Sew a Cool Back-to-School Desk Accessories Collection by Hand
In this one-week class, students will learn how to sew a personalized pencil case; a desk organizer tray; a stuffed cactus potted plant and more!
Ellen Lumpkin Brown
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(4)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this week-long workshop, we will use innovative patterns, a bit of fabric and a needle and thread to stitch a cool collection of useful items for your desk including organizer trays; a pencil case; and a decorative potted cactus that never needs watering! The sewing lesson will include applied mathematics including measurement, proportion and geometry. Each day, we will review the pattern and instructions, select fabrics, cut, and sew. At least 3 unique items will be completed during the workshop. General familiarity with a needle and thread is helpful but not required. I will demonstrate each step and then assist students to complete the step.The techniques taught in this class are applicable to sewing many other items. The class will be highly interactive and I encourage students to ask questions as we go. Students will learn from me as well as from each other. While there is not homework for the class, I am always available by email to answer any questions that students may have should they want to create items between meetings.
Learning Goals
Students will learn:
Different types of fabric and what makes a good fabric choice
How to measure and mark fabric
How to thread a needle and tie a knot (if they are not already familiar, I will teach this)
How to read and follow a simple pattern
How to cut fabric and/or felt
How to use elastic
How to stitch layers of fabric together
Measurement
How to create a simple personalized embellishment
The difference between fabric 'inside' and 'outside'
Finishing techniques
An illustrated project printout will be available at the end of each session so that students can sew independently if they desire
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parent or caregiver presence is useful as we will be using scissors, needles and pins to make the items.
Supply List
Several 1/4 yard pieces of fabric Several threaded needles (I will teach this if students are unfamiliar) All purpose thread 1/2 yard of elastic 1/4 yard of craft felt (or three 9x12" pieces of felt) Ruler Scissors a few pins an embroidery needle Embroidery floss A regular pencil Scraps of felt
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
5.0
4reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello There! I’m Ellen Lumpkin Brown and I so excited to share my expertise with you! I am a bit obsessed with sewing. I know that might sound a little odd but it’s true - for me, sewing is power! It is powerful to be able to make what you want. I love imparting this superpower to others through creative and innovative sewing classes offered online and in-person. Over the past ten years, I have taught hundreds of folks to sew – age 4 to 94! My class range includes those who have never sewn a stitch to advanced sewists. I also teach craft entrepreneurship and business development skills to teens and adults in school-based and after school programs as well as educational programs. For me, creating an positive environment of FUN and exploration combined with patience and an abiding belief in the success of every student are the hallmarks of great teaching. I specialize in working with tweens, have written several sewing-related books for the 9 - 13 age range, and hold several teaching certifications.
I love to design simple and clever sewing projects that produce surprising and satisfying results for sewists of all ages. My books and patterns have been featured online and in a variety of publications. I love everything having to do with the outdoors and nature and find artistic inspiration by just going outside. I enjoy gymnastics, good books, swimming and tinker in the glass arts.
I’ve worked in social justice for most of my life with the Ford Foundation and the NJ Institute for Social Justice. I hold an MBA from Columbia University and completed my undergraduate work at UCLA. I have three wonderful sons and one wonderful husband.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$65
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-6 learners per class
