being done here....
It has been a busy time, seems to be that way lately, what with Easter, re-arranging the house, getting a new sewing room organised, blogging has been a bit of a non event, sorry about that.
I just found this article and wanted to share it with you, I love reading about this sort of thing
I'll let you read it for yourself, this is a fabulous idea and maybe, you just never know, these classes could be popping up all over. The other thing, it's a wonderful way to keep the kids entertained over the holidays and be productive into the bargain.
Here's the article and I'll catch you later.
April 19 (Bloomberg) -- The 16 girls, ranging in age from 7 to 15, are bent over a row of sewing machines in Hampstead, North London. While this might seem like a case for the child-labor squad, they're all working willingly, taking part in a sewing and fashion course called Little Hands Design.
The course teaches kids the skills they need to make their own creations, from simple leather handbags and belts to jackets and skirts patterned after those they might see in local shops. Starting with the basic operation of a sewing machine, they go on to learn draping and measuring, the use of ready-made patterns and how to design garments on the computer.
The classes are run by Astrid Jacoby, age 38. She learned sewing as a child in Berlin and felt there was a need for a course that would cater to London's youngest fashionistas. She also sees the classes as an antidote to the obsession with expensive designer labels.
``In the schools here, sewing classes are a real turnoff,'' said Jacoby, who has been running the workshops for three years. ``They usually do one `nightie' throughout the whole term. I find that the kids, even the youngest, are capable of doing so much more and that it can be fun and fashionable.''
Missing Boys
The classes cater to all abilities (and genders, though Jacoby admits that few boys have been willing to join). There are sessions for kids in the afternoon and on Saturdays and the cost is 6 pounds ($10.62) per hour, including materials. There are also programs over school holidays.
Alice Coventry, age 11, attended a recent class outfitted in a trendy ruched peasant blouse, loosely belted at the hip with a wide leather strap. After three years of classes at Little Hands, she's ready to attempt her first zipper, the finishing touch on a pleated skirt of white cotton with an embroidered floral pattern. Alice says she's so passionate about sewing and fashion that her mother bought her a sewing machine last year.
``I definitely know that I want to be a fashion designer when I grow up,'' she said.
Before the start of the courses, Jacoby sends out ``inspiration'' packs with sketches of possible projects, though it's not uncommon for some of the more style-conscious kids to arrive the first day with a sketch of a coveted design seen on the Web site of Top Shop, a trendy London clothing outlet. Jacoby tries to steer the kids toward projects that match their ability, though she also believes in the need for them to make mistakes.
Whirring Kids
On the first day, students are taught the basics of threading and operating a sewing machine. They also learn a set of safety rules including turning off the machines when not in use and checking with her before cutting fabric. Very quickly, under the guidance of Jacoby and her two assistants, the kids are whirring away on the machines, practicing with squares of denim and trying out all the different stitch settings.
By the end of the morning, all the kids have completed at least one project, usually a simple stylish accessory such as a clutch bag fashioned from recycled materials, including comic-book pages and plastic sheeting. By the end of the first week of the holiday course in April, each student created at least three projects, ranging from bolero jackets to beaded leather handbags.
The classes teach dexterity and steady concentration, along with the mastery of sewing techniques. Bari Shaffran said the class helped her daughter Lizzie, a shy 9-year-old, build confidence. ``Lizzie wore the skirt she made to a family gathering recently and she was so proud of herself,'' she said. ``That's great because she is not normally a kid who will boast.''
Rachel Shaw, a 13-year-old who took classes at Little Hands this month, said she liked being able to produce things immediately.
``Yesterday, I didn't even know how to turn on a sewing machine,'' she said. ``Today I'm making a jacket.''
Term-time courses take place on Thursdays and Saturdays at Friends Meeting House, Hampstead. Coming holiday courses start May 29 at South Hampstead High School for Girls, starting at 64 pounds per course). For more information, see http://www.littlehandsdesign.com or call (44) (20) 7284-1431.
To contact the reporter on this story:
Erika Lederman at ELederman@compuserve.com.
