Do you sew? Do you remember when you learned? Was your first experience with a sewing machine in a junior high home-ec class? I have fond images of watching my mother sew from my earliest memories. She made clothes, stuffed toys and many more things. I don’t remember learning how, but I remember the first dress I made for myself and entered in 4-H while a 4th or 5th grader.
I didn’t spend much time sewing during my school years – home-ec in junior high and a few random projects. I was able to find clothes I liked much cheaper than purchasing the fabric and making them. I did have a textiles class in college that I loved, but I still wasn’t sewing much. That changed when I started dressing more modestly. As my girls are growing, it is getting harder to find suitable clothes for them as well. Re-enter the sewing machine!
I have been working with my girls on hand-sewing as they have the interest and ability to sit still that long. Mostly they are repairing their own clothes or adjusting hems. Useful skills, but nothing of their own creation. This has changed over this past year for my eldest daughter (nearly 12). It is time to teach her more skills. She needs to learn about using the sewing machine and patterns and fabric. I know these things, but not sure how to go about teaching her. Modesty Matters has the perfect course – You CAN Sew!
This is a course perfect for the novice or experienced sewer. If you know how to turn your machine on and find things in the manual, this course can help you with the rest. If you are an experienced seamstress but unsure how to share your knowledge with your children, a friend – anyone, this course makes it easy.
Each lesson is broken down into small bites. In addition to the written information, graphics, etc there is a DVD portion as well. This method encompasses all learning styles. The lessons are short and simple enough to do more than one at a time as you are comfortable. Conversely, you can slow way down and spend as long as you need when things become more challenging.
That’s where we are now. We sped through the first lessons, but have now slowed down considerably as we prepare to cut out our first project. I say we, but honestly, my daughter could do most of this on her own. Mrs. Jennifer Whelan – author and Mrs. Dee Carmichael co-author (and the smiling face on the screen), are great teachers! It is especially neat for us that the Carmichaels live here in Indiana! My daughter is building her own binder with completed pages, stitch examples, fabric samples, etc. Not to mention the skills and knowledge she is gaining. I am excited to see her accomplishments and look forward to the rest of the children (yes, even the boys. More boy oriented projects are in the works.) learning as they get older.
All the patterns are included on a CD-ROM. Patterns are included for adult and child sizes. Simply print and tape together. I love the arrows to indicate just how and where one piece of paper fits with another. These have been the easiest self-printed patterns to use. Now it looks just like the paper patterns bought in a store. Cut, layout as directed and pin. There are projects and field trips to learn about fabric types, complementary colors and more. The projects are making real, useful things as their skills expand – from pin cushion to a dress.
You CAN Sew is a bargain for $159. Easy to use DVDs and written text – 65 classes spread over 22 chapters. The course is designed to last 12 weeks, but of course you can finish it at your own pace. I love the layout of the syllabus and binder. There are columns listing Topic, Skill, Classwork and Homework/follow-up. It is so easy to see what is coming next and plan our field trips accordingly. Field trip to the fabric store? Yes, please!
Modesty Matters also has a brand new course for quilting, patterns for more projects, tutorials on the blog and some quick freebies. If you want to read more experiences with this great curricula, be sure to check out the Crew blog for other reviews by the Molly Team.