PhD (Projects Half Done) Class and Fabric Swap with The Sewing Society

This weekend the Sewing Society met for our second PhD class and Fabric Swap at the Roundhouse Theater Education Center in Silver Spring.  Every quarter The Sewing Society hosts a class where members can bring in their sewing projects in and get help with completing them. There is nothing worse than UFO’s Un-Finished Objects! LOL!!  I’m sure any of you seamstresses out there can agree. On Sunday the students brought in some great items to work on this week and a couple even completed them during out three hour session.

Pictured here: Mary putting in Tailor Tacks on a very stylish Vogue jacket. Kanisa worked on a cape she has been nursing for a couple weeks. These ladies bring water and snacks to stay hydrated. This sewing stuff is hard work

Breyan decided to put the finishing touches on her fabulous Skirt

We were all proud and amazed at her progress!

Heather picked up a dress from the Thrift Store and wanted to turn it into a more fashionable blouse.

Patricia pictured below had a black and white knee length dress and converted it to a shirt with a peplum bottom

We also had a fabric and pattern swap. These are the most fun

I got lucky!! Must be St. Patty’s day!! Patricia brought a dress in for alterations and decided to give it to me!!! Thanks again Patricia!!

And as always we laughed and had a great time!!

Recapping Basic Sewing Class Part 2

Once again I had the pleasure of teaching a group of novice seamstresses for a basic sewing class. Most of the students participated in our Beginning class two weeks ago and this week we took things a step further.

We began with a review of parts of the sewing machine. Then moved into  instruction on flat seams and french seams.

The class went back to their seats to begin working on the flat seam

We then moved to the sewing machine where we had a quick lesson in pressing and the importance of pressing seams properly.

Xtine, our teachers aide, shown here assisting a student with her sewing machine

The next part of class focused on how to properly take your measurements

After Xtine and I gave the instructions they tried it on their own. Needless to say the “taking measurement class” always brings about funny comments and memorable expressions

The last part of our class covered the pattern envelope and how to read the envelope and select the right size.

Silver Spring Sewing Society is the place you want to be if you are interested in learning the basics of sewing and have a great time doing it. Hope you can join us in two weeks at our new location for another tote bag making class.

In the meantime

Happy Sewing!

Finally finished Jean Bag project…..Whew!

As a sewing instructor the goal is to actually make the project before teaching the class. This doesn’t always happen. As of late I have been completing the projects by the day before. But this time I’m “on fire”. Here we are over two weeks out from “Jean Tote -Bag Making Class” and I’ve already completed one bag and cut out a second even more fancy than the first. I’m proud of myself especially since I’m in the middle of a sewing room revamp and I only have a small little corner open for sewing. Unfortunately, I don’t have any other in-process photos only the final product. If I had to stop in the middle to take photos I might not have completed this tonight.

About the project: Even though it has taken me weeks the project only took about 1 1/2 hours to finish. This pair of size 4 jeans, The Limited brand I picked up at a swap earlier this year. I added the silk scarf for a little color. I could have done more but I’m saving that for bag #2. I will post the second bag in a few days. This one will be alive with texture and embellishments.

If you are interested in learning how to make this bag in just over a hour, Join the Sewing Society on April 15th form 1:30-3:30. Location TBD.
 

Basic Sewing Class Recap

One of my favorite things to do when it comes to the wonderful world of sewing is to teach beginning sewing classes. Those who have never sewn or who have little to no experience have the mind of a sponge just ready to soak up everything. They are open to new ideas and willing to try new things. The excitement that fills the room is like no other. I’m not sure who is more excited about class, me or the students

19 budding seamstresses arrived at the Sewing Society’s 1st beginning sewing class of the year held at Wheaton Public Library. 

Wide eyes, anxious stares, nervous looks, wringing of hands and intimidated looks at sewing machines……..All this was going on among the beginner seamstresses in our most recent class. But two hours later there were smiles, laughter and lots and lots of relief.

