Third Serger Class

A week after the napkin success story I returned to the sewing machine store for the third class in serging. In this week we experimented with several different stitches, some of which required special presser feet. Among the stitches we practiced:

Flatlock stitch: This stitch is what it sounds like: it connects two pieces of fabric with a flat stitch on both side - the "serged" stitch is on one side, while the other looks like a ladder stitch. It is created by serging with a loose tension so that it can be pulled flat. This stitch is used a lot on athletic wear because it is flat and secure on both sides.

An image from the web:

The manual for my machine did not mention this stitch. With the help of the teacher and some of the other students, though, I managed to achieve something that looked pretty close. To wit:

Narrow version on my machine

Wide version on my machine

Again I was reminded that each machine is individual. In my case, the flatlock is not even recognized yet I was able to create a reasonable version of it. 

Gathering foot:

I was not able to use a special foot for this because the store does not stock parts for Janomes.  The gathering (or ruffling) foot can do this:

image from the web

In one step it gathers and attaches to a second piece of fabric. I could not do this. However, the teacher stepped in once again to show me what I could do without a foot:

The bitch of it is, I do not remember how I did this. The settings are the key, but what were those settings? I forgot to write them down on the sample. Well, never mind. Thing is, I know it can be done and if I feel the need I can look it up somewhere and work it out again. More likely, I'll get one of the gathering feet and go on from there.

Blanket stitch:

Machines that can do two-thread sewing can make nice blanket stitches. One example, again from the web:

This illustration even shows the stabilizer material, which can be ripped off or just washed out afterwards.  I tried making a three-thread blanket stitch with a stabilizer:

It really didn't come out well. One thing I might be looking for if I buy a new serger: one that can do two-thread sewing. A bit more on that later.

Piping (or cording):

Using cording feet, some members of our class were able to sew cording to fabric. I tried doing it without a cording foot but failed. Another member used a zipper foot, which I do not yet have for the serger.  Those who used the cording foot came up with results like this:

Well, no, nobody made pillows. But the cording is beautifully sewn when the foot is used. I did not have a foot so did not do a sample. 

This was the last of the three classes. The instructor said there would be a fourth class for those who had machines that could do cover stitches.  My machine can't do those. So this was the end for me.

What I learned is that sergers, even the inexpensive ones, can do more than I thought they could. I am excited about using my serger for more projects and making nicer stitches in general. I also learned that some things are better with machines that can do two-thread stitches, and that coverstitches are good for finishing hems on knits. Knowing what is possible will help me when I do go looking for another serger. And that's another thing: I can see myself having more than one serger, because I could have one set for some type stitch and the other for another. Setting up sergers and getting the stitches right takes longer than getting a standard machine ready to go. 

For me it was worthwhile going to the sewing store for these classes. I was able to focus on one stitch at a time and to get answers to questions I did not know enough to ask. I liked that we spent time getting things right, actually working with our machines on each stitch, so that I know what I can and can't do, and know what settings to use for each. If I were more experienced with a serger I might have found the class tedious, yet those in the class who were seemed to like it as much as I did. 

The Second Serger Class

We made napkins in our second serger class.  It took most of the class because we all had to get our rolled hem stitch right before we could get to sewing. 

The teacher showed me her technique for cutting the fabric with a rotary cutter, because I am not skilled with that tool, so my four napkin pieces were quickly cut and ready to go.

Getting the stitch right took quite a bit more time. We installed wooly nylon thread on the upper looper. I had never heard of wooly nylon before taking this class and I sure didn't know what to do with it. For the purposes of our rolled hem stitch, the wooly nylon was used to fill in the gaps in the stitches, to make a smooth surface. 

I followed the settings in my manual and tested it. I had to adjust several times, with the help of the teacher, and finally got a decent stitch. As with all of the different stitches we learned in this class, I kept a sample of the stitch with the settings marked on it.  I now have a small bag full of samples that I refer to when I am trying to get the right settings the first time.  Here's what I learned: every machine is different. Not just every make or model, but every machine. So it pays to test and test until you get what you want.

