New website up

Yes my website is up. Check out the classes and Christmas camps.
Write me a note and let me know what you think.
jolenesews.com
http://jolene@jolenesews.com

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP PROJECTS

HERE ARE THE PICTURES OF THE ITEMS THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM TO MAKE AT THE CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP.

Nov 28th, Dec 5th and Dec 12th.

3 hour slots 8:30-11:30, 12-3 and 3-6

$20 come make as many as you can (usualy 3 to 6 )

Come one come all and make your Christmas presents for Friends and family (and even one or two for yourself)

Not all items are pictured here. Veiw earlier post for complete list. There is a varity of fabric to choose from. these are just examples

November Adult Class and November Christmas workshops

Well Hello everyone!!


Christmas is moving in fast. And I have a couple of Great opportunities for Christmas Gift ideas.

• CHECK OUT MY NEW WEB SITE jolenesews.com Soon this blog will be no more. We will only update the new one.


• November the 21st beginning Adult sewing class. This has been full for weeks and 2 ladies have had something come up and so I have 2 empty spots. This would be a great gift for yourself or for someone on your Christmas list. It is from 9 to 6 and you will complete 3 projects. I will give you the early bird fee if you sign up before next Wednesday the 18th. Call me for supply list and to reserve spot. $70- lunch and 2 snacks included. My sewing machine or yours.
  



• I have added another kids workshop on the Saturday November the 28Th after Thanksgiving and still have some openings in the December 5Th and 12Th kids workshops. I have added a extra hour for the SAME PRICE $20. You could drop off your kids and go shopping and they will have made there own Christmas presents when you pick them up. Please check info from previous posting.

Happy Sewing JoLene

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS SPOTS STILL OPEN

Christmas Workshop
Welcome the JoLene’s Sewing School
Christmas workshop
The Days are Nov. 7th, 14th, 28th, Dec 5th, and 12th. There are three 3 hour time slots, 8:30-11:30am, 12-3pm, and 3-6pm. This is going to be so fun. Ages for this workshop are 7 to 14. It will be so fun to make gifts yourself for your friends and family? GREAT FUN!! So this is how it works.
1. First pick the day and time and register (payment must be included to hold spot). $20 covers all supplies and materials for the 3 hour time slot
2. Make your list of friends and family that you want to make gifts for.
3. Pick your top 6 items to make.
4. Bring this list with you the day of the workshop. That way there will be no guesses as to what projects we are working on
5. You will finish and take home all your projects that day. We will work on the more time consuming ones first and faster ones last to guarantee that items are completed. If not finished, hopefully it will be something that can be completed at home.
6. All right here are the projects. The numbers at the end of each item are referring to how easy they are. 1- Easy, 2-Easier, and 3-Easyest
7. Don't forget that if you have not taken classes from me before that you must take a free "Sewing machine fun" class . Must enroll child in workshop to qualify for free class. Call to arrange times for class.

Christmas Workshop
Projects to make
Put a check by 6 of these items
You will probably finish around 3 to 6 items
Bring this sheet with you to the work shop so
You can remember what to make.
Try to have some of each number.
That way you will be assured that you will finish all chosen projects.


§ Placemat bag *3*
§ Wallet *3*
§ Hello Kitty Pillow *1*
§ Ice Cream Cozy *2*
§ Juice Pouch Bag *1*
§ Juice Pouch Coin Purse*3*
§ Tissue Holder*3*
§ Crayon Wrap *2*
§ Simple Bag*2*
§ Strawberry Potholder *3*
§ Frog Pin Cushion *3*
§ Fleece Hat*1*
§ Fleece Mittens*
§ CD Holder*3*
§ Cinnamon Hot Pad*2*
§ Clothes Dryer Fragrance Pad*2*

Call me to register now.
Workshops filling fast.
503-804-7259
jomomasews@msn.com

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS AND CAMPS

It is time to get ready for Christmas. I am offering a varity of workshops and camps to fit almost anyone. The Christmas workshops have all kinds of things to make for Moms, Dads, Grandparents and just about anyone on your holiday list.
The camps will prove to be fun and you will come home with some new exciting things.
Hope you find something worth trying.
Remember that if you have not yet taken a class from me before you need to take a free "sewing machine fun" class. Call me to arrange times for class. Classes will fill fast so call today.
Christmas Sewing Workshops
and Holiday Sewing Camps
Ages 7 to 14


CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS Nov. 7, 14 Dec 5, & 12


Cost $20 for 3 hours. 15 projects to choose from. Easy projects. Time slots 8:30-11:30, 12-3, & 3-6 Child comes and makes as many project as there is time for and takes them home that day. Gifts for others and for self. Bags, crayon wrap, wallet, pillow, tote, pin cushion, slippers and many more. New items added each week.


