December 2014 Newsletter

At the end of May my students and I entered the Multhomah County Fair. There’s so much I just love the fair, including watching the faces of my students as they enter their submissions and receive the ribbons.

Twelve students entered with a total of 36 entries. They received six first place, five second place, four third place, and the rest received participation ribbons. Sariah received the overall Best of Show for the Youngest Child ribbon on her vest.

This was a great way to end a year of sewing, and a great event to anticipate in May 2015!

The last weekend of May included the Sewing School’s annual fashion show at Courtyard Plaza retirement home in SE Portland. With the beautiful weather, we held it outside in their lovely courtyard. With eight students participating, we were small in numbers but it was a great success. Parents and residents alike had a great time and enjoyed the children modeling their creations, and the students have the marvelous opportunity to share the fruits of their labors.

Besides all that you have read so far, with the fair and fashion show and anniversary party, I also had twenty camp offerings this summer! As always, they were great fun and produced some fantastic projects.

In addition, this summer my computer died. That was difficult, since I do a lot of business on the computer, but I bought a new machine and I just love it. As with so many things, having the right tools can make all the difference!

Due to enrollment, I ended up canceling my last camp and started a remodel on my bathroom. This was a major endeavor! I will do a future blog post on all the things I am sewing for it.

I’m taking a deep breath and looking ahead to the next set of scheduled camps and next year’s events!

Camps and Workshops

Christmas Workshops  

Create Handmade Gifts

Friday, December 12th 3 pm – 6 pm

Saturday, December 13, 1 pm – 4 pm

Friday, December 19, 3 pm – 6 pm

Saturday, December 20, 1 pm – 4 pm

$40 per workshop 

Come and make gifts for your friends and family! Each three-hour workshop includes all new gifts to make this year and a meal snack. There are 35 gift projects to choose from, and are appropriate for a wide range of ages, both male and female. All materials for this workshop are provided, and students will create the gifts during the workshop and bring them home that day. There is nothing like giving a handmade gift, and these workshops help make it easy to do so!

Moose Camp

Monday & Tuesday, December 22-23, 9 am – 12 noon

Come make two cute stuffed moose, including one with a red nose! Keep both or give one to family or friend. $90, all supplies included.

Everything Fox

Monday & Tuesday, December 22-23, 1 pm – 4 pm

Inspired by the song “What does the fox say?” we will make a cute fox bag and scarf. $90, all supplies included.

Poncho Camp and More

Monday & Tuesday, December 29-30, 9 am – 12 noon

Make a fleece poncho and messenger bag to carry all your treasures! $65, includes pattern. Supply list provided at time of registration

Hoodie Camp

Monday & Tuesday, December 29-30, 1 pm – 4 pm

You pick your fabric and have a wonderful warm and cute hoodie to keep you warm all year long on those cool Oregon days. $65, includes pattern. Supply list provided at time of registration.

Everything Owl

March 23 – 25, 9 am – 12 noon

Come make everything owl! A stuffed owl, bag, pillow case, and nightshirt. $130, all supplies included.

Sewing Supply Camp

March 23 – 25, 1 pm – 4 pm

Come make a sewing bag to hold your sewing supplies. It’s adorable and has many pockets. Pick form several options for pincushions, covers for sewing scissors, and many other options as time allows. $130, all supplies included.

Save Dates for Upcoming Events

Put these dates on your calendar!  More information to come.

May 23, 24, 25: Multnomah County Fair

June 21: Fashion Show & Picnic

Tip of the Month: Use Your Iron

Pressing is a very important part of sewing. Each time you sew, whether it be seams, darts or hems, pressing gives your project a professional and finished look. A good ironing before you start to sew and after you are done is also a must!

Project of the Month: Giving to Others Event

Every year I try to do an event to make items to give away to those in need. This year’s giving event was held over three days with sixteen attending, plus two additional volunteers each day.

We made 38 pillowcases, which we donated to the Dougy Center. We also made 39 warm hats and 16 scarves for those without  homes, plus 10 teddy bears for the police department.

Thank you to all who participated and who helped make this world a bit better!