Yesterday, I successfully helped 18 girls finish pajama pants and a pillow case in 3 days of 3 hours or sewing; 2 classes of 9. It was undoubtedly nothing but fun! The process can be stressful at times, but I feel I have really mastered the art of our annual Camp Snowy Nights class at the store. It really is a science. I have a time line for each step and know when girls are falling behind, because this is about the 7th year I have taught this class.
Their excitement as the finish their hems and run to the bathroom to change to get ready for the class photo, is priceless. It's that innocent bliss that fills their face and it is honestly a moment that shines above any of the stressful moments during the 18 hours that I may have.
My excitement as I clean the classroom on the final camp day, slowly drains and I realize I have to wait until Spring Break or the Summer to teach this class again. Regardless of any frustration during the class, I am sad when it is over but glad they all of successfully completed pajama pants and pillowcases. Luckily, I still have my weekly and monthly classes throughout the school year that are set up differently then these camps, but are just as rewarding.
Fitting the pants this year was like any other year; unexpected. You really can not know or ask the sizes of the girls, and many of them are child sizes while others are adult sizes. This year I went with a children's pattern and planned to do the pillowcase on the first day so that I could figure out who might need an adult pattern and could prepare for the next day. It worked out fine and I did have a pattern crunch moment, but it all worked out.
I think 18 pairs of pajama pants that make 18 girls happy, is really the end goal here. They really enjoyed the process and the fun we had in class. They made friends and they made pants. Because these 2 camps filled up so early, I added another 6 hour class on Saturday just for making the pajama pants. I am a little worried about the length of time for girls aged 7-10, but it should be another full days of sewing, with the same priceless bliss that ends it all.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
One Christmas Gift
I finally accomplished something that I have not accomplished in years. I successfully finished a project to give someone for Christmas. Although, I am slightly embarrassed to admit that it was only a set of pillowcases, but I have to remember that small steps are what get me to my end goal. Although, I have not set a goal for this Christmas yet. I mean it is December 16, and how much time do I really have to make more gifts? I could probably make time and I should. But first I must make a goal to aspire to meet.
Last night, was my sewing classes Holiday Party. We stayed and sewed from 4-8:30 and had some snacks and pizza. It was a blast if I have to say so myself! It's always so encouraging to see these 5 girls who have sewn with me for either 2 or 3 months to almost two years. They are spectacular and now it is much more fun for me when I can see how much they have grown and are more self-directed seamstresses. It really is a feeling of success for not only them but also for me.
One of my students has been fascinated with a new pattern called Snap-Its, and I have made one of them and absolutely love the concept. It actually uses a tape measure as the closure and opens somewhat like a clutch. I wish I had a photo to share but at this moment I do not. I finally found a tape measure that was perfect for her to use after testing out a few. I realize you can't go cheap on these tape measures or they just don't turn out right. I finally found one at Home Dept that was 25 feet of 1" wide, which can make as many Snap-Its as you will need in your life. I am sure that you can find this heavy duty tape measure at any hardware store, but to save time, don't even attempt to get the cheap ones from the grocery store or the dollar store. They will measure just great but they don't make this closure that is needed on this small bag. I think I am going to make some of these for Christmas gifts, this year. In nine days.
Last night, was my sewing classes Holiday Party. We stayed and sewed from 4-8:30 and had some snacks and pizza. It was a blast if I have to say so myself! It's always so encouraging to see these 5 girls who have sewn with me for either 2 or 3 months to almost two years. They are spectacular and now it is much more fun for me when I can see how much they have grown and are more self-directed seamstresses. It really is a feeling of success for not only them but also for me.
One of my students has been fascinated with a new pattern called Snap-Its, and I have made one of them and absolutely love the concept. It actually uses a tape measure as the closure and opens somewhat like a clutch. I wish I had a photo to share but at this moment I do not. I finally found a tape measure that was perfect for her to use after testing out a few. I realize you can't go cheap on these tape measures or they just don't turn out right. I finally found one at Home Dept that was 25 feet of 1" wide, which can make as many Snap-Its as you will need in your life. I am sure that you can find this heavy duty tape measure at any hardware store, but to save time, don't even attempt to get the cheap ones from the grocery store or the dollar store. They will measure just great but they don't make this closure that is needed on this small bag. I think I am going to make some of these for Christmas gifts, this year. In nine days.
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