This four-week course learning the basics will prepare the participants for fun, frustration-free independent sewing. Starting with an expectation of little or no knowledge, we will build the participant’s knowledge each week and create projects along the way. Participants can use their machines, or my studio has new Janome machines available. There are a maximum of five participants in each course.

The week-by-week details can be found here,

Week 1: Understanding Your Sewing Machine & Its Stitches.
Learn how to thread your machine and set it up for success. In this lesson, we will sew simple and decorative stitches and discover how to use stitch length, width and different threads to change the stitch appearance. As we learn, we make the front panels of a zipped pouch which we will assemble in week two. (All fabrics and threads included)

Week 2: Making a Zipped Pouch
In the second class, we will discuss the selection of threads and needles for different jobs. I will show you my top tips for cutting out fabric with a rotary cutter and how to use various tools to hold your materials together as you sew them. We will use different feet to complete your zipped pouch. Your pouch will be lined and make the perfect wash bag or pencil case! (All fabrics, threads and zip included).

Week 3: Making a Fully Lined Tote Bag Part 1
This week will reinforce all the skills you’ve learnt so far, and we will extend these by sewing with different fabrics. You will leave this class knowing how to make fully lined pockets, sew reinforced seams, a simple way to maintain various seam allowances consistently and have completed the front section of your bag.

Week 4: Making a Fully Lined Tote Bag Part 2
This week we will add handles to the bag and complete its construction. We will discuss the names and types of different fabrics, where to buy them, and the free resources available to help you. We will finish with essential machine maintenance to keep your sewing trouble-free!