Happy New Year!

This morning I caught more than a glimpse of my daughter's ankles beneath the hem of her pants. The pants that were just long enough last week. The pants that are still baggy in the waist. And she's eating like there's another growth spurt in the works. As tempting as it is to just consider them cropped pants and move on other things, it's winter and cold ankles are not fun. So I'll be researching creative ways to add length to pants this week and will share what I find. And maybe even pictures of the results.

Meanwhile check out our great line-up of winter classes. Knitting anyone? Cold weather always inspires me to break out my knitting. Last teacher's meeting we had 3 people knitting while we chatted about Sew-op issues.

And my favorite pair of yoga pants sprouted a hole so I'll be researching techniques for mending knits and sharing it in my Mending Monday class on February 7th.

Ps. Have you seen the home page of the Upper Valley Food Co-op lately? Kye's delicious Egg nog recipe is featured this week and next week we'll have something new up. Content to change every two weeks so check it out!

New Class: Basic Knitting

The Winter schedule of sew-op classes has been posted. You'll find a sign-up sheet in the check-out area of the Upper Valley Food Co-op.

In addition to our popular Basic Sewing and Mending Monday classes we're proud to offer Basic Knitting, taught by the lovely and talented Judith. We'll have a better description available soon but I'm very excited for this class. Every fall my fingers start to get itchy and I know it's time to take out my knitting again.

Be sure to check out our remaining Fall classes as well as the new Winter classes.

Around the Web

We've had so much fun teaching the classes that we're busy coming up with a bunch more. Look for a new schedule to be posted here soon.

Meanwhile here's a few quick links to peruse while you wait:

Sew Mama Sew is running their annual Handmade for the Holidays meme. Check back daily for tons of ideas for projects to make and other people's handmade products to buy. Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for prizes.

Centsational Girl has some great tips on learning to sew.

Angry Chicken has a lovely tribute to sewing and her mom.

Announcing the 2010 Fall Schedule!

Monday nights, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

October

             4 – Open Studio

            11 – Open Studio

            18 – Basic Sewing Class

            25 – Open Studio: focus on costume-making

November

            1 – Mending Monday Class

            8 – Open Studio

            15 – Basic Sewing Class

            22 – Open Studio

            29 – Open Studio

December

             6 – Basic Sewing Class

            13 – Open Studio

            20 – Open Studio: focus on holiday projects

            27 – Closed for the holidays

Basic Sewing Class

This two-hour introductory class will teach the basics of sewing machines and how to operate them; the basics of fabric; and how to pin and sew seams. You will make a simple project that you can take home. The sewing machines and all supplies are provided. Completion of this class is advised for those who want to attend Open Studio Hours but have no prior knowledge of sewing machines.

Teacher: Martha McDaniel.

Mending Monday Class

In this workshop, you will learn basic mending skills including how to sew on a button and basic hand sewing; iron-on or sew on a patch; and hem a skirt or pair of pants. You will also learn how to mend holes in socks or sweaters. Teachers: Jennifer Lynn and Martha McDaniel.

Open Studio Hours: Free. No registration required. Bring your own projects. Sew-Op volunteers will be available to help, but a basic knowledge of sewing machines & sewing skills are required.  

Classes: Registration required; $20 fee (scholarships available). Class size is limited to six students per session, ages 14 and up.

Registration: To register for a class, email uppervalleysewop@gmail.com; call Kye at the Upper Valley Co-op, 802-295-5804; or sign up at the front counter of the Co-op. The Sew-Op is located on the second floor above the Upper Valley Food Coop, with entry at the back of the building (follow signs).