And this is what I wanted. The finished edge looks professional and neat. I packed up the four napkins and sent them off to daughter Mary (she had requested taupe to go with her dining room). she loves them and I am excited to be able to make such nice finishes.

Serging Ahead

Today I took a class in serging. It was the first of three in a series, held by a sewing machine store in Santa Maria. It was very basic, very nitty-gritty, and I liked that about it. We learned to thread our machines from scratch, we labeled important parts, we sewed three stitches - the four-thread overlock, the three-thread wide overlock, and the three-thread narrow overlock. These last two require that a needle be removed and the thread to that needle unthreaded.

Serging requires detailed attention. It seems funny to me that because of its peculiarities and sensitivities, a serger needs its sewer to pay close attention to the way the stitch looks, to the tension, to numerous details, and this means, really, that one must be patient. Yet one big reason for the desire for sergers is their speed. They so outdistance standard machines in speed that it's stunning. That aspect seems to appeal to the impatient.

Next week we are to bring one yard of fabric and four rolls of wooly nylon thread. We are going to make rolled hems (Linda did show me that on her visit to my house but I would have to dig through my instruction manual to remember just what she did), among other things. The wooly nylon thread is for stretchy fabrics. I had never even heard of that thread before. We will make a set of napkins out of the fabric, so I asked daughter Mary if she'd like some. She said sure, taupe. So I'll find some nice material that's taupe.

I did not love the instructor but I like her approach. She wants us to be very comfortable with our machines. Thus, after we struggled with threading and changing needles she cut all our threads so that we'd have to thread the machine again. I managed to do so faster this second time but the first time I tried a stitch it jammed up part of the machine. I worked it out and solved the problem on my own, always a good sign. I need this kind of instruction to give me confidence.

I suspect many would not enjoy this way of teaching, including many in my regular sewing classes. Instead, they would want to get sewing right away, and learn by making mistakes. That method works as well. It's a little like learning a new language by studying grammar or by learning conversationally. A bit of each is good, I think.

Little projects

Yesterday was the last class of the session so I decided to do some little fun projects. The first was this car trash bag. There are two pockets: the straps obscure the opening of the top one. I am thinking I might use one pocket for recyclables and the other for trash. I also think I sewed that strap on the wrong side of the pocket but I am not going to change it.

The second project was a cute bib. Made of two fabrics, a cotton and a flannel, it closes with velcro. Unfortunately, I packed it up to mail before I took a picture of it. Maybe I will get a pic of it on the actual baby and can then insert that here.

The third project was yet another grocery tote bag! Fun to make, with french seams inside and bias tape on the handles, I didn't quite finish it in class. I added the bias tape last night at home, and the little bit of velcro to the ties this morning:

In rather a klutzy way it folds up so it can be tucked away more easily. I think if it were a lightweight, strong material it would fold better.

A jewelry roll

I made this jewelry roll in sewing class yesterday. It is another of the projects in the One Yard Wonders book. I can make good use of this project because I make many small trips and never have a suitable case for any jewelry. So I rarely bring any along. This way I will have a small assortment of earrings, necklaces, and possibly bracelets.

The roll contains two pockets, each with a zipper, and those ribbon straps in the middle are to hold rings (and then be tied). I don't wear rings so that may find another use.

Here it is folded and tied. I clearly laid out the pattern in the wrong direction - those cats should be face up! But no matter. It works and it looks pretty cool.

A laptop sleeve

I made this laptop sleeve in sewing class Tuesday (yesterday!). The instructions came from the book, One-Yard Wonders, which I purchased from our instructor. She ordered a batch, knowing many of us would want one.

Another woman in the class was making a bag from the same book, and had made a grocery sack from it the previous week. We agreed that the author is biased in favor of bias tape and puts it everywhere. There are cases where it's a great addition but in some cases it simply is not the best idea. For example, two of the seams inside my bag (the other long side is a fold) are encased in bias tape. It makes it bulky and I could have achieved a better result with a different kind of finish seam.

