Everyone should have a chance to enjoy the arts and creativity. That's why the Cambridge Centre for the Arts (CCA) offers classes and workshops for adults. Adult programs include:
- Pottery
- Drawing
- Painting
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Sewing/Textile
The Cambridge Centre for the Arts also runs a number of drop-in programs for adults.
Please see below for required supplies for Going Green with Your Sewing Machine. For all other class supply lists, please see your receipt.
This sewing program is currently on hold - Please check the website for updated information.
Going Green With Your Sewing Machine |
The project list is designed to develop a set of skills that will build upon one another. For example, the pillow case will teach you how to sew a straight seam while the second project, pj pants, will integrate the straight seam with curves when sewing the rise. Please note the course desires to keep the cost of learning to sew at a minimum by using recycled items that may be found in your immediate family’s possessions or from extended family/friends. If some item can’t be found among your family/friends, Value Village or Good Will stores have good recycled clothes useful for these projects. As a new student to the studio, you may look at the list of projects and wish to jump directly to a project farther down the list. This will only be approved if you brought in previously constructed projects for review. The projects brought for review must demonstrate an understanding and application of skills needed to complete projects you wish to move beyond. I am looking forward to meeting you at the next Going Green Course, Cambridge Centre for the Arts. If you are new to Going Green with your Sewing Machine: Depending on your sewing experience you will most likely complete Projects One through Four and possible Project Five in your first course (seven to eight two hour classes).
If you are a regular/repeat student in the Going Green with your Sewing Machine: You should have an understanding of how fast you sew based on past course experience. Remember, your project outline begins at the project immediately after the project you last completed. For example, if you completed the Sleeve Bag at the end of the last course you will begin the recycled jeans into a skirt project.
Supply List: 1 + 2. Project – Pillow Case and PJ Pants Please ensure that your fabric has been pretreated by washing and drying it in the exact way you would launder your finished pillow case. Skill – Sewing straight and curved lines on large spaced projects
3. Pick your own – Based on Project One and Two You are welcome to choose your own project using straight and curved standard stitching along with zig zag stitching, hems, draw string pocket, etc. All of these skills were learned in project one and two.
4 + 5. Project – Coin Purse and Sleeve Shoulder Bag Please ensure that your fabric has been pretreated by washing and drying it in the exact way you would launder your sleeve bag. Skill – Sewing straight and curved lines in small spaces; fully lining a project; turn and flip method of handbag making.
6. Pick your own – Based on projects Three and Four Choose your own project that incorporates skills from project one and two along with using interfacing, lining, and a strap. Please note we do not have sewing machines strong enough to accommodate leather for this project.
7. Project – Jean Skirt PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED SKIRT). Skill – Deconstruction and patchwork
8. Project – Skirt or T-Shirt (Your Choice) [you are welcome to work on this project as you complete the zipper section of the course; this project is time consuming and requires breaks here and there so hand stitching remains excellent] PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED SKIRT – you will most likely want to hand wash this project after it is completed…the beading will not withstand most washing machine experiences). Skill – Stenciling and hand stitching
9. PICK YOUR OWN – Based on Projects Five, Six, Seven, and Eight. This project should include skills you have learned such as sewing with heavier fabric, working in large and small spaces and various hand sewing techniques you have learned through the t-shirt project.
10. Project – Throw Pillow PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR pillow cover). Skill – Putting a zipper in a large sewing space; single lap zipper.
11. Project – Pencil Case PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR pencil case). Skill – Putting a zipper in a small space; no lap zipper.
12. Project – Pants, Shorts, Skirt or Dress PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED SKIRT). Skill – Long sewing lines, fitting, and putting a zipper into a garment; double lap zipper or blind zipper You will make a knee length gathered, circular, or A line skirt (based on your body shape) with a simple waist band, pockets, and zipper, using a light weight cotton fabric. You may find the fabric at a recycled clothing store (Salvation Army or Value Village) – an old colourful sheet would be fantastic – or you may purchase new fabric at Fabricland, Weber Street, Kitchener, on the right hand side across the street from Zehrs. Please purchase the same amount of lining (preferably a 100% quilting cotton for skirt and light weight cotton for lining) Supplies required are:
13. PICK YOUR OWN – Based on Projects Pillow Case through to skirt. You may use any of the techniques you have learned hand sewing or using the sewing machine.
