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).

1. This is an eco-friendly class. If your project cannot be made from recycled clothing please choose from the following list of materials for your fabric: cotton, wool, silk, bamboo, rayon.  No synthetics please as the instructor is allergic to synthetics.
2. Please prepare your materials prior to class by washing them the way you would wash your completed sewing project. 

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

• Recycled Sheet (Queen Sized) – choose a nice one so your pillow case and PJ pants are pretty! 100% cotton feels better and is easier to sew with. 

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.

• Men’s suit jacket
• Men’s tie preferably made from polyester, vintage would be special.
• Men’s dress shirt (preferrably 100% cotton) – or you may use the fabric provided to line your coin purse and sleeve bag
• Any embellishments to make your bag one of a kind. 

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

• Old pair of jeans that fit you around the waist but are too short, too tight on the back side, etc. Note: THEY MUST FIT YOU AROUND THE WAIST FOR THIS PROJECT TO WORK!
• BONUS – after you have completed this project if you would like to learn how to make a professional jeans hem, just ask! Joanne would be happy to show you how to keep the cool hem while making the pants the correct length.

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

• 100% Cotton T-Shirts (2) – Size mens XL to XXL (skirt project) or one that fits you well and one matching in colour but does not matter about the fit.  Ensure that the two t-shirts work well in terms of colour (for example turquoise and Kelly Green or Black and Grey, etc.)
• Beads from Iguana Bead Shop (I have asked Irene to point out the beads that you will require to make this project)
• You will be able to view this project prior to you “getting to it”. hat will give you a better idea of the supplies and how they will interact with one another.

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.

• A throw pillow for your bedroom!  Using the remnants from your recycled sheet or left over men’s dress shirt, or choose new fabric.  You will make a pillow with a zippered opening.  Pillow form,cotton bating, and zipper provided.

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.

• Remember those pieces of denim from project three?  We will use those remnants to sew a pencil case. Lining, interfacing and zipper provided. Fabric paint is also available.

• If you would like other embellishments on your pencil case please bring them.
• Choose new fabric if you wish.

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:  

• 1.5m- 2m of both skirt cotton and lining (either very light weight cotton or rayon for lining please).

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

• Recycled bicycled tires will be provided
• Journal will be provided

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

• Collection of plastic bags – clothing store bags or chip bags along with clear plastic bags (all bags need to be washed and rid of any oils and dried – hanging would most likely be best)

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

• recycled fur coat (ask teacher if there are available supplies through class room)
• Fun fur – you will have to purchase this material yourself for your student.  Please purchase no more than a medium      pile fun fur; you will need approximately 0.4m of fun fur if fun fur is 45” wide.

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:

• four (4) 100% cotton used and washed recycled sweat shirts.

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:

• If fabric is 45” wide then 2x length
• If fabric is 60” wide then 1.5x length (if upper leg circumference is greater than 27” – 2x length for 60” wide too)
• matching draw string/ribbon (40 cm longer than your/child’s  waist)
• your/child’s pj pant pattern used previously in the course (second project above)

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: 

• four t-shirts, or sweat shirts, recycled, 100% cotton (no stretch), in matching colours varying from light to dark, men’s size M or larger

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:

• one wool or cotton sweater ensuring the arms are the same length as your leg inseam.

23. Project – Mittens

Skill – designing to fit ones hand; working with heavier materials; integrating serger and sewing machine capabilities. 

• Recycled 100% wool sweater – you must prewash the recycled sweater in your washing machine on warm or hot with soap.  This is called boiling the sweater.  (NOTE: Please watch the sweater as it is possible to “over boil” the sweater    making it too thick for use). Hang it to dry. Then it is ready for class use.

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:

• recycled rain resistant coat (like a colourful London Fog jacket but please NOT a rain coat made of rubberized plastic as it won’t sew well or last nicely as a beach bag!)
• four flat 1 ½” nickel rings

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: 

• three men’s 100% cotton woven (non t-shirt material) dress shirts – recycled and washed prior to class.

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:

• the sleeves from the three men’s dress shirts used in the project 21 will be used for this project.

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: 

• two meters of pre-quilted fabric, washed and dried according to your plan of future care (if you want to make your own machine quilted fabric you will require 4 meters of your chosen fabric and the equivalent of warm and natural quilting    batting plus thread).
• zippers – heavy nylon – 18” and 10” in colour matching or complimenting fabric choice; four (4) dress weight nylon zippers in matching colour 12” long.

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: 

• Three (3) Sport Jackets (wool, Linen, etc.) or one three piece suit
• Rayon Lining (based on what you would like to make) – ask teacher for amounts needed
• zippers – thread – pattern – based on what you would like to make and if you would like to design the project yourself

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.