The sleeve can be individualized not only by the choice of fabric(s) but also by the addition of appliques (which are actually called for in the pattern but which I did not add) and by the pattern one chooses to use in "quilting" the case. I did a variation of a zigzag pattern that I think adds to the overall appearance:

This type project also lends itself well to recycling fabric from other sources. I think used denim would be great here, for example, or even old curtains.

Addendum, Feb. 11: In the middle of the night I woke thinking about how to sew this with lining so that the two parts are sewn together at the top and then turned. For some reason I couldn't think how this was done, although I have made bags this way, so I turned to my patterns to find one that used this technique. It's simple:

* Sew three sides of the bag (attaching batting if needed), leaving the top open.

* Sew three sides of the lining, leaving top open and leaving an opening in one of the seams for turning.

* Place lining and bag together, right sides together, and sew top. turn.

This is how I will do the next one. If I want to finish the seams on the bag and lining I can, of course, but they will not be visible.

Pillowcases for Valentine's Day

The Tuesday before yesterday I made two pillowcases for one of my daughters, for Valentine's Day. I had read directions for pillowcases online and in a book so I had the general idea how to make a simple pair. To make these special, I decided to applique hearts on the "cuffs" of the pillowcases. I cut out hearts freehand, ironed them on using Steam-A-Seam 2 (no, I get no money for this endorsement!), then used an applique stitch around the edges.

It didn't go entirely as planned.

Initially, after I cut out the "cuff" part from the white cotton, I ironed and sewed hearts on it, then realized I had placed them in the wrong place. Once folded, they would not be in the right place. I started over, and this turned out to be a good thing.

After I cut out another cuff piece the sewing teacher came by and I told her what I was doing. She suggested that I use different stitches, better for appliques. For some reason I had not thought of this and was using a simple tight zigzag. The zigzag is fine but if you have a nice applique stitch how much nicer it can be! (Click on the pictures above to see the stitch up close.) But more than that, I realized I had not looked in my sewing manual for "how to do appliques". I did so, and learned about the "open toe" foot. This is a presser foot that is empty in the middle, allowing me to see clearly exactly where the needle is sewing. I could then do the stitches far more accurately and with greater confidence. I can see myself using this foot more often for situations where the exact placement of the stitch is important.

Shopping Cart Seat Cover

View from front

and side

In my class last Tuesday I started a shopping cart seat cover, using a "Sewing for Dummies" pattern. Oddly, the directions are not as clear as one might expect for a pattern intended for dummies...there were a couple of places in there when I had to go over the directions several times and I actually got started wrong before I realized it. A few more illustrations would have helped.

The following day, Wednesday, I finished the cover. It was not as difficult as I expected it to be and I am very pleased with it.

That's elastic around the top facing, by the way. That way it stays when you drape it over the handle and around. There are other patterns that are more like ruffles, which may be a little easier.

Sewing class starts again

Today began the new sewing classes. In the morning Intermediate, the same class as last time. In the afternoon, Home Dec, a class that features patterns and instructions for home decorating projects. Today we received patterns for some window coverings and place mats plus table runners. I looked through the notions required for a window shade I liked and decided instead that I might want to make table runners and place mats. Many window coverings require a lot of parts! Oh, and because they finally arrived, we also got another baby pattern, one intended for last semester's baby class.

But of course that's for the future, for future classes. I had to show up today with some kind of project in mind, and I did. I decided on diapers. Yes, they are out of style these days, have been, in fact, since my children were babies, but I believe in cloth diapers. And Linda gave us a pattern for some cool ones last semester. That is the pattern I used. I made two today and I am excited about making more. I figure I will make a nice dozen of different patterns and include some diaper covers (either some I make or store-bought) and send them off to my daughter the foster mom. And her husband the foster dad. They might find them cute enough to use, to justify having to wash them.

As usual, the class was lively with what Linda's husband characterizes as "cackling", as in "hens cackling". He can say what he likes, of course. The cackling that goes on here is fresh and often very funny. Linda had stories. She always has stories. Others had stories, too, including one of being a "bad grandma". Bad Grandmas let their grandchildren get in harm's way or get messes in their hair. That sort of thing.

