Will be teaching

[sewingrandma]

I got roped into teaching some beginner sewers how to sew a lined tote bag with a flat bottom. I spent most of the morning today cutting out tote bags at my meeting and drew a crowd because they all wanted to learn how to make them like I do. I tried to show as best I could how I put them together but I could tell it just wasn't getting thru to most of the ladies. I was asked if I could come prepared to demonstrate it next meeting. This should be interesting when you have ladies that don't know how their machine works and I'm going to teach them how to sew this bag. I think it is going to take more time than what I'll have. Marty, do you have any tips on teaching a group of beginners?

[MartySews2]

My first lesson is know your machine ... practice threading, adjusting tensions, and how to set up for different stitches. Must have your manual with you. Second lesson is learning how to take measurements and marking one's fabric. Third lesson is knowing which needles to use with the fabric you have chosen plus knowing which fabric goes with the pattern. Fourth lesson is learning to read a pattern and understanding sewing glossary terms. Fifth lesson is cutting out the pattern and understanding seam allowances. Once these lessons are mastered, then you can proceed to actually sewing. It is a process.
Marty