Sewing with Mrs. Bachert

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hey there girlys - hope you had a great holiday break. I am eager to hear about everything you got for Christmas and share what I received as well.

Looking forward to getting back into class with you all. If you do not plan to join us for second semester, please let me know. Otherwise, I will consider you part of the group!

So what projects will we make second semester? Remember one of your tasks, for the break, was to think of some great projects ideas. Everyone can choose their own project, just don't pick something too complicated. If you have a pattern number that you want me to check out, just email it to me and I will head to Hancock Fabrics to check it out. Remember, we are looking for pattern sales, we don't want to purchase any pattern at full price :o)

I have a few ideas to get us started but I need everyone to come up with ideas for individual projects. We will do some things together but class time will also be like a sewing lab, where you work as independently as possible with me there to help when needed.

Friday classes will start on January 13th. No need to bring sewing machines, we will discuss project ideas.

Still waiting to hear from everyone in the Tuesday class to determine a start date.

Mrs. B

Week 9

2011-11-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Tuesday class:

We had a very successful day. I don't think one person had a sewing machine problem - no bobbin issues, it was great and a lot was accomplished.

Remember to practice at home during the week. Just like you would practice an instrument before a lesson or a concert, or go to sports practices in between games, or attend play practices before the play is performed, it is necessary to practice sewing in order to be more proficient. So get those machines out and do some sewing :o)

On the drawstring bags, please have both sides clean-finished and sew the seams on the side as the instructions indicate, using a 4/8" seam. Don't forget to leave 2" at the top of one side, unsewn.

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Week 7

2011-11-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Friday class:

Yeah! The stars are completed and turned out great. Everyone needs to fill out and turn in the self-evaluation form, along with your star - so plan to have both with you on Friday.

The next project has been cut out and we will tackle them next week.

Mrs. Bachert

Week 8

2011-11-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday class:

We got the drawstring bags cut out. Clean-finishing was introduced as well. The bags should go together fairly fast.

I need everyone that hasn't brought back their star and self-evaluation form, to bring that to our next class. The star has to be totally completed in order to complete the form.

If you have a special ribbon you want to use for the drawstring bag, bring 3/4 yard for the smaller bags, and maybe 1 1/2 yards for those who are making the larger bag.

There are only two more weeks left of classes. If we can't get our final project completed by the last week, we will meet an additional week, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. We can talk more about that at our next class.

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Week 6

2011-10-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Friday morning class:

The skirts are almost complete, the final step is closing the opening where you turned the skirt right-side out. I think the biggest surprise was that they turned out beautifully - I wasn't surprised, I think you all were :o) Every one of you did a great job and should feel good about the way the skirts turned out. I hope you will make the skirt again and again!

A new handstitch was introduced, the backstitch - practice that over the week and turn in your best work to me on Friday.

Thanks girls - great job!

Mrs. Bachert

Friday afternoon class:

We got those stars completed, learned a bit about the history of the sewing machine, and learned a new handstitich - the backstitch.

Come prepared to begin your second project.

Everyone is on task and doing great!

See you Friday!

Mrs. Bachert

Week 7

2011-10-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday class:

The stars should have all the finishing touches completed and ready to turn in on Tuesday, if you haven't turned it in already. You all have a "self-evaluation" worksheet to fill out and turn in with your star.

We practiced sewing on a button with an attached "shank" and then made a thread shank, using toothpicks to make the thread loose enough to make the shank.

Much to the disappointment of some of you, we were unable to get the drawstring bag started but we should get that going during the next class. We got caught up with the two seam finishes we were practicing on and there were the usual machine issues that kept us from moving along as quickly as we all wanted.

Please take time to practice on your machines between classes, that is the only way you will improve and be able to move to harder projects. Practice double knots on your threaded needle, practice sewing straight on you machine and by hand. Learn how to use the zigzag stitch on your machine.

See you all on Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Week 5

2011-10-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Friday morning class:

The class got the Velcro sewn on and the wrap skirt sewn - what is left is to clip and trim seams, turn and sew up the opening.

Good job!

Friday afternoon class:

Everyone brought back their stars, stuffed and ready to close the opening - which was done successfully. The practice strip went well, so closing the star was easy.

We practiced sewing on buttons, both two and four hole.

We also talked about our next project - everyone is going different directions - it will be busy but doable.

Good job!

Week 6

2011-10-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday class:

In addition to getting the star opening seam sewn, buttons were chosen for the middle of the star. We practiced sewing in two and four-hole buttons to put in the notebooks.

We need to think ahead about our next project - perhaps a drawstring bag?

Everyone is doing great!

Week 5

2011-10-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday class

The stars took shape and they are well on their way to being completed. Sewing the opening closed, sewing on a button, and sewing on the jute as a way to hang the star, is about all that is left.

We practiced the blind hem stitch to use to close the opening of the star - practice that if you are having problems getting the stitches even.

Add the vocab words we talked about to your list. Practice any techniques that you feel need to be worked on. If you are short on strips, be sure to cut more for class.

I am providing the jute and buttons for the star, but if you have something else in mind to use, bring that along on Tuesday.

You are all doing a great job!

Week 4

2011-10-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Friday class

Morning class - the skirt was cut out and we got the loop-tape markings made. Everyone needs to bring some Velcro next week so we can move along.

We discussed the history of the sewing machine and pinked a seam :o)

Afternoon class - we got the stitching done on the star project, clipped and trimmed after that, and then turned and stuffed. Next week we will finish up the star - hopefully :o)

Great job everyone!

