Introduction to Sewing

Description:

Have you always wanted to sew your own clothes but just didn't know where to start? Do you have your mom's old sewing machine sitting in the corner collecting dust because you don't know how to use it? Sick of throwing clothes away because of a minor tear, or taking your pants to a tailor to get hemmed? In this class, you'll learn the basic skills to get you started with cutting and pinning fabric, and using a sewing machine. To teach these skills, we will be making drawstring waist PJ or lounge pants.

Class Goals:

By the end of this class, you'll know how to thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, use a few different stitches on the machines, make a button hole, and cut and pin fabric.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

Students should come to the first class with 3 yards of flannel or woven cotton (or cotton/poly blend) fabric. Do not buy a knit fabric or fleece. Quilting fabrics work well. Sewfisticated has a wide variety of inexpensive fabrics; they are located at Twin City Plaza in Somerville and at Lambert’s Plaza in Dorchester.

(If you are making the pants for a child, someone especially petite, or someone especially large, you may need more or less fabric. Your instructor can be emailed with any questions about the fabric.)

You will also need to bring to class a comfortable to loose-fitting pair of pants that we will use to make a pattern. If you wish to make the pants for someone else, please bring a pair of their pants to class.

Instructor Biography:

Carolyn Emberley sewed her first wallet by hand with some of her mom's quilting scraps and embroidery floss in the third grade. In addition to learning that embroidery floss is not the correct thing to use as thread, she learned to use her mother's sewing machine later that year, and has been sewing things ever since. She has a BFA in Studio Art from UMass Amherst. For most of her time there, she taught a variety of classes at the Student Union Craft Center, including sewing.

Note: this class is SOLD OUT. Click the tickets link to join the waiting list.