SEWING CAMPS Dec 21, 22, & 23


Morning 9-12 Moose on the loose $130-Make a adorable stuffed Moose Family.It will be made from quality faux fur "minkee" very soft huggable fabric.All supplies are provided. Kit & pattern are included in the price of this camp. *Note the age for this camp is 9-14
Afternoon 1-4 Rag Doll Camp $130 - Make a 18" Rag Doll & one outfit. May make more outfits if finish early. All supplies and workbook are included in the price of camp.


SEWING CAMPS Dec 28, 29, & 30


Morning- 9-12 Slumber Party in a bag-$110 Make nightshirt, head wrap, tote and pillow case, pattern included-Fabric list provided.
Afternoon 1-4 Dress a doll Camp $130 make simple wardrobe for 18” doll. Doll not included. All supplies provided. Kit and pattern are included in price of camp.


“PICK YOUR OWN PROJECT” Class -This is an Adult class. $25 Every Wednesday 7-9pm November and December. Project you have been wanting to finish and need help or something you have been wanting to make. (Call ahead and check with teacher).


Limited Enrollment ~ Call Today


JoLene’s Sewing School


503-804-7259
For more information jolenesews.blogspot.com
Licensed Kids Can Sew & fashion Design Instructor

First Adult Workshop

One never knows how things might turn out when you do them for the first time. My first Adult Workshop was Great. We had good food, made new friends and learned alot. I am not sure who learned the most Me as a teacher, Or the students. (I think it was me).

Kids cans Sew has a saying it is " There are no mistakes, only lessons learned." I so agree with that and we had lessons learned by both the teacher and the students.

The next Adult workshop has started. It is a 5 week class teaching the same things as the all day workshop. Again a great bunch of women and lot of fun.

The next all day workshop is November 21st but is full already, sorry. I won't be having any more adult classes now till after the first of the year.

Email me if you want to take Adult classes after January 2010 and I will Email you when I get the dates, Till then Happy Sewing JoLene

Part 2 of 5 Part seris Making Your Project Look store Bought

Well what a week! RAIN RAIN AND MORE RAIN! What a wonderful change from the Hot weather we have had this last month. Also My daughter and I took care of 3 lovely girls this Labor day holiday weekend. With my daughters 3 kids and the 3 girls we had 6 all together. The week end was full of fun, food, crafts, food, toys, and more food. I usually have my blog done by Monday but I needed a rest. Slept in and took it easy this morning. I pulled my thoughts together and am ready to get to the second part of Making Your project look Store bought finished. So here we go.

Part 2 The pattern. Of course the pattern is one of the most important parts of your project. When you are new to sewing you don't know what to look for in a pattern. Pattern company's try to make it easy for you these days. Look for the words easy, start, beginner, learn to sew etc. When looking in pattern books there is usually a section for beginners or easy patterns.


After you have picked your pattern the secret to Making your Project look Store Bought is:

1. READ the pattern. I read the pattern a couple of times. I curl up on the couch like I was going to read a good book and just read every part of the directions. The pattern company's have put a lot of time into their patterns. Even if it is not a beginner pattern they include some very basic information that beginners should read.


2. Cut out your pattern. . I suggest that you cut along the lines of the pattern on the tissue paper. It makes it easier to see where to place your pattern pieces on the fabric and make any adjustments that are needed. (After you do this a couple of times you can just cut around the patterns and cut on the lines of the pattern as you cut the fabric).


3. Adjust your pattern. This may seem hard but really it is easy. Follow the instructions on the pattern. There is several different ways to do this. I just say don't take short cuts. It takes time but is makes the difference in you finished project.


4. Laying out pattern on fabric. Here is the part that really counts. Remember the part about reading the pattern? There is a Section in the directions that will tell you all kinds of important information about laying out your pattern. Like placing patterns on the fold, placing patterns on the straight of grain. Also measuring equal distance from grain line to the salvage or fold. Your pattern is there to help you get it right. Take your time and ask for help if you don't understand. Now a days there is plenty of places on the Internet to find answers. Also you can call your nearest fabric store they will be glad to help. (If you don't get your pattern on the straight of grain your item will not hang right when finished.)


5. Cutting. Double check every placement before you cut. This will save a lot of heartache. Check to see if you have the fold piece on the fold. I always pin across the fold to remind me not to cut. Always cut the notches out. Don't cut them off as they are there to help you to get your fabric aligned when sewing you project together.