Next week some class members will bring lasagna, salad, dessert. I figure I'll bring the vegan lasagna but haven't figured out just which version yet. Linda pretty much always brings salads from her garden and I always eat those.

Still sewing

The class ended about ten days ago. In the last few weeks in class I made a snuggie for myself (plus I got partway through a second one), a pullover fleece jacket for a dog, a little pin carrier (quickie) and more. Outside of class I made another vest for my grandson's friend Matt, finished two more snuggies, made a couple of bandannas. Here are some of the highlights:

A "super pooch" cape my grandson Joey and I made together. Another view:

That stylized "S" monogram was designed by Joey. Together we appliqued it to the cape, and we both shared in making seams and gathering the neck.

Snuggie I made for myself:



I decided to add cuffs to this one. The cuffs are pre-made from the sewing store. The teacher helped me in figuring out the installation.

I used my farmers' market bag actually at the farmers' market, then at a native plants sale (where I bought that T-shirt:



Bandannas for two of my granddoggies:









The pullover fleece jacket for Floyd, which turns out to fit Bella better, but is too tight:

The sewing classroom during a break:

The adult ed classes will resume in January. This time there will be a home decorating class in the afternoon, Tuesday, so I am again signing up for two.

A cell phone case

Today it rained. I didn't feel any need to rush. I didn't even know what I would work on in class until I had been there a little while. I brought along material and patterns for three different things and finally decided to make a cellphone case.

It took me a while to cut out the little pieces, in part because there were lots of them and in part because some were cut from the base fabric, some from "contrast 1" fabric, some from "contrast 2" fabric, some from fusible fleece, and finally some from paperbacked webbing. Sheesh. Yet it's a small project and it doesn't take much fabric altogether.

My first challenge came with the fusible fleece. The instructions to fuse it were not included with the fabric so I wasn't sure how to fuse it. I asked Linda, she said use a press cloth (she tore me a piece), don't worry about getting it wet (many of the instructions for similar products say to wet the press cloth). She tested it by using the point of the iron on a part of it and seeing if it fused, which it did. It was a little tricky figuring out which side fuses and which side does not but I managed to guess right.

Then I had trouble with sewing. My machine kept clogging up and not actually sewing. I have never seen it act this way before and I was about to call Linda again but instead I looked at the troubleshooting pages in my manual. One possibility was that the upper threading was wrong. I figured maybe that was it so I did it over and indeed that was it.

Once these issues were ironed out I just started sewing and fusing and lo! I got the baby done by the end of the day. There is more fusing, I think, than actual sewing.

And here it is, with my small camera in it:

front.

back.

A cool thing about this is that it matches the bag I made. Coordination! Another cool thing is that it is made with leftover fabric. Yes, I had to fork out for the fleece and webbing but otherwise it's practically free...

Tuesday Marathon: what I did

Today I brought stuff for a couple of projects. I wasn't sure how far I would get with one so hedged my bets.

First, I showed my two pieces of knit fabric to Linda, asking her if they were suitable for the pattern I had for a knit top. They both are. So eventually I'll make that top out of one or both of them.

Second, I decided to go ahead with a reusable bag. I brought along a pair of jeans I had gotten at the Goodwill Outlet plus several other pieces of fabric to consider for the lining. I quickly realized I had not brought enough denim. I have more, just didn't bring it. But I wanted to get on with it so I decided to use a fabric I planned for the lining for part of the outer bag as well.

I got pretty far. It took the morning to get it all cut out, in part because I ended up piecing a few parts so the pattern would fit, and in part because I simply took my time. I like taking my time there and just getting done what I can without a rush. As I got into the bag many other class members stopped by to see it. This is something that is done here - everyone wants to know what the others are doing. It's fascinating and sometimes we actually learn something. I talked to another member about a quilt she is making, and learned about making beautiful pillowcases from discarded old table cloths. I really love that one and am interested in making some of those myself.