After introductions which included stories of taking sewing in home ec in high school, buying a machine on craigslist, being a crafty person, made a new years resolution and always been interested we began talking about the parts of the sewing machine and how it operates. Some actually feared they wouldn’t be able to sew a straight line others were just unsure of making the decision to even pick up a sewing machine. As class went on and we went step by step the more we worked away the anxieties. Each student learned to thread their sewing machine and the bobbin.

Two students shown here threading their machines giving one another some encouragement

Afterwards the class received step by step instructions on how to sew the flat seam, flat seam with zig zag edges and a flat felled seamed

The students then went back to their seats and worked on some samples.

A successfully sewn flat seam. Look at this happy face!

In our class students receive one on one instruction and ask questions about their machines and other sewing projects they are interested in working on

 Thanks to my two teachers aides: Ann P and Xtine H

The Basic Sewing Class of Silver Spring Sewing Society showing off their samples

If you would like to join us for our next Basic Sewing Class on April 1st please click the link:

 http://sewfrugalbasicsewingclasses.eventbrite.com

See you in class. Happy Sewing!

Sip & Stitch with DC Threads Recap

Last Friday night I was excited to attend an event at DC Threads in Adams Morgan. My friends and fellow lovers of all things creative, Allison Lince-Bentley and Laura Lee hosted  women business owners who discussed the challenges and rewards of starting your own business.

Laura and Allison

What and inspiring and enlightening discussion about how Crafty Entrepreneurs turned their Hobby into a Business. If you missed this event you truly missed a treat.

The panelist from left to right were as follows:

Evelyn Bandoh, writer, speaker, creative business strategist, trainer and coach through her business, EAB Creative Planning Services

Holly Slayton, founder of Artikal Millinery, owns a studio in New York city where she keeps the art of hat making alive with her beautiful designs and engaging classes.

Anne Smyers, owner of House to Home One-Day Redecorating, assists clients in making living spaces more beautiful, comfortable and functional using what they already own

Valerie Williams is the designer and owner of Holland Cox, a line of handcrafted fabric handbags and fashion accessories.

and of course the host for the event

Allison Lince-Bentley, co-founder DC Threads Sewing Lounge and the owner of the Bits of Thread Sewing Studio

Allison began the discussion with telling the story of how she first began by volunteering as a sewing teacher at various locations while still working her day job. Fortunately she worked a job that would allow her some flexibility and she could still get her work done and fullfill her passion. Unfortunately it wasn’t a job she was thrilled to be doing and she was quite anxious to move on. Once she decided to take the leap of faith and open up a sewing studio she had a sense of satisfaction and never looked back.

Valerie and her beautiful purses

Valerie who has worked with Allison on various projects throughout the years took a few sewing classes and soon found her passion in making purses. She too was working a job where she was not feeling much self-worth. She longed for the day to spend her days sewing. When her job had to make budget cuts her position was one of the first to go. Her colleagues knowing her passion said to her “congratulations”. She knew this was one of the best things that could have happened to her.

Anne

Anne who has taken a very interesting approach to interior design decided that she wanted to start her own business whereby she would help people use the items they already have in their homes and re-purpose and reuse them to make their space more livable on a tight budget. Having the support of her family she too took a leap and has explored and eco friendly way of redecorating

Holly and her fascinators

Holly a self taught knitter/crocheter currently lives in NYC  but lived in DC several years ago. While she was living here she bar-tended and made crocheted hats, shawls, scarves and ponchos for some friends which quickly caught on and suddenly there was a demand.  One day she was asked to take on another shift which would prevent her from working on her the one thing that was fulfilling and made her feel whole. She decided she would walk away from that job move to NYC and pursue her passion. She soon ventured into the hat making arena and now creates these beautiful fascinators. In addition she hosts parties and travels along the east coast teaching class.

