This is a flexible schedule class, which means that there are NO live meetings.  Every Monday, a module with a lesson video and corresponding learning materials (patterns, videos, web links) will be posted in the Outschool Classroom. The student will post images of their work to the classroom, and will also be encouraged to post questions or comments about difficulties they may be having with the process. In addition, discussion questions and alternate projects based on the ones taught in class will be posted in the classroom Flipgrid-style to foster discourse between the students and myself during each module. All students will be asked to respond to these posts and comment on another person's response. I will engage in these interactions and provide feedback for all student work. If the student has questions, they will be able to contact me through Outschool and I will respond in a timely manner. This flex option allows students to complete the work at times that are convenient to their schedules.  

Students will learn how to upcycle unwanted clothing into doll fashions. The lessons will guide them step-by-step through the process. Patterns will be provided in three sizes: 11.5" fashion dolls (such as Barbies), 15" dolls (such as Wellie Wishers), and 18" dolls (such as American Girls).
Essential questions addressed by this course:
Students will learn how to upcycle unwanted clothing into doll fashions. The lessons will guide them step-by-step through the process. 
Essential questions addressed by this course:
*What is upcycling, and why is it important?
*What are some alternatives to spending money on doll clothing?
*What are some ways to make needle threading easier?
*What are some useful hand sewing stitches to know, and what is the purpose of each?
*How is a seam made, and why is it important to lock the stitching at the ends of most seams?
*What is a seam ripper, and how is it used?
*How do sewing patterns work?
*How can I make three different garments out of a circle of fabric?
*Why doesn't my pants pattern look like pants?
*What is a raglan-sleeve shirt, and how is it made?
*How is Sharpie ink drawn on fabric affected by the addition of rubbing alcohol?

Students who have not yet learned to cut shapes accurately, thread a needle, tie a knot, or sew a basic running stitch would benefit from a nearby helper. Videos will be provided in the classroom that will help them to learn and practice these skills.

Lesson breakdown
#1: Introductions, discussion about upcycling and why it is important, introduction to the tools used in the course, demonstration of breaking down an article of clothing to conserve useful details (such as neck ribbing and pre-sewn hems) and to maximize the amount of useful fabric, break down a t-shirt together, plan first project (a circle skirt). Post questions and comments to the classroom. Respond to discussion prompts.
#2: Cut out circle skirts, sew on waistbands, learn how to make two different sundresses from the same pattern. Post completed project and/or questions to the classroom. Respond constructively to posts made by others in the previous lesson, and to lesson prompts. 
#3: Choose a pants length (shorts, capris, long pants), cut fabric, and sew together. Post completed project and/or questions to the classroom. Respond constructively to posts made by others in the previous lesson, and to lesson prompts. 
#4: Cut out baseball tee, choose customization if desired,  and then follow the steps to sew together. Post completed project and/or questions to the classroom. Respond constructively to posts made by others in the previous lesson, and to lesson prompts. 
#5: Learn how to make a swimsuit from a round balloon, two garments from a single sock, listen to a brief safety disclaimer about the necessity of ventilation during smelly projects, and then experiment with Sharpie tie dye. Post completed projects and/or questions to the classroom. Respond constructively to posts made by others in the previous lesson, and to lesson prompts.