Teen Stitchers Course at Hobbycraft

I have recently just finished running another Teen Stitchers course at Hobbycraft in Carlisle.

I had three lovely young ladies on it, all wanting to learn how to use a sewing machine and begin sewing beautiful things.

The first week we spend learning how to thread the machine, as well as general housekeeping like changing a needle, swapping presser feet, changing stitches... and more.  Then we went on to make bunting, but I forgot to get a photo, which is a shame as it was really nice bunting.

Anyway, week two was cushions.  They each made their own pattern from graph paper, then cut out the fabric before sewing it together and embellishing it with ribbons and buttons.

I remembered the photo this week, don't those cushions look fabulous?

Here, have a close peek.  They were free to choose their own fabrics of course, and such great choices they made too.

Week three was "Tool Rolls", where they made little storage rolls for pencils, make up brushes, knick knacks.  Phones were measures so they could go in too  :)

Here they are proudly showing off their Tool Rolls.

Again, superb colour choices, they all co-ordinate so beautifully.

The final week was stuffed owls, with appliquéd tummies and eyes.   This took a little skill as they had to very carefully work around their pieces with a small zig-zag stitch.  You could cut the concentration with a knife, it was that thick!

I am sure I don't need to tell you what a great job they did of these, you can see for yourself.

This little fellow was finished in a bit of a rush and got his wing caught.....

... but you know what?  I like it, I think he has his hand on his hip in a rather joyful manner.  Maybe I will adapt the pattern so they all end up like that   :)

You will see some of these young ladies again as I am doing a follow up course, which starts at the end of June.  Looking forward to that one.

Teen Stitchers Sewing Course

Just after Christmas I started a "Teen Stitchers" course for young folks, wanting to learn how to use a sewing machine.

There were four girls in total, two 10 year old, an 11 year old and a 14 year old.

On the first session they all learnt how to wind a bobbin, change a needle, thread the machine, change stitches etc....  and they all seemed very competent so I set them off on their first project.

Bunting!  They got to choose their own fabrics, make themselves a template then cut out the pieces before sewing them neatly in place along their cosgrain ribbon tape.  (the ribbon has "Handmade by Me" printed along it)

The following week was cushion covers.  First they made a cushion pad from sheeting, then using that size as a guide they then made the cover to go over it.   The pieces were cut and sewn back together with ribbon edging to embellish. 

They did actually all start off with the same size pattern, but different cutting styles ended up making them all a bit different   ;)

The next week was supposed to be a simple stuffed animal, but when I thought about it I thought I needed to up the ante a bit as these girls were quite clever and very adept.

So I designed a stuffed owl, but with appliquéd patches for eyes, tummy and beak.  They also had to learn how to add a pair of wings, then stuff and finish with a bit of hand sewing to close gaps and add buttons for eyes.

I am very impressed by these, I have to say.

The final week was a "Tool Roll", I asked them to bring what they would like to store in their rolls, so had paint brushes, pens, pencils and make-up brushes.

Again, they chose all their own fabrics and trimmings and went away very happy with their very own hand-made tool storage rolls.

It was an absolute pleasure to teach these young ladies, and I do hope they will continue to use their machines and make lots of lovely things in the future.

Teen Stitchers Course at Hobbycraft

Over the last four weeks I have taken a "Teen Stitchers" course at Hobbycraft in Carlisle.

I had 6 young ladies attend, from age 8 to 14 years old.

The aim of the course was to find some kind of sewing technique that they would find interesting and perhaps carry on with as a hobby later on.  So each week we tackled something different.

Week one was Cross-Stitch.   I spend a whole afternoon designing them a Cross-Stitch initial each, then ended up leaving all the print outs on my printer at home - stupid me!   Luckily I had some butterfly kits with me that I designed ages ago, so after a little bit of practise on some #6 count Aida, we made a start on those.

They learnt how to cross-stitch, back stitch and follow a symbol chart.  They all did very well too, their "homework" was to try and get them finished by the end of the four weeks, and if they did I would frame their work for them as a gift  :)

The second week was hand sewing - finishing off, adding adornments and sewing on buttons.

They all made themselves a cardboard template of a heart, which they then cut out of their choice of fabric. I quickly sewed up the seams on the sewing machine for them, they they got to turn it right way in, stuff it (adding lavender if they cared to) and decorated it with buttons, beads, ribbons etc...

What a great job they all did!  And the shop smelt gorgeous with all that lavender wafting around.
Aren't these hearts just fabulous?  I was so impressed by their skills at hand-sewing.

Week three was Patchwork.

They all seemed to really like this one, with most producing a flower, some of them are ending there at that flower and we will appliqué it to a bag, but some will carry on and make it bigger they say  :)

The final week we got out the sewing machines.   The girls all learned how to thread the machines up and wind a bobbin.  Also change the needle and the presser foots, and had a play with stitch patterns on a scrap of material before going on to make something.

They all decided to add some applique bits to a ready made tote bag.  A couple had brought back their patchwork from the previous week, so they added that to their bags.

They did such a great job, all of them, and I will miss them all.  I do hope they carry on sewing and make beautiful things.

Matilda had to go on time (we ran over a little) so here is her bag.

Then there is:  Leanne, Hannah, Erin, Jessica, Robyn and Cherry.

Didn't they all do great?

Oh, and the cross-stitch initials I forgot in the first week, I did finally remember and made them a little pack up, with a certificate for doing so well  :)

I am thinking up something similar to put on in the summer holidays, so watch this space.