In this one-time class we will make a small star-shaped pin catcher and learn the rudiments of hand sewing.  We will talk about how felt is a unique type of fabric. We will learn how to: thread a needle, anchor the ends of the thread, estimate how much thread we will need to complete a seam, cut out pattern pieces from felt, and we’ll learn how to manage tricky skeins of embroidery floss without frustration. We will also be practicing visual estimation skills as we work to make our stitches the same size and with equal spacing.  The pin catcher will also serve to keep our pointy needles and pins accounted for, right from the beginning.

Additionally, we will be exploring ways to embellish these projects to make each finished piece unique to the learner. We will talk about both decorative stitches and appliqué. Our students can add anything they wish to their work to make it their own!

Hand sewing is an important life skill, giving kids the tools they need to repair or create clothing and home textiles. Hand sewing also provides hand/mind linking work that is harder to come by in these days of digital devices. Our sewists will come to understand more about garment construction and gain new appreciation for clothing industry designers and workers.

This is the FIRST LEVEL in a series of one-time feltcraft classes.  Each subsequent level introduces new skills, concepts, and ways of thinking so stitchers can begin to imagine projects on their own.  This L1 class specifically introduces the skills of: cutting pattern pieces, managing needle and thread, securing tails of yarn, and the overcast stitch. 

Most students will complete the pin catcher in class.  All students will have all the skills they need to complete pin catchers on their own.

Preliminary class? If you think your learner would like to try out stitching on a simpler scale before jumping in here, please consider my series of one-time Needlecraft classes. The first one is Needlecraft 1: Running Stitch Bookmark. There we work on plastic canvas while we learn to thread a needle and explore variations on the running/straight stitch. This project is done with colorful yarn, and gives plenty of opportunities to explore patterning with stitches while practicing yarn management and stitch size.

I have been teaching hand-sewing skills to children for many years, and am an accomplished sewist. I have carefully selected feltcraft projects that are appealing, practical and open to customization. I have two cameras set up in my classroom, and my bird’s-eye-view camera clearly shows my hands so students can see exactly what I am doing. I will be cutting, sewing and embellishing these projects right along with you.