The Next Step, sewing class

This class is designed to take you to the next level. This is a base course on clothing construction. During the class you will either make a women's basic skirt or girls dress. You will learn to decode a store bought pattern, laying out and cutting your fabric, putting in a zipper and darts. Below is a list of a few patterns that you could use for this project. There are several that are available. The basic things you will be looking for are if it has a zipper and has some sort of pleats or darts.

Cost $50 per person, class size will be limited to available space. 4hr session.


Girls Dress Women's Skirt
Simplicity 9497 Simplicity2410
Simplicity 2683 NewLook 6448
Simplicity 4721
Simplicity 2430
Simplicity 2675
McCalls M5792
McCalls M5033
McCalls M6020
NewLook 6959
NewLook6884

When looking for sizing of a pattern turn the pattern over to the back side and find the chart that has body measurments. You will of course have already measured yourself or the person you are making this for. You will buy the pattern in the size of the biggest measurement. For example if you have a 24" waist but your hips are 34". You will need to buy the size pattern that corresponds with your hips measurement. You will find the amount of fabric in yards that you will need to buy on that chart as well. There is a list of suggested fabrics for your garment and any notions you may need to complete the project.

Supplies Needed
Fabric for your garment, its best to use a light weight cotton for your first project since it is the easiest to work with. The fabric will need to be washed before coming to class
All notions for your garment, buttons, zipper, hook and eye
Pattern
Thread in corresponding color to match fabric
Basic sewing supplies.
You will also need a place big enough to lay out pattern onto fabric and cut it out. A dining room table usually works quite well for this.

Sewing machine review - part two

For the intermediate sewer these machines are great for someone with some experience or for a beginner that wants a machine to grow with. They are all electronic and offer special features for ease of operation if you are going to be using it often.


Brother - CS6000i online only$199.99Target, JoAnn,Best Buy
$184.76 Walmart
Automatic buttonhole feature,automatic needle threader, automatic bobin winder, reverse, auto needle postion up/down ( this is great for projects with lots of corners, it allows you to set the machine to stay in a up or down position when you stop) Rated top machine for intermediate machines by consumersearch.com.

Brother - CE 5000PRW $139.97 Walmart
5styles of 1 step buttonholer, good on thick fabric, auto needle threader, fast bobbin winding, quick set bobbin, auto needle postion up/down. This is part of the Project Runway series.

Singer Precision 7444 $199.99 JoAnn
$179.99Target
50 stitch choices, 2fully automatic 1step buttonholer, free arm, auto tension. As I was reading through the consumer reviews most were good but there were a few that said the same thing that they had problems with the tension and had to have the bobbin case replaced because the needle kept hitting it, which was due to a timing problem.

Singer - EsteemII 2273 $129.99Target
Reverse, dial a stitch, built in thread cutter, instructional DVD, free arm, automatic buttonholer.


Like I said before I have not personally used any of these machine. I do know that both companies have been around forever and produce quality products. Both have fairly comparable products. You can also try going into your local quilt supply store, sewing machine store etc. They have very knowledgeable sales people, will let you try out the machines, as well may offer some intoductory classes to show you how to use the machine. Remember however they are paid by commision and they always going to say their product is the best. There are pros and cons to buying both places. Have fun and don't let it overwhelm you, you will most likely know right away if you like the machine you bought. If you don't you can always return, your not married to it.

Sewing maching review

Have you gone to the sewing machine store or local Walmart and been completely confused about which machine to get? Well your not alone, as I was going through the process I realized it is very confusing, they all seem the same after a while. After many hours on the computer I have compiled a list of machines I think would be a good buy for someone who is just starting out. Let me starty by saying I am not paid in any way shape or form by the manufacturer or retail stores. This also a review from my research of machines I found on the internet at our local stores and I have not personally used them myself. That being said here is what I found...

For the basic beginner who thinks all they will ever do is an occasional hemline or basic craft project here is a list of machines for you. Good machines for the money. Both companies have been around a very long time and improved their technology as time passed. I'm sure you all remember your mom or grandmother with an old all metal Singer or Brother that was permenantly fixed in a cabinet.

Brother - LX 3125 $79.97 @Walmart
lightweight and compact, 35 stitch function, automatic 4step buttonholer, quick winding bobbin, free arm, built in accessory storage, and instructional video

Brother - XL 2600i $114.00 Walmart.com
this machine was recomended by consumersearch.com for a beginner machine. They listed the top five machines at all levels.


Singer - Simple 2263 $89.97 Walmart
4 -step buttonholer, needle threader, free arm, lightweight and portable

Singer - Portable 2250 $89.99 Target
another great starter machine, same basic features

...see next post for intermediate machine reviews

Sewing Virgin Class

This class is geared toward the very purest, never touched a sewing machine beginner. I will start by helping you familiarize yourself with your machine, take you through a few basic seam techniques, sewing on a button, hemming basic pants/skirts/dresses, and finishing with a cute sewing clutch project to hold all your basic supplies. This is a 6hr course. It can be divided into two three hour increments or done all in one afternoon.