Week 4

2011-10-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday class

Well, we got a lot packed into one class:

2 sets of strips were sewn for a new skill/technique coming next class.

But even better, the star project moved on to the stitching stage and beyond. A few of you chose to do the actual stitching at home, which is fine. Everyone needs to be ready to stuff the star on Tuesday.

If I didn't mention it in class, add selvage to your vocab list - it is word #3. Also, complete any worksheets you have not completed.

Not a lot to add, everyone is doing well, being patient, working hard :o)

See you Tuesday!

Week 3

2011-10-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Friday class

Both the morning and afternoon classes were able to get a lot done this week. The two strips that you prepared in class will make more sense next week - you were basically preparing them for a new technique/skill.

The morning class picked out fabric for their wrap skirts and we cut the paper pattern out and all that is needed for next week is bringing that back, taped as the instructions tell you.

The afternoon class picked out fabric for their star and were able to get the template cur out and the stars were marked. We will sew them next week.

Both classes have some handouts to work on over the week. We added one new vocab word this week - selvage - so add that to your list. You should have a total of three words on your list.

You are all doing a great job and I appreciate how everyone works through machine malfunctions and other minor frustrations you encounter.

See you next week!

Week 3

2011-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Class:

We began class with some brief history of the sewing machine. I hope everyone learned something about sewing machine history that they didn't already know. I think the thing that amazes me most is the price of a machine in the 1800's.

After choosing fabrics, we embarked on the star project. We will stitch them up during the next class and I hope we can stuff them as well. Remember that this is a practice star - so no stressing if it doesn't turn out the way you want it to.

Speaking of things turning out well - we talked about doing our best because we should always do that in everything we do. "Things worth doing, are worth doing well".

What do to for this week: I passed out a heart (dot to dot) paper for you to do. Other than that and any assignments that haven't been turned in yet, just take some time to practice on your machine, or practice more of the even running stitching.

Since you have the star template, you could prepare another star out of fabric you may have at home. Remember that sandpaper makes ALL the difference in marking the star on the fabric :o) Having a second star to sew is not mandatory, just a thought if you want further practice. Don't sew them at home though - that will be done in class.

Next week we will meet in the classroom across the hall.

I am sure enjoying having you all in class!

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Friday Class:

We will get on track next Friday - come early to class if you are able.

Week 2

2011-09-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

We were very productive this week - learning how to thread the machine, some got some bobbin winding experience as well. Beyond that, everyone got a chance to sew with thread - yeah!!

Everyone brought back their strips cut - and so nicely! The hand-sewing stitch covered this week was the even running stitch - everyone did a great job on their first attempt at this stitch. Please continue to practice that stitch until you get a strip that shows your best work, work that you will put in your notebook.

If you are able, spend some time practicing bobbin winding and threading the machine, so it becomes second nature. Use some scrap fabric and sew straight lines of stitching.

I passed out some worksheets to be done this week or next. Everything we are doing is leading up to the beginning of our first project. Click on the "vocab" link on the right side of this site, add the word muslin and even running stitch - word # 1 and 2 to your vocabulary sheet.

Be sure to ask if you have any questions - I am here to help.

See you all at your next class!

Mrs. Bachert

Week 1

2011-09-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

It was great to see everyone this week - I hope that you liked your first sewing class and are excited to learn and create this semester.

What we covered for Week 1:

Why are you learning to sew
Advantages of knowing how to sew
How to get the most of this class and classroom courtesy
Basic sewing supplies
Parts of the sewing machine
How to cut the many strips we will be using
Handouts - a vocabulary sheet and a sewing machine "parts" list (these go into your notebook)

What is due for next class:

Notebook paper stitching - if your paper is tearing, it means two things could be happening:

1. the paper is being held back from going between the presser foot and the feed dogs - or

2. you might have the stitch length set to make small stitches - it should be on "4" or the longest stitch length possible on your machine.

Also, everyone was asked to look over your machine manual to see what different things your individual machine can do. Also look for any parts that we covered in class that we were unable to find on your machine as we quickly ran through them. Your manual will have descriptions and/or diagrams to help you find these parts. It is most important that you know your machine. If you are able, check out the part about threading the machine and practice doing that until it becomes so easy you don't need to look at the diagram.

Strips: Everyone should come back with some strips cut 6"x 2" - we will use a lot of strips.They need to be cut neatly :o)

If you have questions, please be sure to ask.

Mrs. Bachert

Classes start this week.

2011-09-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Welcome to our sewing class blog. I am excited that I will see some familiar faces and meet new ones.

The purpose of this site will be mainly a way to communicate with you, post what was covered in class and list assignments.

I am teaching three separate classes this year. Most of the time the information will be applicable to all classes, but if it is necessary to speak to just one of the classes, I will make note of it under the heading of the day and time of your class. (example: Tuesday class, Friday A.M. class, Friday P.M. class)

What to bring to class: Sewing machine, supplies, washed muslin, paper and pencil for note taking.

I will be emailing you some things to copy, but will explain that on the first day.

Looking forward to our first day - hope you are as well!

Mrs. B

Days and times have been determined

2011-08-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

I hope that the following days and times will work for those who have expressed interest in my sewing classes.

Tuesday afternoons - from 1:30 - 2:45 - Community Bible Church

Friday mornings - from 10:00 - 11:15 - Morris Baptist Center - space is limited. An afternoon class may be added.

