Big news!! The first community member to use the chapel for classes-Kate Balch of Creative Stiches will be holding weekly sewing classes in our community center starting in October!!
* Background & Inspiration
What first sparked your interest in sewing? – When I was growing up, my mom sewed all the time. She made clothes for herself, my dad, and all 6 children. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to learn to sew and make my own clothes!
How did you learn to sew—formally trained or self-taught? – I took formal lessons when I was in my 20’s, and I’ve never stopped learning since then!
Do you remember the first thing you ever made? – Yes! I made an outfit for myself, consisting of corduroy pants & a zippered vest. It actually fit perfectly, so that was a thrill.
* Teaching& Philosophy
What do you love most about teaching sewing? – I absolutely love the fact that others will be able to take what they learn in the classes and have a useful skill that they’ll use for a lifetime!
How do you approach teaching beginners who may feel intimidated? – I put myself in their shoes, and reinforce the fact that everyone starts somewhere. I also tell them continually that everyone makes mistakes, no matter how long they’ve been sewing – including myself of course. One of the best ways to learn is by making and correcting mistakes!
What’s one common mistake new students make, and how do you help them overcome it? – Sewing the incorrect sides of the fabric together. I use it as a learning experience, to show them how to use a seam ripper – which is an essential tool! So it’s a win-win.
How do you keep your classes fresh and engaging? – I have a curriculum that I follow for each class, but I also improvise a lot. I do a lot of “show and tell” with some cool sewing tools, etc. I encourage the students to share their ideas, because there are many different methods one can use to achieve the same results in sewing.
* Techniques & Tools
What are your favorite sewing techniques or styles to teach? – I encourage class participation, and will ask students to demonstrate to others after they’ve mastered a new skill. That helps them to realize that they can do it with practice and patience.
Is there a tool or gadget you swear by in your sewing kit? – Seam ripper – aka mistake fixer!
Do you prefer hand sewing or machine sewing—and why? – Machine sewing 100%, because it’s a lot faster, and looks more professional. There are times when hand sewing is necessary though – so it’s good to have both skills.
* Creativity & Projects
What’s the most memorable project a student has completed in your class? My first class of 10 students made lined tote bags & zippered pouches. They were all extremely proud (as was I!) Most of them had never even touched a sewing machine, so it was super rewarding.
How do you encourage students to express their creativity through sewing? – I encourage them to think outside the box when reading a pattern or looking at the photo on the envelope. It’s kind of like when you’re looking at houses and trying to imagine it with your personal decorating touches with paint, furniture, etc. They need to imagine using different fabrics, trims, etc.
Do you incorporate sustainability or upcycling into your lessons? – Not yet – but that is definitely something that we will do in the future.
* Advice & Resources
What advice would you give someone who wants to start sewing but doesn’t know where to begin? – Either take a course, read books on sewing, or watch YouTube videos. There are some essential tools that don’t cost a lot, and you can get a second hand sewing machine for very little money.
Are there any books, websites, or YouTube channels you recommend for learners? – No books in particular, but doing a search on Amazon should come up with some good ones. For websites – I highly recommend Wawak for sewing supplies, and Mood Fabrics & Fabric Wholesale Direct for fabrics. Cornelius Quiring has amazing, easy to understand YouTube videos that I would highly recommend.
What’s one sewing myth you’d love to debunk? – That sewing is an old-fashioned hobby. It really isn’t. It is so much fun and can be a very relaxing creative outlet.
* Personal Touch
What’s your favorite fabric to work with and why? – I love working with knit fabrics, because you can make so many things with them – dresses, t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, etc.
If you could sew an outfit for anyone in the world, who would it be? Ooh, this is a tough one. I would have to say Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai on “Gilmore Girls.” She has great style.
What’s your dream sewing project you haven’t tackled yet?– I’d love to make a nice, tailored wool coat for myself. I’d have no place to wear it though!
Please contact Kate directly at katescreativestitches@gmail.com to sign up for her courses. She teaches both adult and children’s courses.
If you are interested in holding classes, giving lessons, having your club or group meetings, or something else, at the Rev George L Fox Memorial Chapel, please contact us at glfox.memorialchapel@gmail.com
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