Stitching Wonders: Sewing Essentials Series

Jump into the process of sewing your very own garments with this essential series! Over the course of 4 sessions of guided instruction, 3 open sessions with instructor guidance, and independent studio time, you'll be introduced to all the skills you'll need to get started sewing your own clothes from scratch. During this series, you'll learn how to use both domestic sewing machines and a Sailrite Walking Foot machine for leather sewing. By the end of this series, you'll have completed the main project of a customized apron as well as any smaller projects you may choose along the way! This series is perfect for complete beginners to sewing or for those early in their journey who want to learn the basics of garment construction.

Session 1: Nobs and Notions

During session 1 you will learn all about different fabric types and get started using a domestic sewing machine! With a mixture of tactile demonstration and hands on practice, you'll learn the skills needed to pick out everything you need for a project and sew your first stitches of the class! Mixxer will provide domestic machines but feel free to bring your own if you'd like to learn on yours.

What's covered in this session:

-How to pick the right fabric for your projects

-Discussion of different kinds of notions

-Introduction to domestic sewing machines

-Practice sewing with a domestic sewing machine

Session 2: Pattern Play

During session 2 you will be introduced to how to read and use a pattern for a garment! During this session, you'll be guided on the process of how to get started with using a pattern to get the pieces of your apron cut.

What's covered in this session:

-How to read and size a pattern

-Cutting your pattern peices

-Begin sewing together your apron

Session 3: Lots of Leather

During session 3 you will be trained on how to use the SailRite walking foot machine to sew leather accents on your apron. You'll learn how to safely use this machine that is perfect for all of your heavy duty projects

What's covered in this session:

-Intro to sewing with leather

-Using the SailRite Walking Foot Machine

-Securely attaching straps and other accents

Session 4: Customization Station

During session 4 you will take what you've learned and customize it! This session will focus on adding things like pockets, snaps, and other custom features.

What's covered in this session:

-Modifying an exsisting pattern

-Techniques for adding elements using domestic sewing machines, the SailRite, and hand tools

-Finishing up your apron

Open Sewing Sessions

3 open sewing sessions with instructor guidance will be available throughout the course of the series. These sessions will allow for you to hone your skills with advice from your instructor as well as your fellow class takers. You will be able to catch up on any material you miss if you have to skip a session, work on extra projects with guidance, or for help troubleshooting problems.

By the end of this series, you will have created your own custom apron using patterns as well as smaller projects of your choosing. Materials will be provided for your apron project as well as some for practicing with small projects during the open sewing sessions and independent studio time. Resources will be provided on local and online for purchasing future materials during the class.

This series includes 4 guided instruction sessions totaling 12 hours, 3 open sewing sessions with instructor guidance totaling 9 hours, and 150 hours of independent studio time available for use. Independent studio time may be used any time during Mixxer's open hours. You will have access to all tools within the sewing studio that you have trained on during your sessions. During open sewing sessions, you may get trained on sewing tools not covered during the guided sessions. You will not have access to tools in other shops unless you are a member.

Guided Instruction Sessions:

Session 1: Saturday, January 11, 1-4 PM

Session 2: Saturday, January 18, 1-4 PM

Session 3: Saturday, January 25 , 1-4 PM

Session 4: Saturday, February 1, 1-4 PM

Open Sewing Sessions:

Wednesday, January 22, 5-8 PM

Wednesday, February 5, 5-8 PM

Saturday, February 8, 1-4 PM

Interested in this series but dates don't work for you? Reach out to workshops@wsmixxer.org for scheduling options.

MIXXER's own June Jones has been sharing her expertise and knowledge to members and offering a friendly hand in all their sewing projects. June has been sewing for as long as she can remember. Having had an established career as an electronics technician and running a business focused on sewing machine repairs, June can skillfully assess your machine and give you guidance in all its stitches and settings. Come by and learn stuff about your sewing machine!

This class is for ages 16 years old and older. All makers ages 16 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Please email workshops@wsmixxer.org for any questions.

Workshops must meet a minimum number of registrations.  Mixxer may cancel workshop 48 hours prior to start time, if minimum is not met. Should you need to cancel your registration, 48 hours notice is required to request a cancellation, refund or credit to future workshop date.