UPDATE: Friday afternoons - from 1:00 - 2:15 - Morris Baptist Center - space is limited.

If there is enough interest in a Wednesday class, it would meet in the afternoon at Community Bible Church.

Classes will run from mid September through late November or early December. Most of the time we will meet for approximately 75 minutes, but there could be days that meet for 90 minutes.

The class fee is $95.00. Students will need a portable sewing machine, general sewing supplies, and items for projects.

The following semester, an advanced beginner class will be offered for the girls that complete the beginning level.

I have some fun projects in mind and am eager to share my love of sewing. Call or email me with any questions.

Update for fall classes

2011-08-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

For those in band, orchestra, and choir - I will have a sewing class on Friday morning at the Morris Center. If that fills up, or an afternoon time is better, I will try to offer a second class. The time will be determined once I see the needs of the group. The earlier class will start at 10:00 and will be for beginners.

The second class would probably start around noon and run until 1:30. Once we see how long band and orchestra will go into the afternoon, I will be able to confirm the afternoon time slot. This could be an advanced beginner class if there is a need for that level this semester, otherwise it will be a beginning class. Basically, it is about what the majority needs.

The second day I am opening up will be Tuesday afternoons, from 1:00 - 2:30, at Community Bible Church.

And finally, if there is enough interest, a class on Wednesday afternoons, from 1:00 - 2:30, also at Community Bible Church.

Classes will start in mid September.

Space is limited.

Classes for Fall 2011

2011-06-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

I will offer classes again in the Fall of 2011 - watch for announcements on this site.

Friday mornings, at the Morris Center, worked very well last year, so I anticipate that classes will at least be offered first on that day. It coincides with band, orchestra, and choir times, and the location is the same - making it convenient for many families.

A second day of the week may be offered, depending on interest. Perhaps at Community Bible Church on Tuesdays, meeting the same time as TLC, or Wednesday afternoons, also at CBC.

For the past two years I have taught classes that centered around making American Girl Doll clothes. If there is enough interest in making that the focus of a semester class, I am open to offering that again.

If you have any questions regarding classes, be sure to email me.

Week fifteen - eighteen. It is a wrap!

2011-05-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sewing classes ended a few weeks ago and I am just now posting. It was a great year, so much was accomplished. You girls really made the year fly by.

Everything you brought to TEACH Night was wonderfully displayed - thank you for setting everything up so nicely.

I hope you have a great summer and that you get a chance to sew.

Blessings!

Mrs. B

Week Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen - whew!!!!

2011-03-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Busy bees are what you are! We missed a week here and there due to many circumstances, but we quickly got back on track and you all have amazed me with your work outside of class.

We are plagued with machine issues from class to class - each time a different machine, but everyone is patient and finds a way to work around it.

I love how you all get to work before I come into the room and appreciate that you handle all the interruptions. It is just plain busy on Friday mornings!!!

Since each of you are working on different projects, each of you are picking up new skills as you move along. The pivoting on the wrap-skirt has been perfected to the point that I don't think it is even given a second thought as you approach each corner. Top-stitching is getting neater and more even, so make it a goal to improve each time.

Two of you are doing a lot of gathering, one is doing more than a lot of gathering but the diligence of following the instructions to the letter will pay off!!

Keep up the great work - it is amazing how you all are advancing.

I need to post some pictures - someone remind me because I forget :o)

See you Friday!

Week twelve

2011-02-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

We got right to work with projects this week. I love the colors, fabrics, and patterns you chose.

This week we covered straight grain and how important it is. An article of clothing, curtains, tablecloths, etc.. will not hang nicely if grainline isn't considered when you lay out your pattern. We covered how to find the straight grain, and how to lay a pattern out by measuring from the selvage.

At the end of class, time was taken to cover buttons - you girls are professional button "coverers".

Some will be missing next week, so just come back the next time prepared to begin sewing. Finish cutting out any remaining parts to your project.

Add "selvage" to your vocab list, as well as the last two seam finishes, if you haven't added those from a few weeks ago.

Great job girls!!

Mrs. B

Week eleven

2011-02-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Button, button, who has the button? That would be us, we covered several and I don't remember a group of students who has had more fun covering buttons in all the years I have taught sewing.

My plan was to cover one button per student but you all had such fun with the process, I think some of you covered three.

Everyone has their next project figured out and came with patterns and fabric ideas. I am glad that some are using some of my "stash" :o)

Each one of you is doing a different project and that will be fine, but patience will be needed when asking for help. I know you will be great at waiting for assistance. It is always okay to read ahead and see if you can figure out what you need to do as you wait for confirmation, or help, whichever is needed.

Next week will be pinning and cutting :o)

Mrs. B

Week nine and ten

2011-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

We are moving right along, preparing to get a final project chosen. In the meantime we are learning two more seam finishes - the zig-zag open and the zig-zag closed. It went quickly as you all stayed on task and got the strips completed in good time.

In the coming week, decide on the project you wish to start. Come prepared with ideas so we can make sure that the project you want to do fits your sewing level. I have plenty of fabrics to use for small projects, so be sure to keep that in mind before going out to purchase fabric.

Coming up - learning to cover a button.

See you next time!

Mrs. B

Week seven and eight

2011-01-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

After illness, Thanksgiving, the recital, then Christmas, we had quite a break. It was good to get back into the swing and start classes back up last Friday.

