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Sewing Workshop Q&A

Below you will find general questions and answers about the workshop sessions.  If there is something that was not answered, please contact me by selecting the CONTACT button below.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?​

  • Curriculum Guide workbook for beginner sewers with practice sheets.

  • Sewing machines will be provided. Various machines will be on site. If you have your own sewing machine, I highly recommend that you bring the machine with you to class.  Using your own machine will build your comfort level in doing projects on your own at home.

  • All tools needed for cutting, pinning and sewing are supplied for use in the session only. (I supply thread and scrap fabric for projects, etc.).  You are welcome to pre-purchase your supplies at a local or online craft store. 

  • Supply kits will also be available for purchase from the class if desired (see Workshop Fees).

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 WHAT STUDENT SHOULD BRING?​

  • Students are expected to purchase desired fabric and notions (ex: elastic, ribbon) for each upcoming project. A list of supplies required for the upcoming project will be sent via email (or text), and each student is expected to bring these items to class.  When purchasing your fabric, DO NOT buy plaids or stripes for your projects unless told otherwise.

  • Students should also consider bringing a tote bag to carry items (tools, fabric, etc) and to keep them together.

  • If you are in need of a sewing kit, please let me know in advance (at least 2 weeks) so the kit will be ready for you before class starts. The detailed items in the sewing kit are listed on the Supply List page in the workbook.

 

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ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is very important, so please contact me and let me know 48 hours in advance if you will not be attending so that the class can proceed without you.  Also, students on the waitlist will have the opportunity to join the class session when a space is free.  Out of respect for other students, please do not attend the class if you are sick.

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CANCELLATION POLICY:

NO REFUNDS OR DISCOUNTS will be given for any missed classes.  See "Make Up Classes" for further details.

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MAKE UP CLASSES:

As the schedule fills, making up a class will become very difficult. NO REFUNDS or discounts will be given for ANY missed classes. However, you will be given a credit toward the next available class.  If there is no availability in the current class sessions, a missed class will be made up by appointment only. Fourty-eight (48) hour notice is greatly appreciated if you are going to miss your scheduled class.   Please make every effort to attend your scheduled class session.

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WORKSHOP FEES​

  • Single Session workshop fee is $30.00 per person payable upon registration. This session is for a single 2-3 hour session. Please note that some projects may require more than one session to complete. 

  • Sewing Tool kits are available for a one-time fee.  See instructor for cost of basic kit. Students are able to reuse kits during any session and for home use.  If interested, please contact me at least two weeks prior to class date in order to have the kits available.

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PAYMENTS
Payment is expected on, or before, the first class session. Payment can be made in the form of Cash, CashApp, Apple Pay, Zelle, or PayPal.   If your reservation(s) is made online, PayPal is the only option to select.  However, PayPal does give you the option to pay by credit card as well.  Any questions, please contact me as soon as possible.

 

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FAQ SEW QUESTIONS:

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Q.  How quickly will a student progress through the projects?​

Every student is different and encouraged to move at their own pace, but the goal of each session is to leave with a completed project.  Please know that some projects require more than one session to complete.

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​Q.  How much fabric/notions are students required to supply?​

In any given session, you can expect to purchase fabric and notions (elastic, ribbon) for 2 to 4 projects. The order of projects will vary depending on what each class chooses to create.  Initially students will start with the two (2) bags, one small drawstring bag and one large tote bag. From there it depends on skill level and the length of the session. 

 

​Q.  Should I pre-wash the fabrics?
A.  Yes...and no....

Technically, YES, you should wash, dry and IRON your fabrics before bringing them to class. There are many benefits to working with washed/dried/ironed fabrics. Prewashing prevents colors from bleeding and decreases shrinking around 5%. This also ensures a better, longer lasting project. Note, there are chemicals in unwashed fabrics that can get transferred onto student’s hands and released into the air when ironing. 


But.... If you don't have time to complete the washing, drying AND IRONING before class, it is OK to bring it unwashed. Do not wait until the day of class to purchase your fabric.  You may not have sufficient time to wash and iron the material.  If the fabric was washed but wasn't ironed, will spend half of our class time ironing.   To have the best project outcome, I strongly recommend washing fabrics (according to the label directions) and ironing your fabric thoroughly prior to class to ensure a smooth session. There is NO judgment if you can't make it happen. Just do the best you can.

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 Q: Do students need to supply their own thread?

Thread will be supplied for all projects. If you would prefer matching thread, feel free to bring in your own. I recommend an all-purpose thread such as Coats & Clark Dual Duty All Purpose Thread.  Two (2) 400-yard spools should be enough for any single sew project. 

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​Q:  Do you offer make-up classes?

I do not offer a specific make up class at the end of each session.  I will try my best to fit in a make-up class, but as most classes are usually full it becomes more difficult.  Make up classes are not guaranteed.  

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Q: Do we (Adults/Kids) need to have any sewing experience?

Absolutely not!  You are here to learn the basics of sewing and have fun. No experience required for any session.  If you are sewing for the first time, the initial lesson will consist of a review of sewing tools and parts of the sewing machine.  This will ensure that the student has the confidence to tackle any workshop project and that the project can be completed in the allotted time. Students will learn how to safely operate a sewing machine and introduce sewing tools, terms and basic machine operation.   

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Q: Do you have advice on buying fabric and sewing supplies?

I have found that shopping around allows me to shop for the best prices and sales.  Below are some of the places where to shop:  

  • offers fabrics often at a cheaper price and there is a good selection of unique fabrics that Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart will not offer.

  • :  Fabric selection is small, but inexpensive.

  • Fabrics: Great coupons on the app and has distinctive 'collections' that offer different price points and categories. Their fabric is typically separated by "collection" so it's easier to navigate higher vs. lower quality fabrics.  Note, they also offer an additional 15% discount to First Responders on the store app.

  • Lobby: They do carry fabric and some notions, but their selection is smaller than Joann's. Hobby Lobby is still a great place to shop!

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What to buy:  

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  • If the project calls for cotton, buy cotton. Do not buy minky, cuddle, fleece, silks, satins, lycra, sequins, velvet, etc. We may not be able to use it in class and you may not be able to return it. 

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What to avoid:

  • Metallic or holographic foil embossed fabrics: Those shiny holographic images are eye catchers, but they will melt when a hot iron touches them.

  • Very dark or overly patterned fabrics: Pencil markings are done on the back side of the fabric. Look at the back of the fabric and determine whether or not it would be hard to see pencil marks. This will save a new sewist a lot of headaches when trying to mark and follow a sewing line. 

  • Very light colors or fabrics for wearable projects: Make sure to think about what project the material is for. Once again, unroll a little off the bolt, put your fingers under it, hold it up to the light.... if it's for a skirt, will you able to see undergarments? This mostly applies to wearable projects. 

  • Mixing fabric types: If your project requires more than one fabric, make sure to buy the same type of fabric for both. As in, don't buy cotton fabric for the top and flannel for the bottom. BEWARE of doing this because each fabric will wash, wear and shrink differently over time. 

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