14. Project – Journal Cover [thanks to Grand River Cycle for collecting the inner tubes for our use. Yeah, Grand River Cycle!!!] Skill – Creating your own textile; using materials from other applications to create a sewn usable item
15. Project – Plastic Bag Project (Shaving Kit; Rain Poncho or Coat; the ideas are limitless) Skill – Creating your own textile; using materials from other applications to create a sewn usable item; design will be based on student’s creative wishes
16. Project – Teddy Bear Skill – sewing in small spaces; stuffing; constructing in 3-d; handsewing; learning to tie hand knots; working with odd materials with pile
17. PICK YOUR OWN – Based on Projects Pillow Case through to skirt. You may use any of the techniques you have learned hand sewing or using the sewing machine.
18. Project – Laundry Bag THE ART CENTRE (FOR AS LONG AS SUPPLIES LAST) WILL PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT. Skill – Introduction to the Serger Machine using the four thread overlock stitch (you must complete the special permission form provided through the front desk at the Centre of the Arts) Materials to be used: recycled spinnaker; four threads; draw string (all provided).
19. Project – Sweat Shirt Lap Blanket PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR “sweat shirt blanket”). Skill – Continued introduction to the Serger Machine using the four thread overlock stitch (you must complete the special permission form provided through the front desk at the Centre of the Arts) with a more complicated material and construction. This project will help the student to understand order of approach in construction of items using a serger. Supplies required are:
20. Project – Track Pants PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR “track pants). Skill – Develop more confidence using the serger machine continuing the use of the four thread over lock stitch and adding the chain stitch Supplies required are:
21. Project- Hoodie; Dress; Skirt PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED t-shirt dress). Skill – More advanced project on the serger using three different stitches, four thread overlock, chain stitch, and rolled hem Supplies required are:
22. Project – Sweater leggings PLEASE ENSURE YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED ‘sweater’ leggings – Suggestion – handwash as the washing machine will shrink wool sweaters). Skill – More advanced materials being used on the serger; redesigning a piece of clothing into something useful and fun/ny Supplies required are:
23. Project – Mittens Skill – designing to fit ones hand; working with heavier materials; integrating serger and sewing machine capabilities.
24. Project – Rain Coat Beach Bag PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED beach bag). Supplies required are:
25. Project – Three ‘dress shirt’ 3 Pair of Boxer Shorts or Tunic PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED “dress shirt” top). Skill – Draping; combination of domestic and serger stitching; button holes; placket, etc. Supplies required are:
26. Project – Three ‘dress shirt’ skirt PLEASE ENSURE YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (MEANING YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED THE MATERIALS IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED ‘dress shirt’ skirt) Skill – Manipulating existing clothing into new shapes to create original and unique clothing. Supplies required are:
27. Project – Overnight Bag and kit set PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED overnight bag and kit set). Skill – more advanced project on the serger, installing a zipper, and creating a shaped piece Supplies required are:
28. Project – Garment from three Sport Jackets or One suit PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR FABRIC HAS BEEN PRETREATED (THAT MEANS YOU HAVE WASHED AND DRYED IT IN THE EXACT WAY YOU WILL LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED overnight bag and kit set). Skill – more advanced project on the serger, installing a zipper, and creating a shaped piece Supplies required are:
29. Project – Learn to use a sewing pattern A list of pattern options will be supplied. You will purchase sewing supplies based on pattern of choice.
You are welcome to continue taking the course if you have completed the suggested projects. You will be responsible for initiating project discussion with the teacher, Joanne Jones, and purchasing the required supplies. Joanne will offer suggestions on appropriateness of chosen project in relationship to skill level.
Some suggestions – Grad/prom outfit; Halloween costume; Bedroom set; Dress up outfit; Casual outfit; Dress shirt; Dress pants; Drafting your own sloper and manipulating it into various garments representing your style; Any ideas you have that requires the use of hand stitching, a sewing machine, and a serger. The sky is the limit. Any skill you don’t have can be learned in class or researched together so that you may continue to learn. |