Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  Sewing Project?

    Posted 01-09-2017 17:26

    Hello! 

    I will be starting my very first technical theatre class in February, and I'm looking for a way to teach some minor sewing skills. My current plan is to have students sew an over-the-hanger ditty bag or organizer that my after school production students can use to keep shoes/hair ribbons/belts/costume bits/etc. organized. Do any of you have a pattern or a design that works particularly well? I'm looking for something simple(straight seams, maybe removable from hanger, but no zippers or welt pockets) that is also functional (no point in making them if we can't use them). 

    Additionally, if any of you do something similar, how long would you give your class to complete the project? Do you have sewing machines for all of your kids, or do they have to share? 

    Thanks!

    ------------------------------
    Katy Nuttman
    Theatre and English Instructor
    Auburn, WA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Sewing Project?

    Posted 01-10-2017 07:32
    I start out with a pirate flag project (our tech class decided we were like the Pirates of the campus when we first started a few years back).  It incorporates two hand stitches, two sewing machine stitches, and one serged edge to introduce them to our one serger. 

    I only have a couple machines, so giving then the hand stitches allows everyone to rotate around.  The idea is to design a flag that reflects their personality in someway, and they share it with the class at the end so it is also a bit of a community building project that helps break the ice.  I will attach a few pictures and the lesson plan.  Good luck!Image





    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Sewing Project?

    Posted 01-10-2017 07:40

    My iPad was quirky so apologies if you are getting this twice. 

    When we started the tech class a few years back the students deemed themselves a pirate crew of sorts, so my first sewing project is a Pirate flag.  They design it to represent aspects of their personality.  I pass out samples of actual pirate flags and country flags so they can see the simplicity of it.  

    They incorporate two hand stitches, two machine stitches, and a serge stitch.  I only have one serger and two sewing machines so it gives them a chance to rotate around and have something to work on if the machines are in use.  

    When complete, they explain why they chose their designs, and it is a bit of a community building time when the students and I get to know each other better.  

    I will find the lesson rubric and attach it also.  

    Good luck!

    ------------------------------
    Debbie MacKinney
    Theatre Teacher, CTE Technical Theater, Troupe 7334 Advisor
    Tanque Verde Unified School District
    Tucson AZ

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Sewing Project?

    Posted 01-10-2017 14:55
      |   view attached

    Yes! I teach all of my students to sew! At the Beginning level we learn to hand sew, but once they get to the Intermediate level I let them use machines. We get so much accomplished!

    Beginners learn basic buttons, shank making, running stitch, whip stitch, catch stitch, elastic and appliques.  I have attached the assignment sheet I give to the kids. There are youtube videos for most of these.

    When the kids come in for Intermediate I have a plan for what they are going to sew that semester; and it's usually something for the upcoming spring show. We also sew puppets, and occasionally take existing clothing and turn it into something else - costume altering. I use my document camera to show them how to use our sewing machines, we have 3. But I just found this great intro to your sewing machine video from Spoonflower! The Ultimate Sewing Guide for Beginners

    Spoonflower remove preview
    The Ultimate Sewing Guide for Beginners
    Welcome to the Ultimate Sewing Guide for Beginners, your quick start primer for learning how to sew! Reasons why you're in the right place: You want to learn how to sew You know how to sew, but want to learn more You know most things about sewing, but want to make sure you're not missing any terms or skills This says 'Ultimate Guide' and gosh darnit, you want to make sure that's true!
    View this on Spoonflower >
    ------------------------------
    Hillary Bogers
    Jack Britt High School
    Theatre Director
    Fayetteville NC

    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    costuiming project0001.pdf   721 KB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Sewing Project?

    Posted 01-11-2017 21:28
    I have my stagecraft student use sewing machines to make aprons each year. They are super simple to make and I have used the aprons for several shows. This year we are producing Fiddler on the Roof, so they made aprons and scarves. One year we made poodle skirts with felt and elastic. We have a dozen kids sharing 4 sewing machines, so they also learn to iron, to sew on a button, and to tie a tie three different ways.

    ------------------------------
    Jodi Improta
    Fine Arts Department Chair
    Fullerton CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content