6. Marking. Get a chalk pencil dark and light and mark mark mark. Anywhere they say to mark ,mark. This helps again with placement and getting all to match.


7. Put your pattern in a zip lock bag. You may have to refer back to the pattern piece latter, so make sure you take care of them. If you like this pattern you can use it again. You can change it a little or do a different view.

Again, there are some very basic things to do to have your project look store bought and gleaning all that your pattern has to offer will Make Your Project Look Store bought. Remember to be patient. Happy Sewing!

Part 1 of 5 Part series Making Your Project Look Store Bought

Hi all,
What a great week! Weather in the 70's, canned the Salsa (14 pints) and tomatoes(10 quarts) and getting ready for the Sewing School to start . I am so excited!

I thought a lot about what I should do for this weeks blog. My most asked question about sewing is "How do you make your project look more store bought"? Well, this is not as hard as you might think. It is more about doing some basic things than being a great seamstress. Although the more you sew, the better your projects will look.

Part 1 in this series is Getting to Know Your Sewing machine
It will surprise you how just spending some time getting to know your sewing machine can make such a difference in your finished project. A few years ago I got a computerized sewing machine. I have been sewing since I was 12 (or there abouts) and I could use almost any machine. The Basics were the same but it had features that I had never had before, like an automatic threader. Boy do I love that! Most of the new machines have threaders now, even the basic ones. But just getting able to use it was hard. Once I mastered it, what a difference it made. It was such a small thing, but what a time saver.

So I will give you some basic things to do, and when you sit down to sew a project you will be more comfortable with your machine. Then you can concentrate on your project and not be worrying about running your machine.

1. Get out your manual and read it front to back. You will be surprised what you will learn by just reading your manual.
   
2. Buy some painters tape. Most of your projects will be sewn 5/8 ". It really helps to put a piece of tape on the 5/8” mark and line your fabric up on the tape and just sew. Cut up an old sheet and just sew. Practice lining up the fabrics on the 5/8 inch mark and start sewing straight.
   
3. Start from the front of the manual and get familiar with the parts and names of your machine. When you start reading patterns, look up help online, or take a class, you will know what they are talking about.
   
4. Keep turning pages and do whatever they do. Change the feet and do the stitches that correspond with each foot. Wind the bobbin, do as much as you can. I realize if you have never used a machine before some things in the manual can be a bit over a newbies head, but do what you can.
   
5. New machine. If you bought a new machine and they offer classes, take them. It will do what I just had you do.
   
6. Read the troubleshooting guide in the back of the manual. If you read this, then you will have an idea of what is wrong when there is a problem. You will still need to consult it each time but it will help you not to be so nervous about what is not going quite right.
   
7. Practice Practice Practice. Take a week or so and practice using your machine. Become as comfortable with your machine as you can before you start that big project.

Again, making your project look store bought is following some basic things and getting to know your machine is the first thing. Happy sewing!

Up and Coming Events

Hi all,

What a wonderful morning. I love late summer mornings. My garden is full and over flowing. I went out to get tomatoes and make salsa and at first look I thought maybe I would have to wait till the weekend. BUT NO!! I retrieved 50 pounds of tomatoes , peppers and onions enough for a couple of batches of salsa. And have I told you I love canning. The sound of the lids popping and the sight of jars on the counter all full with food is the best sight ever. Well enough of that.

I promised I would tell you of up coming events. The one I am most excited about is our
Sew for Others Day. This year I hope to do several of these but our first one is to going to help the children at Shriner's hospital. We are going to make Bright Fun Pillow Cases. These kids need something to help Brighten there day as they go through things that even Adults would have a hard time with.

Here is how it is going to work. We will ask for donations of bright fun fabric. If you are a sewing student or read this blog you can donate and /or ask others like grandparents, friends, teachers or close neighbors to donate. I will have a box in my Sewing class room and each week we will collect until Saturday October the 24Th. On the 24Th we will spend the whole day and Sew for Others. The 4Th Saturday of October is Make a Difference day. I thought this would be a perfect day to have our first Sew for others day. Mark you calenders, start collecting and see you there October the 24Th from 9 until we are done. Bring a sack lunch. I will provide snack and something good to drink.

Well I better go I can hear the tomatoes calling to me COME MAKE ME IN TO SALSA. Till next week. PS. I Love to SEW!!! JoLene

Up and coming classes

Well hello there,
What a great week. Much cooler, harvesting many tomatoes, and having fun getting ready for my new classes.


