Stitch in time
Sewing camp fills March Break days for young students
Just because students are on March break, doesn’t mean they aren’t learning. The proof of that can be found in the basement of Glady Knowles which doubles as a sewing classroom.
The Pictou woman has been teaching sewing classes since 2011 throughout the year at her home-based business, Kids Can Sew, but makes a point of offering camps when school’s out to give students a chance to devote full days to projects.
On Tuesday students were learning how to make makeup bags with zippers and a name embroidered into it.
“The kids love it. They have a great time here,” said Knowles.
The sewing camp gives a chance for the girls to not only work on improving their sewing skills, but also have something they can show off afterward.
“I love the look on their faces when they’re all done their projects,” Knowles said. “They do a very good job on all their projects.”
The students are doing a different project each day. On Monday they did infinity scarves and later in the week they’ll be making memory pillows and linings for boots.
Beginners to sewing are learning everything from the basics of sewing in a straight line to the parts on a sewing machine.
“The skills aren’t taught in school the way they used to be,” Knowles said. “They’re limited now. We’re bringing back the old tradition of sewing.”
Carys Mason was busy Tuesday working on the makeup bag for a friend. She’s been taking classes with Knowles for about four years.
“She’s a pro,” Knowles says. Mason said her favourite project so far has been making onesie pyjamas.
Alyssa Lockhart has been sewing for about two years. Her favourite project was a bathing suit she made in the past.
“I like getting to make my own stuff and saying it’s mine and I made it,” she said.
Violet MacCullough meanwhile said her favourite project was a lined coat for a doll.
“I really like working on projects,” she said, pausing in her work on a sewing machine.
Bianca Vessio has been a student for almost two years, but said camps are the best.
“I like it when I can go to the camps and stay a long time because I like it here,” she said.
Her favourite project was a blanket.
“It’s fun. You can make your own stuff. People think it’s hard but it’s not. You just sew.”
Ainslie MacPhee was one of three beginners taking part in the camp this year. She said she didn’t know much coming in about sewing but is learning quickly. Amelia Parker said the makeup bags have been her favourite project.
“It’s not too easy that you don’t like it. It’s a nice challenge.”