The afternoon class is the baby class and some of us are getting more interested. We mainly joined to give us more time to work on whatever projects we had, but some of those baby things are so damned cute! So next week one of the others will bring a bunch of felt because she has a bunch and a lot of us will make little felt booties for newborns. How fun is that??? I do not know who will get the booties but I am sure we'll figure something out.

Lunch time is migrating to potluck time. Every week different people have been offering different things and this time we even more-or-less scheduled a whole meal for next week. Linda is bringing minestrone and the rest of us are bringing sides. I am thinking of sending Linda an email asking if by any chance the soup will be vegan. If not, I will bring an alternative for that part. I am thinking of making some bread thing to bring. This is a great way to try out recipes!

The first vest

In my sewing marathon last Tuesday I started and almost finished this vest. I added buttonholes and buttons at home yesterday. I am still not so good at getting the buttons and holes exactly where I want them. I think this is a matter of marking as much as anything else, of doing a good job marking.

The vest was intended for my grandson, who wants to be a "mafia guy" for Halloween. Unfortunately, as I progressed in making it I realized it was not long enough for his long torso. The chest size was right and the waist okay but when I looked at it I was sure it was not long enough. So I called my daughter and she measured her son from shoulder to waist and that confirmed it.

I am now in the process of modifying the pattern to fit him. The bitch of it is that I could not find a pattern closer to his size. The pattern I got - and just about all of the others I found - is multi-sized for both men and boys. You'd think that would cover it but it doesn't. The boys' sizes are S, M, L, and the L is not large enough. But the small men's size is way too large. So I have decided to adjust just the length - and a tiny bit of the waist - and see how that goes.

I may have a problem with having enough fabric but I don't think so. I found two clothing items at the Goodwill Outlet last week, both of them pin-striped, one a pair of slacks and the other a suit jacket, and I think one way or another I will have enough. I only need enough of this fabric for the front, after all, just those two pieces. If I need to buy more black satin for the lining and back then so be it.

What tips did I garner from class Tuesday?

One in particular: you can make a dress form from duct tape and a large T-shirt. And some kind of stand, like a Christmas tree stand. This subject came up at lunch and it reminded me of the sculptures you can make with clear packing tape. I suppose packing tape would work for the dress form too, but duct tape is probably better for pinning. By the way, there are several videos on YouTube on how to make one of these.

Also: sharpening scissors: go to a knife shop, where they will sharpen them right there and do a good job. If you take your shears to a sewing store they will send them out.

Well, I'm committed...or I should be.

This is my sewing machine with some of the stuff I had in my sewing class today, in various stages of assembly. This is after class, back home, on the floor.

I decided to sign up for the intermediate sewing class this fall so I could keep the momentum going. Having a specific time and place to sew, separate from home, seemed like a good idea. The class started last week, Tuesday, but I had to miss that class because I have been traveling and just returned yesterday afternoon. I did not have a specific project to work on today. So later yesterday I went to a fabric store and finally chose a folding clutch purse that looks pretty nice, and I bought the notions and fabric for it. So I was ready.

While I was cutting out the pieces (I have never had so many in one pattern!) I talked with others and learned that many of the others in that class would also be going to the one in the afternoon. But there was a chance the afternoon class would not reach the minimum attendance and would be canceled. The adult ed management recently imposed a minimum of fifteen students per class, which is really asking rather a lot. The afternoon class, also two hours, is a "sewing for baby" class. I had not signed up for it because I can't think of any babies I can sew for right now.

But I learned that I could just continue working on my regular projects if I like. Two more hours of help, large cutting tables, and more...I thought about it and signed up. So now I am committed to Tuesdays, from ten to three every week, for the next several weeks. I need to remember to bring lunch next week, but fortunately this week one of the other class members brought naan and hummus and a bruschetta mix. And Linda, the teacher, brought marinated tomatoes, tomatoes she grew. So I was fine.

