The second and third classes of our sewing series have gone extremely well. (Also see below about a NEW canning class.)

Everyone has either brought their own machine, or there has been an extra machine for them to learn on. We’ve also had extra surprises! All of the classes have remained strong and have averaged about 10 students.

Second week

During the second class, Ms. Nora brought her embroidery machine to demonstrate and use during the class. It was intriguing to see all the possibilities with so many things already loaded into the memory of the machine. The setup looked easy with special sized hoops to clamp the fabric into. After a pattern was selected and the colors of the thread chosen, all you had to do was click a button and watch the magic. When embroidery was put onto one of the aprons, it really enhanced the project.

Third week

During the third class, it was all about surge machines and how to cut out a more complicated pattern. Ms. Nora demonstrated and let everyone use her surge machines. She gave some great tips on pattern layout, marking with special pens, cutting, and what to sew first. She even brought her huge cutting pad that fit perfectly onto one of the wooden tables in the room. This allowed the cutting to be accessed from all sides.

There were three surgers available, one 4-string and two 5-string machines. Surgers create a finished seam enclosed with an additional overlock. The seam looks very professional because it is trimmed and sewn at the same time. Two were preloaded with white thread, and the other with black thread. If you have never used a surge machine before, it is a true game-changer. The speed at which you can complete seams is phenomenal – and SO FUN! Initially, the surgers look a bit intimidating, but once you start using it, seeing the crisp and pristine edges that it makes is really satisfying.

New projects were introduced that were perfect for these surge machines. There were patterns available in multiple sizes to cut for two different tiered dress projects. One was an adult dress, and the other was a young girls dress. Students could choose to do either or both. Samples of the finished sizes were also available to see and try on as well as understand how to do a few easy modifications, if desired.

Here are a few photos from the third class. (We forgot to take any photos at the second.)

Sewing continues

This sewing class will continue weekly each Monday from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at Long Cane Methodist Church (51 Long Cane Rd., LaGrange , GA) throughout the month of July and possibly further if interest remains high.

Canning and preserving

The Gray Hill School Farm is introducing another class – Canning! This is the time to begin canning and preserving food from the garden to enjoy during the winter. Beginning Thursday, July 11th, classes will be held every other Thursday from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at the Long Cane United Methodist Church Hall (51 Long Cane Rd., LaGrange , GA). First class is about canning green beans. Look for a more in-depth blog post from Gray Hill School Farm about this canning class. Read more here: https://www.grayhillschoolfarm.org/2024/07/02/canning-classes/

Great First Class

The first sewing class of the summer taught by professional seamstress, Nora Ayers, was a lot of fun and very productive! Before getting started, introductions were made and every sewing machine was tested. Some machines even had to be unboxed and set up for the first time. A few sewing machines needed parts to be ordered, but every student had a working machine to learn on and use during class. There were also ironing boards and irons available, which played an important part in the class. Everyone had room to work on their sewing machine with separate pinning and fabric cutting areas.

Several assistants were on hand to help the 12 students with questions, bobbin filling, threading, etc. All students cut out and began sewing their first project – an apron. They started with the hardest part first, which was the curve. Ms. Nora gave some great tips for making the curve easier to hem. Knowing how to judge the correct seam allowance is different on each machine. Keeping a constant seam allowance is a skill that requires practice, especially on a curve. Everyone did great in this first class and should be very proud of the progress they have made.

Next Week

Students can finish their aprons next Monday, same time, same place. The free pattern was emailed to them so they can work on the apron at home if they wish. Some items would be handy for the students to assemble into a “sewing kit”, such as scissors and pins, but they can also share what is available in class.

Everyone made great progress. It was fun for the assistants too seeing so many different sewing machines. The similarities and differences were very interesting.

Participants registered through the Gray Hill School Farm at 706-518-8869. If you are interested in this class there are a few slots available, please call to see if there is still room for you. Classes will continue through July each Monday night from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The classes are project-based and learning will progress with input from the students. More details are at this blog post link: https://www.grayhillschoolfarm.org/2024/06/05/sewing-classes/

Photos

Here are a few photos from the first class.

Special Thanks

This sewing class is organized by the Gray Hill School Farm with special help from Ms. Nora Ayers, Long Cane United Methodist Church, and the Grayhill Gabbettville Garden Group.