Evelyn who was the last speaker spoke about getting yourself in the right mindset to make a decision on whether or not your hobby is a hobby or could potentially become a business. She refers to herself as a chief creator alchemist. She works with women who are considering taking th leap to make certain this is the right move to make. Essentially she is a business coach who helps people to build on their dreams. She too worked a great job but decided to put a stake in the sand and set a date for when she would depart. She determined she wasn’t being paid enough, the job was not all that it was cracked up to be and she knew she had a God given gift to marry common sense reasoning with the creative innovator and bring them to an organized thought.

These five women were such an inspiration and so encouraging to those who are longing to step out on their dreams. Listening to how they all shared a common theme which was do what you love and love what you do. They all started out a little afraid of what was to come before them but believed in their talents and remained determined to make it work.

I look forward to connecting with them in the near future and inviting them to come speak to the Sewing Society very soon.

Zip and go Makeup Bags” – Who knew??

It’s always so funny to me when class doesn’t exactly turn out as you planned. A couple weeks ago we have a little mishap with the room then this week we are making these zip and go bags when half way through the project half the class decided they didn’t want a strap after all. Instead they wanted makeup bags. LOL!! It’s fine with me as long as they are happy and feel a sense of accomplishments. Whats even more hilarious. I decided I wanted a makeup bag too! I discarded the fabric I cut for the straps and sewed it up and was done with it.

We got started on time with a few instructions. Everyone was excited about inserting a zipper and since I am an unconventional seamstress I teach sewing in a zipper somewhat unconventionally. After receiving a few instructions the class went back to their seats and got started.

Yes that's me wearing my new refashioned sweater. And yes I sew standing up. Told you I was unconventional

Pretty intense faces huh? Easy goes it after this demo

Stephanie got right to it and was full steam ahead

Ericka working on her strap which she too tossed to the side

Here is Ann (AKA Speedy Gonzales Jr.) giving a little extra thought to the zipper placement

Kanisa had to leave early but she was able to get her zipper in and make it half way through the project before departing.

Sharaelle struggled a bit at the beginning but look at her smiling and with a great attitude the whole way through.

One last demo and the class is good to go

In the end 13 members of the Silver Spring Sewing Society made these great zipper bags turned make up bags

Stephanie with a big smile and totally cute bag

Xtine, did I mention she is "Speedy Gonzales"? She and Ann were neck and neck completing this project. You go gurls!!!

Andrea and her very snazzy Star Wars bag. Made from flannel Star Wars themed fabric.

Finished bags

Skirt making class #2 with Silver Spring Sewing Society

You’ll notice from the photos we held class in a different room last week.  Unfortunately there was little snafu with the room reservation and we were forced to move next door just as we were about to begin class. Fortunately the students took it all in stride and even though is was a little cramped we made the best of it.

Silver Spring Sewing Society made skirts last week. We used Simplicity 3796 which is a little more intricate than patterns we have used in the past. This pattern challenged the students to push their sewing skills bit further. In addition,  the skirt has a pretty cool design in the back and a mock fly zipper in the front.

Although we ended up having to switch rooms we made the new space work and many of the students got at least half way through the project.

Students cutting out patterns following guide sheet instructions

Sam hard at work

 

We reconvened on Wednesday night for a special sewing session to complete the skirts and I’m awaiting photos of finished skirts to post to the blog in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from Wednesday night of  almost complete skirts. Hems and elastic needed

 

 

 

Upcoming Sewing Classes and Thrifting, Society Style

We’re excited to announce a few upcoming sewing classes with Silver Spring Sewing Society. On March 4th we will begin moving into a more challenging bag project. This across the body bag is very convenient for running to the grocery store, hiking or to downsize a larger purse or bag. It will carry the basic essentials you will need for when you are out and about. This little bag will include a zipper which you will learn to insert. This class will be fun and you will walk away with a finished product. Register today as space is filling up quickly.