Cost $60.00 per person**




Supply list

Your own sewing machine with manual
spool of thread - any color white is the most versatile
package of sewing machine needles (look in your machine manual for specific needles for your machine)
Scissors - sharp only used for cutting fabric
package of straight pins - can have ball tops or not doesn't matter
tape measure
seam ripper
package of hand sewing needles - variety of sizes
3 ring binder

** I will offer a 20% discount if you are interested in hosting three or more friends in your home

Sewing Classes

So I've decided it would be fun to teach other people how to sew without ever leaving their own home. I feel it is such a lost skill, that is truly greatly needed. I have had many people come to me and say that they would love to learn how to hem pants or sew curtains for their home. Or they have been given a sewing machine but it has sat in the closet since they got it because they have no idea what to do with it. And worst of all they got their sewing machine, mastered how the general workings of the machine, bought all the supplies for their first project, started the project only to get frustrated at the second step in the pattern. If that describes any of you, you are not alone. I am offering several different classes from never touched a sewing machine beginner to intermediate garment construction and a few fun things along the way. In the following posts you will find the list of classes, the cost for each class and a general list of supplies. Happy sewing everyone!! Email me if you are interested in taking one of my classes doristoday@gmail.com

National Apron Day!!

Happy Apron Day!!!

Happy Spring!!!

I know its been awhile since my last post but I have a short recap for you of what's been going on. I guess I'll kind of work with the present and work my way backward. Due to the fact that I can not button not one pair of my pants I am on day two of detoxifying and working out. Oh my goodness I thought I was going to die yesterday. How on earth could I let myself go like that? We all know it gets harder and harder to lose weight the older you get yet I have sat complacent for way too long, I haven't been myself since my youngest was born but I was at least able to maintain one size, even if it wasn't the size I wanted to be. I just couldn't take it, now it is getting warmer and my INNER thighs have cellulite on them. I know that's a pretty picture to paint isn't it? I'll be sure to check back with you all in a couple of days just to let you know that I haven't died, lol. Well the rest of this post will explain what has brought me to this point.

We have planted a garden, well we have started planting a garden. We are so proud of it, we have had intentions of starting a garden ever since we moved into our house seven years ago. After having a third child and very busy schedule it just didn't ever happen. Well since my youngest has started kindergarten and we have been spending more time at home we thought now was the best time. A friend of ours came over to till the soil with his rotatiller, and the first thing we decided we needed to do was put a fence around it. Why you might ask? Some may think it is to keep the wild critters out, nope not us. As soon as the first patch of dirt was dug up both our lovely dogs were there laying in it looking like big ole pigs. They're a mess, literally. This past weekend we planted some tomatoes and cucumber and are just waiting on the rest of our seeds to sprout.

There's nothing better than digging your hands in the dirt and seeing watching life grow. Look how awesome it is to see those cute little seedlings peeking up above the soil.

I had to share these photos. The first week of my weight loss includes protein shakes, egg whites, oatmeal, chicken breast or fish and lots of veggies. So that being said I was in need a new blender. The old one had ground up dog food for our puppies we had and had just seen better days. So I found one on clearance at Walmart not expecting much since there were a lot better models there. When I got it home to make my first shake I was amazed at how fast and well it ground up the ice cubes. With my old one (before the dog food) I had to take a few ice cubes at a time and put them in a baggy and crush them up with a butter knife. Then add them to my shake mixture and still I would have large chunks that never would grind. This one I just put in my liquid, add whole ice cubes and push the button. I see life through new eyes now.

I'm not quite sure why one of those pictures came on there twice and I can't seem to figure out how to delete it so for now enjoy by little darlings twice. I have had to get everyone on board eating healthy so I thought since I have to this fancy new blender I guess smoothies would make a great after school snack. It's good for them and it keeps me from watching them eat cookies, Little Debbie snacks and all that other bad stuff. I made more when my oldest came home from middle school but he wasn't so cooperative about having his picture taken. URGGH middle schoolers!!

The weather here has turned gorgeous, thank God. I've had the windows open and loving the fresh air. While I was writing this I heard this strange noise and I thought what on earth is that. LOL it was my air conditioner turning on, it has been so long since I have heard it I forgot what it sounded like. The younger two boys have started baseball, we get uniforms on Thursday so I'll post some pictures then. I have also been finishing a project I started last fall, refinishing our dining room table. It was before I started blogging so I dont have before pictures I'll just have to post the after ones. I'll give you the background on it then.

I know I told you that you would see the spring line soon, I didn't lie, I'm working on it. I'm also working on the sewing 101 post. You'll see them both very soon.