We have finished up the last two seam finishes that we will cover in this level of sewing. So we have covered pinked, stitched and pinked, open zig-zag, and closed zig-zag. We discussed how each of the seam finishes fits with different projects.

You all are doing a great job, good listeners, and hard workers.

See you Friday!

Mrs. B

Week five and six

2010-11-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Week 5 -

* got caught up on worksheets

* finished the pinked and stitched seam finish strip

* checked out all the available fabrics to find the perfect fabric for the five-point star

* learned a new hand-stitch - the whipstitch

* added two new vocab words

Week 6 -

* went over instructions for the star project

* did a trial run on the star project using paper towels

* learned how to use a template, add seam allowances, trim, and clip

For next week - add to your vocab list, if you haven't already. Any unfinished strips or assignments should be completed.

We start the "real" star next week. Everyone did such a great job on their "trial" stars - we should not have any problems next week.

As always - great job - you all are such a delight!!!

Week three and four

2010-10-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

We are moving right along - progressing nicely.

Week 3 -

* covered the history of the sewing machine. What was your favorite fact from the history of the machine that we covered? Mine was that people sometimes wore their clothes inside out, in order to get more wear from them.

* a basic seam finish was introduced - the pinked seam finish. Everyone made 5/8" seams on muslin strips, pressed them open and pinked. Those with better pinking shears than mine were able to pink the seam with both seam allowances together, making it go faster - then pressing the seam open.

* talked a bit about the difference between pressing and ironing.

* practice handouts were passed out - complete those as time allows.

Week 4 -

* pinked seam allowance strips were completed and turned in. We moved right along to "stitched and pinked" - that is the homework for this week.

* talked about our first project - the padded star. Once we get more control over the sewing machine, perfect back-stitching and pivoting, we will be ready to begin the star.

Thanks for bringing lots of muslin strips to class!

As always, you are doing great, being good listeners, and working hard.

Homework:

* finish the "stitched and pinked" strip.

* bring back two sets of strips that have two inches of sewing at both ends - leaving a portion in the middle unsewn.

See you Friday!

Getting started

2010-10-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start. In all the years I have taught sewing, I can't remember getting as far as we have gotten in just two class meetings. You are all great listeners, respectful, hard workers, and a lot of fun to have in class.

What we have accomplished:

Week 1 -

* identified our sewing supplies, talked about choices of projects for the semester, learned how to do the "even running stitch" and a "basting stitch".

* discussed the craft of sewing

* talked about a quote from Shakespeare - "What is won, is done. Joy lies in the doing." I hope that you all are happy with the final outcome of all the projects you take on, but it is my hope that the "doing" will bring you joy as well.

Homework:

* practice and perfect the even running stitch and basting stitch - bringing those back to class with an "assignment" sheet attached

* cut muslin strips

Week 2 -

* did a tiny bit of review and then got out the machines and went through all the parts and what they do. Everyone got used to learning how the foot control works on their machine by sewing lines on notebook paper.

* threaded the machines and practiced on strips. Everyone is getting the hang of remembering to put down the presser foot BEFORE beginning to sew :o) Remembering to backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching was also practiced. It will all become like second nature after you have been sewing for awhile.

Homework:

* 2 worksheets on parts of the sewing machine

* Practice on notebook paper, pivoting at end of lines

* practice sewing lines on strips - remembering to start at the top of the strip and sew all the way down to the bottom, but don't go off the end of the strip - backstitch at both ends :o)

* vocab words: muslin, even running stitch, basting stitch

Next week:

* review to reinforce what has been covered so far

* go over worksheets

* history of the sewing machine

* learn a new technique

Fall classes - update

2010-08-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Dear TEACH Families,

I am opening up an alternate day for sewing classes this fall. In addition to the options I offered earlier, I am going to have a class, perhaps two, meet on Fridays - a morning and an afternoon class.

Classes will meet at The Morris Center - 146 Indian Ave. - Lawrence, at the same time/location that band, orchestra, and choir meet.

As well as a beginning class, I can also add an advanced beginning and/or an intermediate level if there is enough interest. Last year I taught an intermediate class that centered around making American Girl Doll clothes - I can offer that again, if this interests enough students and it fits the overall age of the girls in the class. Otherwise the projects will be more traditional.

Each class will meet once a week for 75 - 90 minutes. The class fee is $95.00 a semester. Classes will start in mid September and run through November. Given that we don't have to take days off for illness or weather - we should complete the course work by the end of November. It would be my desire to not go into December. Second semester would begin mid January and go through April.

Beginning Sewing:

The classes will cover hand and basic machine sewing. We will do one or two simple projects that will involve straight machine stitching. To get the most from the class, the students will need to practice newly learned techniques at home. There will be worksheets, general sewing practice, and project work to be completed outside of class. Assigned work is due the following week. A notebook, with all the weekly assignments, notes, vocabulary, worksheets, etc. will be turned in at the end of the semester.

Each student will need sewing supplies, a one-inch binder, a portable sewing machine that can be brought to class each week, and fabric/notions/etc. for an assigned project.

Intermediate Sewing:

These classes will continue where the beginning level left off. There will be more seam finishes and hand sewing techniques covered, as well as basic garment construction. One or two projects will be completed in this class. The format of this level will be much like the beginning level – worksheets, practicing new and old techniques, and project work to be done outside of class. We will continue to add to the notebook that was started in the beginning level.