 

Next up is our Very Basic Sewing class (click to register):

Have you ever picked up a pattern or guide sheet and you feel like you are reading another language? Or been in the fabric store and it seems like the people are speaking a different language? Do the words bias tape, tracing wheels and notches mean nothing to you? Fear No More! Silver Spring Sewing Society is here to help. Learning how to sew and communicating in sewing terms can become second language within just a few lessons. This Very Basic Sewing Class will focus on the very basic components of sewing. You will learn the parts of the sewing machine, how to read a guide sheet, how to take your measurements, what to look for if you are buying a new machine and you will practice sewing stitches. Come join us to get all your sewing questions answered. For this class you should bring your own sewing machine and all the attachments including bobbins. If you do not own or have access to a sewing machine we have a limited number of sewing machines available for rent. Prior to registering for this class please send an email to SewFrugalandFashionable@gmail.com to reserve a machine. Additional supplies for this class will be provided.

Last but not least we have a new Meet Up Group to announce. Thrift Score Society. Thanks to Xtine and Heather for Co-Organizing this group. These ladies are well acquainted with thrifting and they are here to help you navigate and find great treasures and fantastic finds thrift stores have to offer.

Whether you want to save money, find one-of-a-kind fashions or home decor, or practice a greener lifestyle by reusing, recycling or refashioning, thrifting is for you! You’ll learn where to shop and how to make the most of your thrifting trip, and of course, meet some new friends! We will show you how to find great treasures from thrift stores and maximize your thrifting experiences. We’ll explore thrift stores in DC, Maryland and Virginia and we’d love to have you join us. In fact our first Meet Up is this Monday February 20th at 9:30am Thrift Shopping Trip #1. We will be heading to Unique Thrift store on Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton, MD. Did we mention everything is 50% off on Presidents Day? Yeah it sure is. See ya there!

Showered with Birthday gifts from the the Sewing Society!

On Monday evening during our One Year Anniversary of Silver Spring Sewing Society I was pleasantly surprised by the members with birthday gifts that I just absolutely adore. When you see them you will understand how each gift was so perfectly fitting for me. Thank you to Ann, Xtine and Kanisa for your thoughtfulness and dedication to this group and thank you for your kindness.

This evening they presented me with the best gifts a sewing instructor and frugal shopper could ever receive. It started off with Kanisa’s $25 gift card to Unique Thrift Store. This was perfect timing because this weekend our group is  heading to the thrift store. Rest assured she knows this gift certificate will be applied to something great.

Ann then pulls out a DSW bag that is chuck full of handmade goodies.  The first are these totally cute luggage tags that she makes. They attach to the handle of your bag and make your luggage easily identifiable. I love them!

Next out of the bag are these little decorative wall hangings that she created by using fabrics, buttons and other interesting items then covered them over with some sort of polymer. I have this one sitting on my desk at work. Looking at it just makes you happy.

To let me know my hard work and efforts teaching these classes is getting put to use she made me a reversible handbag This really made me smile. I used this bag the next day when I went grocery shopping. It folds up nicely inside my purse and I keep it there. Thanks Xtine!

And last but not least Xtine made this adorable sewing tote bag. This tote bag is so great I asked her to come teach a class. The photos don’t do the bag justice. Essentially this is pattern instruction paper covered in an adhesive paper cut then sewn together with seam binding around the top edge. Take a look down inside the bag. Not only is there a pocket sewn in but the base which is made of cardboard with a little notch in the corner. She knows how important notches are to me and that they should be cut out neatly . Thanks Xtine!

All in all this was a great way to continue to celebrate my birthday week. The members of Silver Spring Swing Society Rock!!!

Thanks so much!!

Silver Spring Sewing Sister’s has a new name

You have noticed by now that we have changed the name of our sewing group.  In 2011 we were known as  Silver Spring Sewing Sisters. In 2012 we are now known as SILVER SPRING SEWING SOCIETY.

Over the course of the year many more men have become interested in our sewing group and we have expanded beyond sewing to include crafting, refashioning and thrifting. We are an all-inclusive group and are taking our skills and sewing adventures to the next level in 2012.

