Hello Dear Reader,
I have two days of sewing workshops here at frugal cottage.
I learned to sew, cut patterns, match seams, iron open seams and unpick them and start again at school. They were basic skills and I’ve never forgotten them. I brushed up my skills by using tutorials on You Tube and there are plenty of how to sew type of short clips on the toooooooooob! I learned to quilt in exactly the same way.
Our libraries are full of books on craft and sewing and I refer a lot to books and website. The easiest tutorials that I’ve found are from Bonnie Hunter and Missouri Star quilt company.
You can of course go on day courses learning how to sew………….or you could come to me.
I don’t charge, I just ask participants to make a donation of what they can afford or what they thought the day was worth.
I used to have a box room for sewing and sewing workshops were held in my dining room, now I have a dedicated sewing space, albeit a bit cosy. I can fit three participants if I put my desk top computer away.
Today is a learn to sew from scratch day.
We will learn how to hold the fabric, guide it through a sewing machine, control the foot pedal and be comfortable with the machine.
We’ll move onto threading the machine and how to solve problems if they arise.
A quick break for a cup of coffee and some choccie cake (gluten free and of course, made by me) and onto:
choosing contrasting fabric,
measuring and cutting,
creating 5″ squares,
sewing a nine patch,
cutting a nine patch and making a disappearing nine patch block
And making a cushion cover.
If anyone wants to come along to a sewing workshop then email me on [email protected]. The next few will be held on Saturdays and I will try and fit in one a month.
Having basic sewing skills mean you can alter thrifted clothes, make your own soft furnishing, upcycle shirts into quilts and in turn, keep your whole family warm.
I’m passionate about saving money and living an affordable life and a few skills are really useful.
Come sew with me?
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxxx
Cornwall's a long way from Surrey - wish I lived nearer. With classes so expensive it's lovely to hear of your generosity in time and resources.
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What a lovely idea. I almost wish that I didn't know how to sew.. A skill absolutely worth learning.. I've saved so much money over the years, dress making, repairing and enjoying my faithful old sewing machine.. Would be lost without it.. Hope you have a great day..
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This would be a wonderful way to be initiated into that wonderful world that is making your own and saving a fortune into the bargain. I hope everyone coming has a thoroughly enjoyable and informative time.
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I have a machine and it is so handy but my skills aren't much. You are such a generous person. x
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FANTASTIC!
http://duecuoriinpadella.blogspot.it/
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I so need to learn how to sew! I have two Singer sewing machines that are both never used, one treadle and one hand-cranked. Great tip about YouTube I never thought of looking there. I think this should be a project for Spring!
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That sounds lovely and your joy in making quilts is so evident! I learned to sew in 4-H and it has always been useful. I'm getting back into it in retirement and am going to try to make a summer skirt after I make a customized pattern.
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I would love too. However it is a long way from Queensland to your home. What a delight that would be. This last week I have cut and sewn my first patches together. Next I shall make them into squares. It shall be a little quilt for a new baby. Baby steps are the best way to begin. I intended to do so while we were on holiday. However mum sewed and I read to my heart's content. I never consider reading a good book a waste.
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Froogs
I'd also add that basic sewing skills allow you to best maintain the clothes you have. A quick repair extends the clothes, stretching the time before they have to be replaced.
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Your community sewing workshops sound just perfect for peeps like me(just need to get to Cornwall;-)!!!
X
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Every time I read of your classes I wonder if something similar couldn't be done at my house or at the village hall (2 doors away)
Someone offered felt-making classes there a few weeks ago and no-one turned up. I suppose I worry that the same might happen here.
Good for you. You know the expression “Give a man a fish and you feed him for the day, teach him to fish and you feed him for life”
Gill
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It's a very useful skill, I learnt at school. It has been invaluable over the years. I taught one sister to sew last year another now wants me to teach her and my niece.
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I started sewing when I was four, so I have been sewing for 63 years. You could not pay me to teach anyone to sew on a regular basis. The occasional lesson is all I can bear…lol. It does save money.
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My daughter who is 29 can sew and knit and loves all things crafty. I am sadly not the one that inspired her, but she had a lovely primary school teacher with a sewing machine in the classroom. (Health and Safety was not so restrictive then}. She now enjoys a wonderful hobby.
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I couldn't agree more! I bought my sewing machine for $99 24 years ago and even though I rarely sew clothing, it has saved me untold amounts of money in repairs and gifts like quilts.
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I had an online conversation recently, with a fellow Canadian blogger, about the lack of sewing and other practical skills, which used to be taught in schools; but unfortunately any “extras” like this have been removed from curricula over the past decades. I was lucky to learn sewing from my Mum, who was a Depression era teen. I feel efforts such as yours, to pass on sewing, are to be commended. It is best taught one-on-one or in small groups, IMHO. Best of luck with your classes 🙂
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I am inspired to make the cushion covers and baby quilt that are cut out and ready to sew. I've said that before but got sidetracked by injuries which meant it was difficult to use the machine.
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I love the storage boxes!
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I'd love to learn to quilt. I was given a Singer Slantomatic (1961 model) years ago and make things like curtains. In high school, I made some of my own clothes. Good for you for inspiring others; you must be a patient soul!
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Your workshops sound wonderful and your sewing room IS wonderful! Just a suggestion for a class down the road…mending. Hardly anyone does it, and no one teaches it anymore. I am fairly good at it, and I can do simple alterations (have to-I'm short) but you would be surprised how many people don't have a clue. Be great if someone would teach basic alterations and repurposing garments-I'd fly across the pond for that!!
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You are sooooooooo tidy and organized glad you can't see my sewing room. I am teaching my Great Niece to sew she is 14 I always think that is will be lessons she will remember when she is older.
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I am sorry if this is off topic but I heard something this morning that you might be able to shed done light on. Lidl us coming to Australia. I have heard of them and at first I was really excited but I wasn't sure why I was excited. What makes them special? Why do they stand out. I seem to remember them being like an Aldi but I am not sure.
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I was taught to use a sewing machine at school - but never felt safe or comfortable using one. Possibly due to my being very left-handed. Undaunted, I sew by hand. I have made lined curtains, maternty dresses and childrens' clothes by hand, and I can darn and mend really neatly. Haute couture clothes are all sewn by hand, of course!
Jane
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I was taught to use a sewing machine at school - but never felt safe or comfortable using one. Possibly due to my being very left-handed. Undaunted, I sew by hand. I have made lined curtains, maternty dresses and childrens' clothes by hand, and I can darn and mend really neatly. Haute couture clothes are all sewn by hand, of course!
Jane
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Wonderful post, if I lived nearby I'd have my name down like a shot your sewing space looks so welcoming and peaceful plus we can always learn something new. I wish you every success with it.
Blog nominated you deserve it.
Peg x
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What a wonderful idea, Froogs. I hope you and your participants have a wonderful time. 🙂
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Hi, sorry I have been absent for a few days, it has been one busy week! My goodness I would love to come to your sewing workshops as I know I would learn so much. A great post as always. Have a lovely weekend, sending you big hugs and loves
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxx
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Your sewing room looks fab.If I lived closer I'd sign up!
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