I thought I would tell you more about the sewing classes I am teaching. The first camp I had this summer was with 2 of my granddaughters. I needed to practice before I actually taught kids I did not know. My Granddaughter Hallie is 6 and I was so afraid to turn over a sewing machine to her. I followed all the instructions in teaching the first lesson and WOW!! She did great. So did my other granddaughter Madisen (but she is almost 10 . Not as worried about her). They did great! They sewed straight, curves and put in elastic and hand sewed. I was so impressed. And now I cannot turn them off. Madisen lives in the Gig harbor area and Now all she can do is talk about how much she loves to sew and wanting to come back and sew. My other granddaughter Hallie saw I was mending one of her fabric Dog houses and she would not let me do it. I set her up and she did it all by her self. (remember she is 6).
The second camp I did was a great success. By the last class we all did not want it to end. They had time left over and were making other projects with their left over fabric. We were all sad to see it end. I would call that a great success.

The Kids can sew & fashion Design program, is designed for for 6- 16 years of age. Students gain confidence and self-esteem while learning a life skill that is almost lost to young people these days.


Weekly lessons, teach children to sew crafts and useful items and clothing of their own design. The curriculum is just wonderful and is designed to be fun and always with safety in mind. No additional sewing time is required outside of class.


New students are always welcome, but classes are designed to coincide with the school year from September to June, and cost less than music or dance lessons.
My School is in my home in Portland, Oregon in the woodstock area.


Just as on the Home page of this Blog:

• One hour per week


• Only 4 students per class


• One sewing machine per child


• Use my sewing machines and supplies


• $50 a month


• $35 one time registration fee per year-


• Holds place in class and cost of workbook for year.


• STUDENTS CHOOSE THEIR OWN FABRIC


• LIST OF RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES WILL BE GIVEN PRIOR TO CLASS

I am running a special as listed below. Just call and tell me you saw the coupon on my blog.
-------------------------------------------------------------
COUPON GOOD FOR ONE FREE CHILD CLASS
WITH ENROLLMENT IN YEAR PROGRAM
Mention that you saw this on my Blog
--------------------------------------------------------------
Happy sewing JoLene

Home Based Sewing School

Welcome to my Sewing School Blog. In April 2009 I lost my job of 14 years. With no jobs out there I went looking for some way to make a living. My daughter Stephanie and her family live with us and she suggested that we started a daycare, which we did. We got state registered and all that (which by the way was a lot of hard work). We have 8 part time kids and 3 of my grand kids and we have a lot of fun. It keeps us busy but I knew that when School started that most of that income would be gone.

Sewing has been part of my life since I was very young. My Dream has always been to own a Fabric or Quilting store. So naturally when I lost my job, Sewing was the last thing I thought of for a business. Maybe it should have been my first but I didn't even consider it. A good friend Alina made the suggestion that I teach sewing because she always wanted me to teach her. I just threw it out. Then one night while surfing the net, I found the "Kids can Sew "web site and it looked like what I was looking for. The rest is history. My wonderful mother gave me starting up funds (thanks Mom!) and I became the proud owner of "JoLene's Sewing School".

My daughter Nicole suggested that I do a sewing blog and she set it up for me. A special thanks to her for all her help. I think it looks very nice. Now that means that I have to actually write something. I am not so good at that. My sister Donna is the writer. I should have her do this for me. The problem is she doesn't have a computer anymore so I guess its up to me.

Well then for my first blog I just wanted to announce that I have started a Sewing School in my home (with pics to come). I live in Portland, Oregon in the Woodstock area. I will be starting classes on the 9Th of September 2009. Teaching kids from 6 to 11 and teens 12 to 18 and Beginning adult classes. Classes are listed on the side of my blog. I had 2 camps this summer and they were so much fun. When they were over we were so sad the end had come. I will also be offering a day class for any home schooled kids out there that would be interested.

I love kids and Sewing so what better job to have than teaching kids to gain the love of sewing like I have. So anyone in the area that wants to learn to Sew give me a call Or email and join the fun.

A special thanks to Jerry my husband for his fix'em up skills,(sounds like I just won a Emmy and maybe I have) daughter Stephanie for all the things she does 2 numerous to mention, my granddaughter Madisen for all her help this summer, My mom, sisters Donna and Tonya for all their support . All my Friends (you know who you are) that listen to me when I need an ear.

Well that's it for now. I am thinking that I will blog things about sewing and my sewing school in general. If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to ask. Not guaranteeing I know the answer, but I will try. I love you all!! PS I LOVE TO SEW!