Today I learned a few more tidbits:

* How to sew a rolled edge, similar to a serger, with a zigzag stitch

* That I could buy a suitcase-like case designed for sewing machines and notions - that will allow me to drag my machine behind me like a suitcase - and for a bargain price.

* That Burda patterns tend to use a shortcut language - it is hard to grasp all of what is to be done, in some cases.

* That those tomato-like pincushions can be more than pin cushions. First, the strawberry attached to the tomato has some kind of sand in it that will sharpen needles or pins when you put them in there. The package mentions this but it's easy to miss, so I was glad Linda mentioned it. Second, you can use the divisions of the tomato to separate different sizes of sewing machine needles. Like so:

See? Universal needles, size 9

Further, I learned that this class gets coffee or tea. I learned a few things about quilting, mainly because I was curious. I don't plan on doing any quilting any time soon. There is one other person in the morning class who seems similar to me in experience. The rest are way out there in advance land, and are all generous with their knowledge, I am happy to say.

So...Tuesday is sewing day.

Sixth - last - class

Last night was the last beginner's sewing class. Because I finished my pajama pants at home I brought in something else to work on. My friend Paul had obtained four pairs of slacks that were too short and he asked if I could let down the hems (including some cuffs). I said sure! I wasn't sure if I'd run into something unexpected so I brought them to class.

Others worked on different projects. Linda passed out cute little measuring tapes as last-class gifts. She also brought out patterns we could buy and some we could just take if we wanted. The free ones were elderly - "vintage", as she called them. I took a couple of those and bought 11 of the others at $1 each. I also bought a lovely pair of sewing shears - see below.

After diddling around with patterns and so on I set to work on the slacks. Most of my time was spent taking out stitching and ironing the new hem up. I decided to use the blind hem stitch, which is pretty much the same as the one I had on my last sewing machine, years ago. Except that on this machine I got to use a special presser foot that made it easier to do the hem well. Even with this help I missed bits of each hem and had to go over them again. No biggie, though. By the end of the class I had finished two pairs of slacks and they both looked good. I felt good. I think that being in a separate place gave me more of an inclination to do this work, to take the time, too, as opposed to sitting at home, susceptible to interruption and distraction.

One of the young girls was making more mistakes and had to rip out a lot of what she'd done. Somebody asked why she kept doing this and she said she did not know. I said, to the class in general, that in junior high I had done just terribly. I hadn't even finished the apron, and my seams were horrifying. Another woman in the class said her junior high sewing experience was so traumatic she went through years of therapy because of it and she is just now, with Linda's help, coming out of it (of course there was a hint of exaggeration here). The girls' mother said this is why she wanted her children in this class, so they wouldn't have to go through that. And Linda told the story of some young girls in another class of hers where the moms were the problem. It was a kick, having that conversation.

Today I finished off the other two pairs of slacks. This is good experience. On one pair I needed to do a new overcast stitch on the raw edge, which was also good experience.

All of these positive experiences have given me confidence. I went through the patterns and chose one I decided to make. It's a fleece pullover with zipper and pocket and collar. More than I have been doing up to this point. But I read through the instructions and I feel I can do it. So I went out to get material and notions and I am ready to start.

Fifth class: pajama pants

In today's class I cut out and started sewing and almost finished the pajama pants. This pattern can indeed be made in two hours, more or less.

I knew going in that the pattern was not quite large enough for super-sized me. So when I was inserting the elastic in the waistband I realized the material was stretched to the size of the elastic - that is, not much gathering going on there. I also discovered that I twisted the elastic in the process of inserting it. But the class was almost over when I saw this, so I took it home and am fixing it here. I figure I may as well hem the legs and call it good right here at home! Which will free up next week for mending tips and stuff like that.

I also picked up two more patterns, which I ordered the first week. One is a set of vests. The other includes a couple of blouses and a pair of slacks. I am excited about making these, after I finish this class.

Some of the people in this class are like me - been away for a while but have a basic grasp of sewing. Others are really lost, including the woman in front of me. She can make no sense of pattern directions, can't work out how putting together fabric works. I sympathize. It does take a little time to work through this pattern recognition thing.