Contact me with questions by phone or email. If you want to enroll, please email me the following information:

Student's name
Student's age/grade
Parent's name
Home and cell phone number
Email address
What level of sewing class you wish to enroll in
Include any information you feel I should be aware of

There will be a minimum and maximum number of students per class offered.

If you are looking for a used portable sewing machine, Debbie Denton is selling her Kenmore. The machine does eleven stitches and has several "feet" for different applications. Debbie is asking $20.00. Contact her by email at:
irishmom1986@yahoo.com%20
Marsha Knight has two sewing machines for sale. Contact her at: marshaknight@teacher.com

Thanks,

Martha Bachert
hsmom@sbcglobal.net
785-841-6308

Happy summer everyone!

2010-05-18T07:02:00.001-07:00

TEACH Night was a success in many ways. The sewing display was wonderful and it was great to have the entire table filled with your projects. I saw many people looking over your projects and notebooks. There were many inquiries about classes for next year.

Thanks to Miss V - we had a wonderful tri-board poster with pictures taken during the year. It was an enjoyable display of all your hard work. All of your work was nicely displayed and I thank you all for bringing your projects to share.

Next year, classes will be held at Community Bible Church as one location, possibly in my home sewing lab/classroom as a second location. The "basic information" on the right side is for the 2009-2010 school year and will be updated as classes are formed.

Please contact me directly with questions or to sign up.

Have a great summer!

Mrs. B

'The End' - sniff-sniff

2010-05-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wow girls, where did the time go? I can't say it enough, you all did such a great job! What a pleasure to work with each of you!!

Be sure to catch up on all the newly added vocabulary words. Organize your notebooks to your liking, but keep it in chronological order.

I would love to have a display at TEACH Night but if you don't have a reason to attend otherwise, we can pass on that plan. If you want your projects posted on this site, you can email me the photos and I will load them. I love showing off your work!!

It is my hope that you will continue to sew all summer. Let me know how you are doing over the summer, I will miss you all!

Blessings,

Mrs. Bachert

Four weeks and counting

2010-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

With only four more weeks left for the semester, it is time to decide how to spend our last classes. Our class will officially end on May 4th. Remember we will NOT have class on April 13th because of standardized testing.

Girls, you were so efficient with finishing projects, we basically met my personal expectations for the year, about four weeks early! The initial pillows are either completed or well on their way to being finished. Good job!

After talking to everyone about how best to finish up the semester, if was suggested that we knit. Knit in sewing class - you bet! So for next week, please bring a short pair of size 6 knitting needles along with a skein of cotton yarn, like Sugar and Cream. If you have size 5, 7 or 8 needles, that will be fine as well.

The other area we need to tidy up is your notebook. You can arrange and put that together as you would like but it should be neat and organized. Label your strips and examples of how to sew on buttons. You should have a lot of handouts in your notebook, as well as some of the dot-to-dot sewing worksheets.

Finally, I need everyone to write up your own "self-evaluation" sheet for the twirl skirt. You can follow the ones I have done for the other projects, but write the questions to specifically fit the twirl skirt. Print off three copies of your evaluation form and bring to class on Tuesday.

TEACH Night is Monday, May 10th. We will display your projects and notebooks.

You all have a great week, enjoy the lovely weather. See you Tuesday!

Mrs. B

Twirling Success!!!!

2010-03-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

I just got some pictures of a finished "twirl" skirt - Yipee!!! Isn't it pretty? This one was made in the tradition of the "charm" quilt of long ago. Each of the 25 charm squares used for this skirt are all different, no repeats.

Miss Molly is also modeling the shirt that was the project before the skirt - well done! Molly will be the envy of all the 18" plastic gals this season!

Great job Miss "V"!!!! (I think the date on your camera is off about four years :o) Extra credit for the added bow!!!

Not pictured are skirts that the others have been working on. If you all send me photos, I would love to post your work. EVERYONE is doing a great job. The attention given to the prints and colors has been fantastic. Many adults wouldn't have given it as much thought as you all have and it shows in the finished product.

See you all Tuesday - time for initial pillows!

Mrs. B

Sewing right along

2010-01-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

How it warmed the cockles of my heart to see you girls planning and discussing the layout of your squares before class on Tuesday. It was great to see so much thought go into the placement of the squares by not only color, but pattern - way to go girls!!!!! I love that you really planned out the tiers and didn't just start sewing any combination of the squares together.

This skirt is going to go together quickly - I can just feel it in my bones :o) So please be thinking of the pillow project coming up. We will swing right into that as we finish up the skirt.

For this coming Tuesday:

*sew the squares together, following instructions for each tier

* if you didn't look up the history of the "charm quilt" and write a paragraph about it for your notebook, please be sure to do that as well :o)

If we have time, we will start talking about how to read the back of a pattern and look at options for the pillows. We will start with the alphabet pillows first and go to the other options after that.

I see a very nice display table being presented at TEACH Night in the spring. Ahhhhh, spring - can't wait!!!

Good job girls - you are doing great!!!!

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. B

Movin' right along

2010-01-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

Ladies, how impressive we all were on Tuesday! Got right into class and started getting back on track, movin' right along!

To recap the last class and what to have completed by next class:

Google "charm quilts" - the history and anything interesting you can find on them. The charm quilt is what our next project - "charming twirl skirt" is based on. Write a paragraph or two on what you found and bring it to class on Tuesday.

Cut 25 of the 5-in. squares, or as many as you can before Tuesday. The fabric should be pressed well before marking the square with your template.

