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Lesson 1 - What does "this" do?
7 Lessons -
Lesson 3 - Troubleshooting and Cleaning
8 Lessons-
StartHandout for Lesson 3
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StartLesson 3 - Let's Get Started
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StartLesson 3 - Troubleshooting
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StartA troubleshooting Example!
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StartLesson 3 - Getting Started with Basic Maintenance
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StartLesson 3 - Cleaning Your Machine
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StartLesson 3 - Does Your Machine Need Oil?
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StartLesson 3 - You're all set now!
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Lesson 4 - Making the Drawstring Bag
7 Lessons-
StartHandout for Lesson 4
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StartLesson 4 - Getting Started with the Drawstring Bag
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StartLesson 4 - Materials and Sewing the Drawstring Bag
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StartLesson 4 - Sewing the French Seam
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StartLesson 4 - Sewing the Drawstring Channels
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StartLesson 4 - Inserting the Drawstrings
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StartLesson 4 - Now it's Your Turn!
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Lesson 5 - Presser Feet, Elastic, Bias Binding, Zippers, Gathering Fabric, and more
9 Lessons
This course is not open for enrollment
Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Dust that machine off and becomes friends with it!
3 week digital course for only $87
Guess what?! You can take the course as I present it in the 3 week time frame...OR you can jump on in and go right through it. Your choice.
You can join anytime!
A 3-week, live virtual class to get you comfortable using your sewing machine and teach you things like…how to finish your seams, install a zipper and sew a button-hole.
Get good at using your sewing machine so you can make beautiful things without pulling out your hair!
6 lessons over 3 weeks, 2 projects, 6 handouts and a bonus video on finishing your seams that comes with a lovely handout and a bonus lesson on printing and using sewing patterns!
Do you have a sewing machine that's gathering dust in the corner, balefully giving you the "eye" every time you spot it?
Do you wish you knew how to use it...or have you used it and wish you had a better time, and better results, using it?
You are in luck!
I’m offering a 3-week, online series teaching you how to use, and dare I say love, your sewing machine.
(you can take it when it's best for you, you have access for the life of the course)
This class will be the perfect combination of virtual, interactive, and hands-on.
The lessons are recorded and will be delivered to you via email, 2 lessons each week, for you to watch at your leisure.
(not really the drip-it-out kind of person? You're in luck, you can also jump on in and watch it all right now...but you won't really cement what you've learned without doing the hands on work. )
What to expect:
You’ll get several, short videos each week, where I’ll walk you through the parts of the sewing machine, how it works and how to sew.
Then, I’ll give you a wee bit of homework (what’s learning without hands-on action? Not nearly as effective, I say) and send you off until the live call.
But you will not be in this alone, as you work on your homework you can reach out to me to get your questions answered and for additional guidance.
You’ll also have access to a private discussion area, specifically for this class! Here you can connect with other students (my favorite thing), post images, ask questions and get answers.
It’s like going to a workshop in person, but with a recording that you can rewatch, rewind and slow down, anytime you want.
What you’ll learn about your machine:
What the parts of the machine do and what they are called.
How to thread your machine properly (it truly matters).
How to wind the bobbin and which way to install it in the case.
What all of those “feet” are for.
What the different stitches are for…and what to use to sew knit fabrics.
Supplies you’ll need
How to troubleshoot your machine and keep it clean
How to diagnose and fix the tension (both the tension of the thread and the headache of using a machine you don’t fully understand!)
"Tina is, I believe, the most patient, good-humored person in all of Emmet County. The class taught us the technical areas of sewing which we practised and also made two projects.
My expectations were far exceeded."
Connie - Get to Know Your Sewing Machine student
Tina VanDenburg
I teach women how to sew clothes they love so that they feel beautiful, empowered, and connected. 14 years ago, I taught myself to sew clothing and fell madly in love, not only with my makes but with my body. I teach because it lights me up. I sew clothes because it makes me feel beautiful, empowered, and connected. And it’s that magic that I want to share.
You’ll also learn the basics on how to sew…
~ What’s a seam allowance?
~ Sewing with french seams and other seam finishes…you don’t want loose unraveling seams messing up your project.
~ Installing a zipper
~ Buttonholes! Yep. seriously.
~ Using seam binding…it’s not just meant to take up space in your sewing box
~ Sewing a lining into your project
and more!
The best part, we’ll complete two projects!
A drawstring bag with french seams
A zippered, and lined, pouch
"I signed up for Tina’s beginner class not even
knowing anything about my sewing machine.
For 40 some years, I’ve told myself I can’t sew. Tina has taught me what my machine can do, how I CAN INDEED sew!!
...and also taught me a life skill that if it doesn’t work the first time, go back to the beginning and try it again.
(Which you often have to do when sewing).
Her patience, organization, and ability to understand a
“beginner sewer’s mentality” was phenomenal!
She is extremely knowledgeable and has given me so many tips and tricks I wouldn’t have known without meeting and attending her class.
You are a gem, Tina. Keep up the good work!! "
Tammy - Get to Know Your Sewing Machine student
Who is this for?
- Anyone who wants to get more comfortable using their sewing machine.
- Someone who’s never even touched a sewing machine, let along snarled up the thread.
- Anyone who sews, but can not figure out why they constantly get snarly thread nests under their needle plate…or other common frustrations.
You'll need
- A sewing machine in good working order (this isn’t a sewing machine repair class…unfortunately).
- Thread, Sewing machine needles, Bobbins to fit your machine.
- The manual to your machine (truly invaluable) and any cords, foot pedals, etc.
- Scissors for fabric and pins.
- A computer or device to watch the videos, interact on Zoom and in the discussion area and download materials.
- Fabric scraps to practice on…a variety is nice.
- A bit of seam binding and a button.
Materials for two projects
Materials for the drawstring bag
- woven fabric – a piece that is 15 x 30 inches and quality thread to match (I prefer Gutterman brand, all-purpose thread)
- a cord or rope or braided yarn or ribbon (you get the idea) for the drawstring that is 72 inches long
- a safety pin to feed the cord through the drawstring channel
for the zippered pouch
- woven fabric – two exterior pieces that are 7 x 9 inches and two lining pieces that are 7 x 9 inches and quality thread to match (I prefer Gutterman brand, all-purpose thread)
- a 7″ zipper for the pouch (a nylon zipper that is too long can easily be cut down)
"Tina did a great job teaching a sewing class virtually!
I really appreciated the many ways we could contact her with questions since we are unable to meet in person.
She has so much to share and I feel much more confident using my machine since taking her course."
Debbie
Get To Know Your Sewing Machine student
Course Curriculum
Course Pricing
Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
$87 USD
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This comprehensive course will have you going from hair pulling to unabashedly sharing your new project with friends!