shorts:

       1. Measure desired length on child
       2. Measure around the hips and add at least 10 inches.  One yard of fabric should be enough for children.

Buy:

1. The fabric
2. Thread white or matching.
3. Exact waist measurement--Elastic 3/4 inch width (you can buy "by the yard" or in a pack)
4. OR  shoe string-long enough to make a bow when tied for drawstring skirt or shorts

Have on hand or bring:

1. Sewing machine (borrow?).  Brother machines at Walmart are inexpensive and great quality. 
2. Fabric, thread, elastic
3. Scissors  
4. For shorts-have on hand a pair of shorts that fit really well (I will draft a pattern for you).

I will be offering other classes for children's items, women's items, house decor, etc.  Stay tuned or make a non-complicated (!) request.


I am a retired public school teacher (Mocksville Elementary School-second grade).   I have been sewing since I was 8 years old...many, many years!