What I have gained, I think, more than anything else, is a real interest and excitement about sewing. I can do this.

***This just in: the finished product***



A couple of notes: the pants don't fit perfectly. My waist and hips are larger than the pattern allows for. I could have enlarged the pattern - I actually know how - but I decided to let it be smaller with the intent that I will shrink into it. That's not entirely a pipedream because I actually am losing weight.

Fourth class

Pocket detail

The apron

I had purchased and washed the flannel I am using for my pajama pants (our next project) and intended to bring that material with me to the class, in case I finished the apron early. I forgot the fabric. And I did finish early. But it's just as well. I was able to cut out the pattern pieces and that was enough when it came down to it.

About three of us chose not to line our aprons. I had initially wanted to line mine but then decided I didn't like the fabric I had chosen for a lining, and that I could use extra practice hemming anyway. The hemming option takes longer, actually, than lining, because there is about double the amount of sewing. It was good, though, to use this finishing technique because it's a good one to know.

The finishing method:

• Sew a line at the seam allowance width. For example, in this case we sewed a line one inch from the edge of the fabric.
  
• Fold the fabric so that the edge of raw fabric meets the sewn line, and press.
  
• Then fold again on the sewn line and press. So it's a double-fold.
  
• Sew close to the inner edge - in this case, about 3/8" in.

I am pleased with my apron but wish I had chosen to line it. The material is a lightweight cotton and extra weight would have been good. We live and learn.

In this class I learned how to turn a tie that is open at both ends, using a safety pin. I had used a safety pin years ago but forgot how I had done it.

There are young girls in this class. The young 'uns are allowed into adult ed classes if an adult is with them, and their mother is with them. The mom is an expert at the sewing machine but said she can't teach her children. I can understand how that might be. The girls are maybe 13-15 years old. Last week one of them was piecing together different fabrics and was going to cut out the pattern from that. I liked the idea and I think it will be cute. But she was a little rushed or maybe unthinking in her execution. She didn't make sure edges were nice and straight and she sewed the wrong side to the right at one point. Her mother, who was in the other room at the time, said "This is why I can't leave her in a room by herself". I was reminded of myself in junior high. I remember making an apron then that I don't think I even finished, and I know I rushed it. It was years before I came to a comfortable position with a sewing machine, but even now I do tend to rush, particularly if the project is a quickie. I need to remind myself to take my time every time.

Third class

I rushed out of the house this afternoon to get to the class. I was feeling so tired that I didn't even want to go, and then I couldn't find my keys so I ended up a little bit late. People do come late to the class so it isn't a big deal. And once I was there I was awake again, fortunately.

Today we cut out our apron pieces from our material. There was a wide range of material and some people are lining their aprons while others are not. I am one who, at the last minute, decided not to line, so I ended up a little ahead of the others. Maybe I'm the only one not lining my apron.

After cutting it out we prepared and sewed on the pockets. Linda, our teacher, prefers a certain way to finish the top of the pockets, different from the pattern description, so she was busy running around, showing each of us how to do it. She doesn't stand at the front too often. Her method is to walk around and find people who need help and direction. In a way it is disconcerting because there are some principles of sewing that she is not specifically telling us and I wonder how everyone will learn them. But I think I do know, actually. She really teaches each of us individually.

By the end of the class I had sewn the pocket on my apron and had created the ties (but had not sewn them on). I will undoubtedly finish the apron next week, so I need to get the material for the project after that. I may get a chance to cut it out.

Linda was able to help a few people with problems with their machines. She fixed a tension problem and a thread problem and I don't know what else. Someone called her the "Click and Clack of sewing machines". She was quick to point out that she can only do these tricks with mechanical machines. The computerized versions (like mine) she cannot fix.

I did one goof today. I wound a bobbin wrong and ended up with a mess of thread. I now think I have the bobbin thing down. Should be good from now on. I need to get more bobbins for the future.

We really take our time here. I rather like it.