The skirt won't take long so we will be thinking about the following "pillow" project that will follow. Think about fabrics that you already have around the house that can be used.

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. B

Tuesday's class - getting back on track

2010-01-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and break from your regular schedules. Schedules are good and we need them, but there is some fun in getting away from them for a bit.

To get back on track - here is where we are. We need to put the finishing touches on the shirt you are making. Bring some ribbon to embellish the shoulders of the shirt, if you wish to add that. I am hoping that everyone has had the time to finish the shirt over the break - if not, that will be the plan for our first day back.

Our next project is the "twirl skirt" - the one what uses the 5 inch squares. This is going to be a bit more time consuming that the other two projects, but you will also learn some new techniques. Please bring any scraps you may have around the house, for your own skirt, as well as to share with the others.

We will do a small study on the history of the "charm quilt" - which came from the Victorian Era.
This will coincide with the project. You will learn to make and use a template, piece squares together, gather, and more. This skirt, along with the other two projects will be displayed at TEACH Night in the spring.

After the twirl skirt is completed, we will make another craft from the patterns I showed you at the beginning of the year.

Please make sure that you have your vocabulary words up to date in your notebook. Make sure that the samples, practiced and perfected on the muslin strips, are your best work. We need to go over the skirt "self-evaluation" form and move on to evaluate the shirt.

So as you can see, we have much to do, let's hit the ground running on January 19th!

Looking forward to seeing all of you very soon!

Mrs. B

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2009-12-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Girls,

I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.

I will see you all in January. The first week back will involve making up the last week of last semester, finishing up any projects that are not yet completed. (it would be okay to do that over the break, if you were inclined to do so :o)

Enjoy your break with your family and friends!

Blessings to you all!

Mrs. B

Change in plans . . . . .

2009-12-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived and we had our first "snow day" of the school year. We will follow the other classes in extending first semester into the first day back in January. That means that on our first day back, we will do what we would have done on the last day of first semester.

Bring the following to class in January:

Your finished wrap skirt and the self-evaluation form.

Your shirt, finished or not - I will pass out the shirt evaluation form that day. For those that have not completed their shirt, it would be fine to do that over the holiday break - at least to the part where the elastic goes into the casing. The rest of the shirt goes quickly. Ribbon would be nice for the shoulders, if you have some around the house that would work with your fabric color.

Fabric for the "twirl skirt" - enough for many 5-inch squares. Some want to make each square different, some will repeat fabrics as necessary. Between what fabrics that we all show up with, it may be possible to have a nice variety of fabrics. The prints should be small and solids would be nice to mix in.

We are a bit behind due to weather and illness from first semester but we can get back on track quickly if we stay focused.

Second semester will bring a new member to our class - welcome Savannah - to our sewing circle of friends!

I can't believe that we have "almost" completed a semester of classes - where did time go? You have all been a delight to have in class!

Merry Christmas!

Mrs. B

End of semester - "trimming the loose ends"

2009-12-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

We have one more class in this semester. I am so proud of the work you have completed. The shirts are almost finished. It was a fun project, it lived up to the name "Sweet and Simple".

The goal is to finish the shirt in our last class on December 8th. I will be available on December 15th for anyone that needs to meet.

More techniques were learned and/or perfected with the shirt project.

* You had another chance to find the straight grain of your fabric

* You laid and cut out your pattern with more confidence

* You learned how to finish the raw edges of the fabric

* You learned how to make a casing and work with elastic

* You had a chance to perfect your topsitiching

* And finally, you had opportunities to make and correct mistakes :o)

For next week:

* Check the vocab list for new word

* Bring your wrap skirt and the self-evaluation form to class

* Bring your shirt to class

* If you have ribbon around the house and want to add that to the shirt, please bring than along

Second semester will begin in mid-January. We will get right to the Twirl Skirt. There will be a few things for you to do over the break to prepare for that project - we will discuss that on Tuesday.

Thanks!

Mrs. B

A finished product

2009-11-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

You are either finished with your skirt or about to be finished. If you have completed your skirt, meaning handsewing the small opening and top stitching along the entire edge of the skirt, then your skirt is complete.

If you haven't completed the final two steps - by hand sewing the opening and top stitching, then please have that done and ready to be turned in next week. That is the "homework" for the week - having a completed skirt.

Let's move on to the shirt. Please bring fabric that you want to use for the shirt. It doesn't have to match the skirt, but it would make a nice set if the two fabrics matched. It needs to be washed and pressed so we can lay out the pattern and cut it out in class this Tuesday.

I gave everyone a template, printed on card stock, to be used in the construction of the shirt. That will help make the project go faster. Each project we do this year will have some new technique in it, even if the pattern instructions have to be changed to make it more of a learning experience.

Let's review what was learned by making the skirt:

1. Choosing fabric for the project. Okay, that wasn't hard because everyone used cotton but we learned that you don't use a large printed fabric when making doll clothes.

2. Using simple fractions. We discussed how much fabric was needed and how many inches to cut off the larger pieces of fabric we had to choose from. Remember the trick when doing the "nine times table"?

3. Fold, selvage, and grain line - enough said :o)

4. How to use a pattern: You learned how to lay a pattern out on your fabric, how to pin it on the fabric, and how to transfer markings from the pattern to the fabric.

5. Sewing on Velcro: You all did a great job working with Velcro for the first time.

6. Construction: You learned how to effectively pin the two pieces together, sewing them, backstitching like pros and how to pivot neatly on the corners.

