We are in the middle of our FIRST of TWO Sewing Classes this Summer. Last year we only did one and spread it out for 8 weeks. We decided to change our format this year and offer 2 sewing classes this summer. The classes meet twice a week and are only 3 weeks long. Why? The Genesis House is a 90 day transition home for families. Many of these students will finish our class and move out of the shelter after. By offering shorter and more frequent classes, they can finish the classes no problem! Our first session started on Tuesday, June 25th and will end on Thursday, July 11th.
Here is an update on how everything is going:
On Wednesday, July 3rd, we finished Class 4 of Session 1 of the MK Summer Sewing Class at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House. The Genesis House hosts single mothers (and some fathers) with their children. We have had the opportunity to meet and teach some of the talented women and children that live there. Kate and I were also very excited to welcome our first man and 7 and 11 year old boys into our class! The father was learning to sew for his daughter while the young boys were inspired by their mom who was also taking the class. Additionally, Kate and I got to teach young girls. Sewing is an important life skill and we are so happy to have such a diverse group of students to teach.
On Class 1, we introduced the basic mechanics of a Brother CS6000i sewing machine, and everyone got the chance to make a simple bag to practice their new sewing skills. They learned how to keep a steady hand, use different stitches, and sew in a straight line. We also showed them why it was important to inside-out the project when they were finished sewing. Class 2 was spent making pillowcases and reviewing. Kate and I designated the pillowcases as being the “Give-Back Project”. The students were asked to make a pillowcase for themselves and then make a pillowcase for someone else in the shelter. We saw their creativity in this project when they matched colorful silks with cotton. One lady even added ribbon to the top of hers! We continued the making of pillowcases into Class 3 because everyone was having fun making and giving them to friends and family. The kids also showed us that pillowcases were great capes too! On Class 4, our students started the toiletry carrier or makeup carrier. Kate and I were excited to present this project because of all the different fabrics there was to choose from. Since it didn’t require too much fabric, we were able to cut from so many different patterns. Everyone had fun mixing and matching colors…no two makeup carriers were alike!
Classes 5 & 6 will be spent working on pajama shorts. These will take extra time because the students will have to measure themselves to find the correct size. Everyone will learn to follow a basic pattern and how to make their first clothing item. Kate and I are eager to see how they will do on this more-difficult project. Check back on our social media (Facebook and Instagram) to see pictures on how everyone is doing!
Even though it is summer, Kate and I are still working on our Blanket Wraps for the 2019-2020 winter season. We want to have a huge inventory for Thanksgiving. We have even been in contact with some sewing groups that are going to help us make the wraps. The more the better!
Kate and I are always looking for donations to help with costs for buying fleece and sewing supplies, so any donation is greatly appreciated! Please click here to make a donation.
Thank you!
Mackenzie and Kate