Second class

I went to the second class today. I debated whether I should bring material for the apron tonight - it wasn't on the schedule - I ended up washing the material but it wasn't dry by the time I left so I left it behind.

All we did was get familiar with our machines. And that meant we threaded the machine, filled a bobbin, and sewed several stitches on a piece of fabric. I tried out several stitches I had not tried before. They got me thinking about how I might dress up a simple project.

After the stitching, our teacher, Linda, had us cut out our pattern pieces for our first project, an apron. By themselves. In my sewing past I would cut them out roughly, pin them to the fabric, then cut both together. Well, okay, I went along with the program given I had nothing else to do.

One woman cut her pattern out really really carefully. As if it were the end in itself. I wondered if she understood the purpose of the pattern and how it all works. Maybe not.

Sewing class: week one

The beginning sewing class began last night. It's a two hour Adult-Ed class, held at a former junior high school here in town. It appears to be in a classroom formerly used for home ec classes. There is a kitchen attached.

There are ten students! Wow! Two of them are high-school age and the school requires an adult to accompany them, which was no problem. A mother came along. The room has two rows of tables, each with two chairs behind it, but with ten students we can each have a table. Small table, but table. There are electrical plugs all over, designed for the class, there are four ironing boards, and in the kitchen we can lay out and cut fabric and have tea or coffee. I'm lovin' it already.

The teacher, Linda, told us a little about herself and asked each of us if we'd sewn before. A few students have never sewn. Most of us have a passing acquaintance, can get around a machine. Linda has a room on the upper level of her barn that is 800 square feet - devoted to sewing. She has seven machines ready to go at any time and a number of other machines are on shelves just because she likes how they look. She spent $1000 on a restored Singer Featherweight - that was painted a bright blue. She says sewing can be an expensive hobby and she's addicted.

She told us we'd be going over various basic stitches next week. We did no sewing today. She said she can teach us how to do stitches even when the machine is not supposed to offer them, and she can work with any machine no matter how old. She seems just perfect.

One woman asked her for advice in buying a new machine. She said stay away from the $80 bargains but if you pay $200 - $300 you've got a good machine. I paid more but I wanted more.

After we do the different stitches we will get a pattern for an apron. The week after next we start the apron. It can be lined, and I figure I'll line mine. The apron is supposed to take two weeks. The next project will be pajama bottoms, which will take another two weeks. The last week will be whatever we want to make, and she will teach us stuff about mending also.

Some cool stuff: the school gets discounts on notions and equipment. So if we want to buy something we can tell her and she will get it for us. She can get dress forms, which I would love. I wonder how much they are.

And some things we learned:

* Pattern sizes are different from ready-to-wear sizes. A size ten in the store will be a 14 - 16 in a pattern. This is because the pattern sizes have not changed since the 40s but ready-to-wear sizes have. So it's really important to look at the measurements on the pattern. She offered to do quick measures of us at the end and I took her up on that so I'm ready.

* Fabric is also smaller than it used to be and what it calls for in patterns. The pattern will say 45" fabric but you can't even get that any more. You have to get 42 - 44" wide fabric.

* There are some good sources for fabric online: Joann's is one, and Hancock Fabrics. Also ebay! She said she gets fabric from ebay a lot, and it's usually a really good deal. She encourages thrift shop buyers to find clothing and take it apart or just buy it for unusual buttons. And she says don't buy the stuff at Wal-Mart that's $1 a yard. It's like gauze.

* The school also gets a selection of patterns it can order. They each cost only one dollar. So she said we can choose what we want from the patterns posted on the wall and she will get them for us. I ordered four patterns. The patterns for the apron and pajama pants come with the class so that's a total of six.

The class is held in one of the rooms at the very end of the former junior high school. You have to go down two flights of concrete stairs to get to it. Fortunately, you can take your car down to a drop-off place and drop the machine off first, then park and walk down. We were all joking about the stairs on our way down, not knowing that there was that option. Called it the Sewing and Weightlifting Class.

This is going to be fun! I suspect I'm going to want to join the intermediate class when I'm done with this one.