7. Technique: How about all the clipping and trimming? Using a point turner on the four corners? Great job!

8. Using the iron: It took patience to get the skirt turned and ironed. Because of the two different fabrics, it seemed harder to accomplish getting a neat edge because it truly was harder.

9. Fixing mistakes: Everyone had at least one issue and no project had to be "scrapped" because of a mistake. You all took your mishaps and turned them into successes. I appreciate all the patience you showed when ripping out seams, redoing portions of the project, dealing with glitches, etc.

10. Hand sewing: You all practiced the stitch that was used to close the opening left from turning the skirt - the whipstitch or sometimes called an overhand stitch. The instructions didn't use this method to close the opening, but in order to learn a new technique, we made that change. When you make a second or third skirt, go ahead and follow the pattern's instructions - you deserve to skip that step, if you like.

11. Topstitching: The final step. Here again, the instructions didn't call for topstitching the entire skirt but don't you think it looks much nicer that way? I wouldn't skip this step if you decide to make more skirts - it is a simple step that makes the project look great. You all used hand/eye coordination as you carefully guided the skirt along the edge of the presser foot.

12. Learning to adapt: We used some fabric glue to help hold down the Velcro, some used Velcro circles, rather than strips, like the pattern called for. We ended up having other little things that caused us to adapt - that is the name of the game - and you all did a great job "going with the flow".

Wow! Take a look at that, one little doll skirt taught you a lot. Some of your "learned" techniques are hidden, only we know the true work you put into these simple skirts :o)

The question is: do you have time to make some skirts to donate to Toys for Tots before the deadline to donate has passed? That depends on your school and family schedule. I will check into the dates for local charities and see what kind of time allowances there are.

We do need at least one skirt, per girl, to display at TEACH Night this coming spring. We will also display other items along with the skirts and notebooks.

Recap for Tuesday:

~ ~ ~ Bring your completed skirt to class to be checked.

~ ~ ~ Bring fabric for the shirt, prepared and ready to use.

~ ~ ~ If you get a chance, practice the whipstitch on the muslin strips that you have sewn for this technique.. You need one that shows your best work. Don't make the stitches too close, about five stitches or so - per inch, is sufficient.

Thanks Girls!!

Thinking towards next week . . . . . . . . . . .

2009-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

With all the illness going around, we were unable to have a regular class - so nothing new was covered.

Please notice the new vocab words that have been added. Go ahead and add those to your list and we will discuss them on Tuesday.

Read the previous post that has information about what is to be completed before the next class.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask.

What a great day!

2009-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wow Girls!!! We did some sewing today - no glitches.

We were able to get most of the skirt completed today. We also started talking about seam finishes, by doing a pinked seam finish. If you aren't satisfied with the strip that you did in class, you can try again. All of your strips and sample work will go into your notebook and you want your very best work to be displayed.

As promised, here is the low-down on what to do before class next week:

Once your skirt has been clipped and trimmed, turn it right side out, use a point turner to make nice points on the four corners of the skirt. If they don't turn nicely, you may need to clip a bit more of the seam away. Don't get in a hurry here, if you pivoted nicely, trimmed close enough, you should have nice points when the skirt is turned. This isn't an area of construction to brush off as unimportant.

It will be easier to press the edges of the skirt if you use a spray bottle to dampen the skirt. The fabric from the other side shouldn't be visible - the edges should be neatly turned and ironed.

Bring the skirt back next week to have the open edge sewn. Even though the instructions say to sew that with machine top stitching, we will sew it by hand. We are using our sewing projects to learn new techniques and I want to do some hand sewing.

After that we will top stitch the entire skirt, not just the upper edge, as the instructions state.

If I get a chance, I will add a couple new vocab words to the list. If not, I will add several next week.

One of these days I will do a "pop quiz" on the vocab words, so make sure you know what theses words mean.

I am so pleased with how you are all doing - see you Tuesday!

The word of the day - "glitch"

2009-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

A glitch is a short-lived fault in a system -
the "system" being your sewing machines, and the "fault" wasn't yours :o)

No, this isn't a new vocab word, just a one-word definition of how the last half of class went on Tuesday.

Please notice that "glitch" is described as being "short-lived" - we will be moving forward, even if we have to sew them by hand - just kidding :o)

I appreciate your great attitudes toward the issues that some of you were having with your machines. Some days just go that way and Tuesday was one of those days!!!

We learned a quick way to transfer markings from the pattern to the fabric. It may have seemed time consuming but most patterns are tissue and making the markings goes quicker than when your patterns have been printed on computer paper. Using that method assures that you have the marking exactly where it is intended to be.

Bring back your little Velcro circle that we glued to the scrap of fabric. I am interested to see if the glue we tried is as good as the package says it is.

If you are able to get your Velcro sewn on before next class, that would be most helpful. The skirts could be completed in our next class if the Velcro is attached. Please make sure that you have either back stitched well or that you are tying off the ends on the backside with two square knots.

No new vocab words this week, no assignment other than working out the glitches on your machines and sewing on the Velcro, if you are able to get to that. You can go back through the posts and look for the one from September 27th - "Keeping up to date" - to see if you have everything completed that has been assigned.

You girls are awesome - thanks for making the sewing class so much fun!

See you Tuesday!

Wrap skirt project

2009-10-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am very happy about how much we accomplished in our last class. If you are able, please cut out your skirt patterns. If not, we will do that in class.