After dropping “sisters” from our title one of our members, Xtine,  suggested we used “Society” to maintain the S.S.S.S. acronym. I thought this was a fabulous idea. In the coming year we hope to establish ourselves as a American Sewing Guild Neighborhood Group and maybe one day soon we will have our own brick and mortar.  Fingers crossed and saying a little prayer for bigger and better things in 2012.

Be sure to check back every now and again for our upcoming sewing classes. This year we are offering more beginning sewing classes and more “make it and take it” classes. Right now we are in the middle of our Tote Bag making series. Join us for Tote Bag Making with a Zipper on Sunday March 4th.  We are also happy to begin offering Saturday classes and more field trips.

Sew much fun coming with Silver Spring Sewing Society!

One year Anniversary of Silver Spring Sewing Society

I can honestly say that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the members of Silver Spring Sewing Society (SSSS) for my current opinion of the DMV. You see after relocating to this area just three years ago I wanted nothing more than to return home to Chicago. I was the official “Debbie Downer” of the DC area. When I finally accepted the fact that I would live in this area for a I while I knew I had to take my DC lifestyle to another level. I realized that there was clearly something lacking in my life. About a year ago I stumbled across the website MeetUp.com and looked for Sewing Groups in the DC area. After successfully finding none I started the group Silver Spring Sewing Sisters and became the organizer. I had no idea what to expect. I’d hoped I would meet a few women in the area who were interested in sewing and they would then lead me to this community of underground seamstresses hidden somewhere beneath the political drumbeat of this town. Well that didn’t exactly happen.  What did happen is I found there were many people out there looking to find others with similar sewing interests to connect with. Who knew a year later we would be near 200 strong and have completed over 30 meet ups. Way to go SSSS!!

The women who are part of this group are spectacular. They are creative, funny, willing to take an artistic challenge and are excited about sewing. Who knew there were so many out there like me. I’m grateful they have hung on through the classes and have had fun learning. I love to tech sewing as it is an absolute rewarding experience when students complete a garment and they are proud to wear it. I’ve gained so much from teaching these classes up to and including a better appreciation for the DMV.

Last night SSSS celebrated our One Year Anniversary at Eggspectation in Silver Spring. Only a few of us gathered but we packed a lot of fun and two newbies showed up.

Ann. Kanisa, Xtine, Karla, Ericka, Sarah and Me

On this evening everyone wore something they either made or picked up at a thrift store. I’m often amazed at the creativity in this group and continually thankful for their enthusiasm and encouragement. We look forward to another year of Silver Spring Sewing Society.

Silver Spring Sewing makes Tote Bags

On Sunday afternoon Silver Spring Sewing had our first class of 2012. We made reversible tote bags. This reversible tote bag is the second in a series of 7 tote bags that we will be making over the next 3 months. Each class is designed to help further develop a particular sewing skill. This tote bag honed in on the straight stitch, pressing and how to make an item that turns inside out. These skills can be used in making other types of tote bags, pillows, scarves etc.

We had 15 students attend Sunday’s class. Thanks to Xtine for being my volunteer instructor for this class. She did an awesome job going from student to student assisting with machines and stitches.

Xtine assisting a student with her machine

A few of the students were a little apprehensive about cutting fabric and getting started. Some had never touched a sewing machine before. We had a wide range of skills in this class which was great for those with less experience.

After going around and making a few introductions we began to dive right in and get the show on the road.

Silver Spring Sewing Group hard at work

Step 1: Press the fabric. This is important for cutting purposes. When cutting wrinkled fabric its highly likely your cutting will be off. Make certain your fabric is smooth and lays flat on your cutting surface.

Mercy moved quickly to the ironing board

Step 2: Everyone student received two pattern pieces. One for the bag and one for the strap

Denise found a space on the floor to begin her cutting

Step 3: Cut the pattern pieces out. It’s important to pin the pattern pieces accurately. We briefly discussed grain lines and how important it is to cut on them.

