Childcare at Sewing Class

Just a quick announcement: we've managed to arrange free childcare for the July 20th Learn the Basics of Sewing class.

Working With What You Have: At Home Version: Skirts

Today is Made Marion's first sheet workshop at the Sew-op. Her project for the day is a throw pillow cover. I've got my eye on the weather today so my first project for you is a summery skirt.

Here's a cute one with ruffles, courtesy of Amazing Mae. The tutorial is for a linen skirt but a sheet will work nicely. And it requires no supplies other than the sheet and some thread.

Now if you happen to have some wide elastic on hand, this is a very easy skirt pattern. Disney at Ruffles and Stuff put it together in 15 minutes while taking pictures. Since she's an experienced sewist I'll estimate it will take a beginner an hour from gathering materials, preheating the iron, checking the instructions multiple times, to the final seam.

Here's a lovely version featured on Sew Mama Sew recently.

I'll have another project for you in a few days. Meanwhile you could scout around for some pretty ribbon to match one of those sheets or vintage pillow cases you found. Or maybe a tee shirt for your favorite little girl.

Date Change for Two Sewing Classes

The dates for two of the Learn the Basics of Sewing classes have changed:

July 13th 9-11 has changed to July 20th 9-11
July 15th 6-8 has changed to July 22nd 6-8

As of right now we do not have childcare available for the July 20th class but we are working on it.

Working With What You Have: At Home Version

Made Marion's classes this month sound fantastic, but the sad truth of it is there is only space for 24 people. So if you can make it, go sign up. But if you can't I'm designing a Play at Home Version. For the month of July, I'll be posting projects and tutorials as I find them around the web specifically related to reusing sheets. I'll expect you to have a basic knowledge of sewing, but the projects will all be at beginner level.

First step is to get some sheets. So raid your linen closet or make a trip to Listen and stock up on sheets, run them through the wash and make sure they're relatively wrinkle free and ready for this month's set of projects. Don't pass up any of those vintage pillowcases if you have any little girls in your life, I'll be posting a use for them later. The first project will arrive on Friday.

New July Open Sewing Hours

At Open Sewing, you're welcome to bring your own projects or project ideas and ask for help from the skilled women who will be on hand. Or you can just hang out and sew with other folks who like to hang out and sew.

July Open Sewing Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 am - Noon.

New Sewing Classes for July

Two New Summer Classes are here!


Learn the Basics of Sewing
If you've ever wanted to learn how to sew but didn't know where to begin, this workshop is for you.

Each workshop covers the following:
• an introduction to sewing machines and how to operate them
• the basics of fabric
• pinning and sewing seams
• making a simple project to take home

All Learn the Basics use Sew-Op machines, materials and tools. You just need to bring yourself.

Learn the Basics of Sewing workshops are scheduled four times in July:
Tuesday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (free childcare available)
Thursday, July 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This workshop is appropriate for ages 16 and up. Space is limited to six and reservations are recommended. The cost of the workshop is $20 with scholarships available.

For workshop registration or more information, contact Birdie at the Upper Valley Co-op at (802) 295-5804 or email UpperValleySewOp@gmail.com.

Learn the Basics Workshops are taught by Sonja Hakala, author of Teach Yourself Visually Quilting, Visual Quick Tips Quilting, American Patchwork and Gifting Green.


Working with What You Have: Sheets
The first in a series on sewing with materials we have in our homes.

In Marion's July workshops, she will demonstrate the basic techniques for designing and creating throw pillow covers, placemats and table runners, curtains, and aprons. All projects are made primarily from old sheets.

Basic sewing skills are helpful and there is plenty of room for creative variations.

Working with What You Have schedule:
Friday, July 9 from 2–4 p.m. — throw pillow covers
Friday, July 16 from 2–4 p.m. — placemats and wall hangings
Friday, July 23 form 2–4 p.m. — curtains
Friday, July 30 from 2–4 p.m. — aprons

These workshops are appropriate for ages 16 and up. Space is limited to six and reservations are recommended. Cost of each workshop is $20 and scholarships are available.

For workshop registration or more information, contact Birdie at the Upper Valley Co-op at (802) 295-5804 or email UpperValleySewOp@gmail.com


Marion's creative re-use of fabrics is on display in her Made Marion line of clothing at Revolution in White River Junction and other stores.

If there is anything you'd like to learn or teach,contact us at
uppervalleysewop@gmail.com.