You will want to cut the skirt out slowly, keeping the cut edges straight, not choppy. Since all the muslin strips came back neatly cut, you should not have a problem with the skirt.

Remember that the pattern says to cut out "two". That doesn't mean to cut two out of the same fabric, but one from each of the two fabrics you chose. If you want to make two skirts, then cut two pieces from each of the two fabrics.

If you have some Velcro at home, bring it. I will see what I have around the house and bring it as well.

The vocabulary words can be accessed on the right side of this site, so go there and add the new words. We will review them again to make sure you know them.

Have a great week and weekend - see you Tuesday!

Keeping up to date

2009-09-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

We have done a bit of hand sewing, getting the even running stitch perfected, moving on to how it can be used to gather fabric. At this point this is what should be completed:

1. lots of muslin strips cut

2. strip with your best example of an even running stitch

3. strip with the even running stitch gathered

4. pattern printed off for the wrap skirt

5. two fabrics picked out for the skirt, washed/ironed

6. the following words added to your vocab list: muslin, even running stitch, selvage

7. notebook paper stitching

8. dot-to-dot stitching pages, as you can get to them

You are all such a joy to have in class. I look forward to each class because you make it so much fun to be there.

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Project ideas

2009-09-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a great site - one where we can get a few free patterns.

Check it out for yourself at: http://www.YouCanMakeThis.com You will be asked to set up an account, have your mom do this for you.

Click on the word "free" on the left side and see what is available.

The patterns that I would like to make are skirts and a shirt for the American Girl doll.

Click on, download, and print the following patterns: "Twirls for Girls" - a wrap skirt and the twirl skirt, and the "Sweet and Simple Shirt". You will need both the pattern and instructions. Three-hole punch these pages and put them in your notebook.

We will study a little about the history of "charm quilts" - the inspiration for this skirt. If you have some small cotton or cotton blend fabrics around the house and want to use them, bring them "ready" to be used in class. ("ready" means washed and ironed) It only takes about 1/4 yard of fabric to make the wrap shirt - the twirl skirt is made from little squares - it is a bit more work, but how cute it is :o)

Finally, take a look at the Square Envelope pattern - called "Charm Square Valentine Envelope".
This is a cute project, one where you will need to sew straight and make 90 degree turns that are precise, in order for the project to look right. Go ahead and print this pattern, three-hole punch, and put in your notebook.

Wow! We have a lot to do - let's get busy!

Got off to a great start!

2009-09-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

It was great to get started back with classes today. It was a busy day, but fun!

We all enjoyed looking at the projects that each of you made over the summer. I can see a good sense of color and texture in the fabrics that you chose for the items that you brought in to share. There was a lot of creativity in the projects themselves - so good job!

For next week, bring a yard or two of washed muslin. The really cheap kind at Wal-Mart is very hard to work with. I would get the "wrinkle" resistant type at Wal-Mart. Wash and dry it, press if necessary and bring to class so we can cut strips for practicing new and old techniques.

Be sure and bring all of your sewing supplies next week, and your sewing machines.

The vocab words for next week: muslin - look it up and come back to report what it is, where it originated from, what it is commonly used for, and how it got its name.

If you have the manual to your sewing machine, please bring that to class. Every machine is a bit different than the next. They thread differently and have special features that we should learn about.

A spool of black and white thread would be great to have. If you have other colors around the house, just bring a dark and a light color.

It was a pleasure to work with you all today and I look forward to the semester.

See you Tuesday!

Mrs. Bachert

Ready, Set, Let's Sew!

2009-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Intermediate Sewing Class Update

It won't be long, and we will be well on our way to learning new sewing techniques and picking out projects.

The first day of class has been moved to September 1st. The other Tuesday classses are meeting, so we will meet and greet, talk about the semester, and hang out a bit. No need to bring your sewing machine or supplies to the first class - however, bring paper and a pencil to take notes.

We will do a "show and tell" on the first day we meet. Bring some of the projects you have made outside of class, something you may have put into your county fair, anything that you would like to share with the others.

I have been busy looking at patterns and purchased a few to show you. Not everyone has to make the same thing this year. We will learn new techniques together, practice them in class and at home, but you will have independent "lab" time to work on a project of your choosing - with teacher approval - of course :o)

Please refer to this site often. I will be posting tidbits of information about sewing, as well as things pertaining to class. If you have photographs of you and/or your projects, I would love to add them to this site. Just email me the photos and a bit of an explanation of the picture and I will add them for everyone to see.

As usual, email or call with questions. Otherwise, see you on September 1st!

Sewing classes offered for fall semester

2009-04-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I will be offering sewing classes for this upcoming fall semester.

The levels offered will be determined on enrollment - beginning, advanced beginner, intermediate level. I will offer classes on Friday mornings - meeting at the Morris Center. I am also looking at Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons at Community Bible Church.

Students will need a portable sewing machine that can be brought to class each week and taken home to practice on or work on assignments.

Each student will need to provide their own sewing supplies, fabrics, and notions for class assignments and projects. There will also be a notebook completed of all the work assigned during the semester.

Classes would meet for approximately 75 minutes each week, for a semester.

Sewing classes will begin in mid September and will end before Christmas.

Depending on space, class size may be limited. If you are interested in securing a spot in a class or have questions, email me directly.

The fee for this class is $95.00, per semester - ten weeks per semester.

Email me with questions or to sign up.