Ericka shown here cutting her pieces. Ann in the background already ahead of the game

Renee preparing to cut the straps

Step 4: Begin to sew. The students began by folding the fabric in half and sewing all four sides.

Step 5: Press. This is often a step that is ignored and passed over. It’s considered to be too time consuming but I am a stickler for pressing as you sew.

Step 6: Fold, Press and Sew the Strap. Some students got creative and sewed two stitches instead of one and some even got creative and used a decorative stitch instead.

Ericka attaching the straps

Step 7: Attach the straps to the bag on both sides. Place the lining turned right side out inside the bag and match right sides together.

Denise matching right sides

Step 8: Sew all the way around leaving a 3-4inch opening to turn

Betty sewing around the top of the bag

Step 9: Turn by pulling the bag through the opening and press

Ann is checking out Kanisa's almost finished product

Step 10: Top Stitch around the top of the bag then press for one last time

Andrea shown here pressing her bag

And “Voila” everyone who attended the class completed their tote bags.  Many referred to their bags as “wine bags” or “yoga bags”. Silver Spring Sewist worked hard and did a great job. Can’t wait to do this again.

Denise, Andrea, Ericka, Betty G, Ann and Cathy. What great bags!

Amber, Sharaelle, Mercy, Kanisa, Renee and Yolanda showing off their bags

Last but not least, Audrey who had to depart early. Her finished bag had a lining made from gold lame.

Join Silver Spring Sewing Sisters

We invite you to Join Silver Spring Sewing Sisters for the first Sewing Class to kick off 2012.

On January 22nd from 1:30-3:30pm at the Wheaton Library SSSS will have Tote Bag Making Class #2. This is the 2nd in a series of 7 tote-bags that we will create over the coming months. We are starting off with a beginning level bag and will move toward a more advanced tote bag later in April/May.

Click here to register for this class: Tote Bag Making Class #2

Above is the bag students created in the last Tote Bag class. Students brought contrasting fabrics to work with. Straps were provided in class and some created their own. Truly a fun project to work on and make over and over again.

Sewing Sisters Love Thrifting

What a great way to end 2011 than to go thrifting! On New Years Eve SSSS went thrifting at Georgia Avenue Thrift Store in NW DC. What fun we had.

We arrived about 30 minutes before they opened the doors. When I tell you these ladies were armed and ready they really were. They carried small handbags if at all, had on their walking shoes and some even dressed light so that could try on clothing easily. We lined up outside along with the other 15 or so people who came for the additional 25% off for the first 25 people. In addition to that THREE color labeled items were 50% off that day. Yellow, Pink and Blue. What a deal! I’m still waiting for them to report back their findings. (hint hint)

Upon entering the store we were all given our 25% off tickets and everyone grabbed a cart. Some headed towards dresses, suits and even the men’s section. The advantage of arriving early is beating the crowd. The later in the morning it gets the more the aisles become jammed and it’s not as easy to manuever. This store is truly a hidden gem. If you havent been you should make your way over there soon.

After about an hour and a half I think we had all had enough and headed to the check out line. As you can see below plenty of smiling faces

We can’t wait to do this again. For those who missed this outing we will go back in March. Check our Meet Up page for upcoming trips.

Recapping: Jump Start Your Sewing Machines Part 2

On Sunday, November 20th Silver Spring Sewing Sisters met for “Jump Start Your Sewing Machines Part 2″ at the Wheaton Library.  We learned about the parts of the sewing machine, how to thread the sewing machine, how to take measurements and everyone completed an apron by the end of class. Hats off to all the students in the class. We can’t wait to start the new year off with a new set of classes for the beginner seamstress and to provide exciting new experiences for the more advanced seamstress. Hope you can make one of our classes in the upcoming year. Stay tuned for more information.

Happy Sewing!!