July 28, 2010
 
New classes start next week. Please contact me for more information.
 
Mahalo,
Lisa
 
 
October 3, 2009
Hello, Students!
We are working on cutting our patterns, placing our pattern correctly on fabric, cutting pattern pieces out, and then marking the fabric accordingly. Soon you all will be sewing up a storm! :)  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Also, I have a survey below and I would love to hear your comments. Please email me and let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
 
Students:
1. Do you enjoy sewing so far?
2. Do you feel you are learning the sewing techniques needed to complete your projects?
3. Would you be interested in participating in a Fashion Show / Charity Benefit?
4. How do you think we can make 'Ohana Arts Studio better for you?
 
 Parents:
1. Are class times convenient for you?
2. Are prices comparable with other kids activities?
3. Are you pleased with what your child is doing so far?
 
 Aloha,
Lisa
 
 
 
Hello!
 
Welcome, students! 
 
Our first class was a basic introduction to the fundamentals of sewing. As I mentioned, it was a general overview, but everything will make more sense as you progress.
 
For the second sewing class, you will need to visit your local fabric store for your supplies.
 
Visiting your local fabric store
 
Like I mentioned in class, you may preface yourself with the patterns featured on the class approved pattern list by going online to the different pattern company websites to see what each pattern looks like. It's easy to use the website's search function. You will then visit the fabric store, such as JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics or at the Hampton WalMart which still has a fabric and pattern section. (Unfortunately, Walmart has decided to close a lot of fabric departments. The Yorktown and Newport News Walmarts used to have one, but they now just sell basic sewing supplies.)
 
You make your pattern selection and then you will be retrieving the pattern envelope which includes the tissue pattern and the instruction sheet. You go the table with the pattern books to take a look at each pattern by referring to the index if you need to. Then you will go thru the corresponding drawer with the manufacturer and pattern number in numerical order to retrieve the pattern envelope. Of course, if you have prefaced yourself with what the pattern looks like prior to your store visit, then you are able to go straight to selecting the pattern out of the drawer.
 
Before making your final purchases, please make sure you are pretty sure you want to make that particular project to completion, you are agreeable to purchasing and using the notions needed to complete your project, and that you will make sure you buy a little more fabric than required to give room for error.
 
Make note of what kind of fabric the pattern requires. Then browse thru the sea of material. Fabric comes in bolts which means there is a cardboard insert wedged inside. The type of fabric, manufacturer, and cost are listed on the top and/or bottom of the bolt. Make the appropriate selection.
 
Then you will take the fabric bolt to the cutting table which is usually set in the middle or very near the middle of the store. You will request to the store employee how many yards of fabric you will need (ie. "May I have 2 yards of this?") and then they will cut it for you. If you have more than 1 fabric selection which depends on your pattern, then you simply bring them to the cutting table and start with 1 and then go down the line. The employee will scan the UPC or will right down your purchase and this invoice is what you take to the cashier along with your fabric.
 
Don't forget to get your notions and matching thread before heading to the cash register.  Notions are usually against the wall or somewhere on the shelving. Make sure to purchase the Dual Duty thread. Of course, if your project requires specialized thread, such as all cotton, then that is what you use. Yet for this class I am recommending to use only the Dual Duty type thread.
 
Take your items (fabric, notions, thread, and any sewing supplies should you decide to purchase) and then make your purchase at the cash register. Congratulations and welcome to sewing!
 
Please also don't forget to wash your fabric before coming to class. Make sure to wash and dry in it's own cycle because the colors may bleed. Ironing is recommended so you will have more time in class to move onto the next steps.
 
 
 
Next class:
 
* Again, please remember to wash and dry your fabric, press (iron) if you can to save time and maximize class time (though not required), and bring your pattern and notions with you in a container or bag. If you have time and understand the instruction sheet in regards to your pattern, please feel free to cut out your pattern pieces on the solid black line.
 
* For the next class, we are going to cut out our pattern pieces using paper scissors, practice stitching on paper using just the needle and no thread (I will demonstrate first) if we have not done so already, and then learn how to thread the bobbin and machine (remember you will always be using 2 sources of thread: top thread provided by the spool and bottom thread provided by the spool). If you are bringing your own machine, please bring your manual if you have it.
 
See you next week!
 
If you have any question or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  or call me at the phone numbers I provided in your info packet.
 
Aloha, Lisa

 

Handouts that were distributed in class:

 

Welcome!

 

** My name is Lisa Noelani Robbins and I am your instructor. My website is www.ohanaartsstudio.comand my email is lisarobbins@gmail.com  . My phone number is 369.0996 and my cell phone number is 272.8484. If you have any questions or concerns, please either call me or email me.

 

** Please refer to the Student’s Page featured on my website. I will post a summary and any other important updates or information.

 

** Our classes operate on the Yorktown Public Schools system. If they are closed for inclement weather or other extenuating reason then our class will be cancelled and rescheduled.

 

** The first few classes will be concentrating on the basics.

 

** Your supply list is, as follows: pattern from approved list, any notions required to complete your project, pins and pin cushion, thread, and fabric. All other supplies will be community supplies while in class.





Recommended pattern list

 

** FOR BEGINNERS **

 

McCalls’ Easy Stitch N Save

 

apron M5366

 

Butterick

 

apron 5274

 

KWIK SEW®

 

pillows 3525

apron etc 3480

 

Simplicity It’s So Easy

 

apron 5154

bag 5151 - *this is the easiest pattern on the list*

adult pants 9871 or 3643 or 4429

kid’s pants 4039

 

 

** FOR THOSE WITH PREVIOUS SEWING EXPERIENCE, WHO HAVE TAKEN MY CLASS BEFORE, OR WHO ENJOY A GOOD CHALLENGE **

 

Burda

skirt 3152

skirt 7910

 

McCalls

 

bag M5691

 

New Look

 

Misses Jacket, Tops, Pants and Skirt 6147

Toddler separates 6880

 

Or any Sewing for Dummies or other other "easy to sew" pattern

 

 

 

 

** Good luck and happy sewing! **

 

 

           





 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hi, Students!
 
During tonight's class we will continue pinning our pattern onto our prewashed fabric and then start cutting out our pattern pieces. The next step after cutting the pattern and fabric is to transfer the notations from the pattern to the fabric so do not remove your pins.
 
Then we will lay these pieces aside while I go around the class to teach everyone one-on-one how to thread their bobbin and machines (remember you will always be using 2 sources of thread: top thread provided by the spool and bottom thread provided by the spool). If you are bringing your own machine, please bring your manual if you have it.
 
See you this evening, Ladies!
 
~ Lisa