Making something with your own hands is so satisfying. When you can make something to wear or for your home you know it’s unique! It’s a skill you can build and, as an adult, it can be a way to reconnect with creativity otherwise lost in a busy life of work. - Alice Caroline Garrett

SEW WHAT Library Sewing Centers

SEWING 101 Measuring Cutting Pressing Pinning Sewing

SUPPLIES Sewing machines Fabric scissors, snips, seam rippers, rotary cutters, paper scissors Yardsticks, Omnigrid rulers and mats Pins, needles, safety pins Thread Chopsticks, tweezers, first-aid kit Irons and ironing boards Tack boxes for supplies

Class Size Age Limit Instructors Projects Supplies Class Length Basics

Beginner Classes: Sewing 101 Envelope Pillow Covers Twenty Minute Tote Bags Before deciding on a project – make it yourself to make sure it works and that it is teachable for the time and sewing skills of students. Where do you get class ideas? Books Patterns Websites Pinterest Try to pick projects that will teach a new skill

Did you test the instructions? Before deciding on a project: Will the materials be too expensive? Can students complete it during the class? Does the difficulty level match the sewing skills of the students?

Getting the word out Brochures Sent to all branches Copies at local stores Copies at local sewing stores Programs listed on website; advertised in social media Word of mouth

Set up tables with supplies needed Have machines threaded and ready to go Prepare extra bobbins Print instructions Prepare templates (if applicable) Prep

Waivers Sewing 101 Explain and demonstrate project Two instructors Students work at own pace Have examples Be prepared to stand During Class Insert class picture

When Sewing Goes Sew Bad Beginners vs. advanced projects Irons vs. Perler beads; glue guns vs. sewing tables People taking their own path Sewing machines that would rather not sew actually Non-safe use of extension cords

If we knew then what we know now: 1.Sewing 101as pre-requisite 2.Make projects super easy 3.Be very, very clear on what supplies are needed 4.No cheap knits 5.Don’t pick online patterns 6.Everyone wants to make a Jawa

Tie-ins Summer 2015 Escape the Ordinary Halloween in The HIVE

TOP 5 TIPS FOR LIBRARY SEWING Don’t assume that a project will be easy. Do rehearse and practice projects in advance. Do prepare printed instructions. Do promote a supportive group environment. Don’t use glitter lightly. Enough said. With thanks to Katie Behrens School Library Journal May 2015(Craft Work by Katie Behrens p /2015:

HAPPY SEWING!