A Stitching Success - Sewing Class Recap

Last term our sewing group were busy! Around nine people joined in across Central and Te Kete Aronui Rototuna to take on a big project: the West End Jacket!

Each person chose their own fabrics, which made the finished jackets strikingly unique. Everything from sturdy denim versions to breathable cotton canvas ones, and even some soft, cozy flannel was used. It was a great way to see how one pattern can look so different depending on the fabric. A highlight was learning flat-felled seams. This was a brand-new technique for many, but once mastered it gave the jackets a neat, professional look on the inside and made them extra comfortable to wear.

The trickiest part was attaching the sleeves. Getting the gathers even and attaching them took some patience, but the results were worth it. And then there were buttonholes, which were new to lots of people. Learning to use the automatic buttonhole foot on the library's sewing machines was a game-changer! Everyone was proud to master this as it made the whole process much easier.

By the end of term, everyone was really proud of their new jackets. It wasn't just about walking away with something handmade, it was about learning new skills, building confidence, and having a lot of fun along the way. We're looking forward to seeing what our sewing groups create next. 

Keep an eye out for future sewing classes at the library, you never know what you might learn (or make!) next.