Caution: Learning to sew can lead to material and thread hoarding and button collecting.
Students do not need prior experience.

The class materials will offer several choices of multiple-use items using a straight stitch, however, students are welcome to bring any project they want to make.  Simple sewing techniques can be used for personal use items, room decor, gifts for friends and relatives, and even items to sell.  
Creativity loves company!  Learners will demonstrate mastery of the techniques by uploading pictures of their work-in-progress and finished masterpieces.  Students can ask questions and show off their new skills and their project via text or email as often as they like.  (I respond within 24 hours- other students are free to respond at their own pace.) 
                 *** Students may work on and receive feedback on as many projects as they like during the course. ***
    WEEK ONE:                                      
To start, students will learn the BASICS and get acquainted with the basic TOOLS of the trade such as how to:
** thread a needle by hand & tie it easily - or use a threader if they prefer  - then "anchor" the knot onto the fabric to avoid it 
    coming out both at the start and at the end of a project. 
**Which kind of THREAD to use  (weight, stretch, color match, or decorative detail)  & how to easily prevent thread tangles.  
 ***SEW in a straight line and stitch spacing, double stitch, doubling back stitch, light darning, etc. 
**Decorative looks simply by using different colors of thread/threads.
   (If more than a straight stitch is needed for any project they choose, I will demonstrate it in a video for them personally.)
**Which FABRICS to use for which project (weights, stretch, color theory, etc)
**How to LAYOUT, PIN AND CUT  the pieces of a project (terms: SEAM ALLOWANCE, GRAIN, etc)  
** Learners will begin to think of what they want to make, (IDEAS will be given in the handout), but should be able to apply the 
   week one lesson to make a cushion, pillow case, tote, etc. 
 WEEK TWO:
**Learners should have their idea of a project or I will brainstorm with them to choose a project 
  (ideas will be given in the handout)
**I will discuss types of sewing such as BUTTONS & HEMS (#1 lifesavers), room DECOR, CLOTHING, PURSES/TOTES, DOG 
    ITEMS or any craft students can think of; reminding students that handmade make great GIFTS & SELLABLE items. 
**I will also cover how to make simple REPAIRS &  ALTERATIONS on just about anything, such as a hem or take-in seams (DARTS) 
   for a better fit in clothing.
**DARNING is a separate technique, but similar enough to the straight stitch to easily fix small patches and save many items, 
    including furniture! I will demo it in a video. 
**Students will begin their project choice/s, uploading pics of the steps.  
**QUESTIONS will be answered within 24 hours
WEEK THREE:
**Students will learn about TOPSTITCHING/DECORATIVE stitches, and how to APPLIQUE or add a POCKET to a T-shirt, tote, 
    etc.
**Learners should have started on their chosen projects and uploaded pictures to share & critique.  If they have finished a simpler 
   project, they can start another!  
**RECYCLING of materials such as old T-shirts, jeans, etc.
**Check in on progress & answer questions and concerns. 
WEEK FOUR:
**Step it up a notch and throw a ZIPPER into the mix. Expand your skills by inserting a zip into a bag
**CASINGS for elastic, ribbon, or string to make drawstrings pouches or skirts.
**Check in on progress & answer questions and concerns
** Share projects and talk about the experience of making it.  
**Brainstorm other ideas to make.