September 30th

Students learned about serging today. We talked about what a serger does, how to sew correctly on a serger and how to take care of it. We also talked about common mistakes made when using a serger and how to fix it.

September 29th

Students finished their tissue boxes or samples that needed to be finished. We talked briefly about clothing design and draping fabrics for clothing projects. Students were told that their fleece fabric for their next project is due by next Monday.

September 25th

The students used all of class to continue on their tissue box cover. Some turned it in today, but most will finish on Monday and they will be graded Monday after school.

September 24th

We started out the class period by going to the assembly to introduce the Lehi roller mills fundraiser and the new PTSA Diamondback awards. Students started work on their tissue box covers. The scoring rubric and instructions were provided, as well as a quick teacher demonstration. Students will continue to work on these on tomorrow.

September 23rd

The students discussed and watched a demonstration on the differences between pressing and ironing. They also were given time to finish their seven stitches sample and to start on their tissue box cover. If they were prepared with their fabric today, they were able to cut out the 15x19 rectangle they needed for their project.

September 22nd

The students added their current grade printout, student sample and student/teacher assessment for 3rd period for their student-led conference portfolio. Students then learned about different kinds and sizes of pins and needles.

September 19th

Students created a sample of stitching a circle. Curves are common on almost all clothing so it's necessary for them to be able to sew a curve. They sewed a circle at 5/8" from the edge. The majority of students were also able to start working on a sample that explores different kinds of stitches. They sewed three basic stitches: regulation, basting and zigzag. Then they chose 4 other decorative stitches to sew on their sample.

September 18th

Students practiced 5/8" seam allowances, back-stitching and pivots. They made a sample by cutting out two squares and sewing them together. They sewed three sides together back-stitching at the beginning and end and pivoting at the corners.

September 17th

We reviewed grainline and talked briefly about checking for on-grain fabric and how to fix it so that it is on-grain. Students can identify seam allowance measurements ont he sewing machines and practiced sewing each, 5/8, 1/4, 1/2. Students understand that 5/8 seam allowance are the most common used in clothing.

September 16th

Students learned the basics of identifying a sewing malfunction and how to fix it. Students should be able to problem solve some of the common sewing problems when they sew in the future. We practiced sewing regulation stitches and back stitching. They understand why back stitching is used and how.

September 15th

The student teacher, Mrs. Rey, starting teaching this class today. The students learned how to wind a bobbin and thread a sewing machine. They also reviewed the most common type of sewing problems, plus ways to fix these problems.

September 12th

Students were shown how to stitch using the sewing machines and how to use some of the functions, like the stitch length and width. They were then allowed to sew on paper using the machines to get used to them and the way the fabric is pulled though while it sews. They had 5 different patterns to practice on using both straight and curved lines, as well as corners.

September 11th

Students took a quiz on the parts of the sewing machine. If they were able to identify 8 or more out of 12 parts, they earned 25 points on their grade. Those who did not pass can arrange a time to come in and retake the quiz. We also graded their measuring review sheets and cleared up any mistakes or misconceptions they had.

September 10th

Students learned to identify and name the parts of our sewing computers. They will have a 12 question quiz on these parts tomorrow and we will grade our Measuring review sheets during class tomorrow as well.

September 9th

Students had a review of proper measuring, including fractions and the correct use of rulers. They worked on a review sheet to see how much they remember about measuring and to get help for anything they didn't understand. The assignment is worth 30 points and will be due tomorrow.

September 8th

We discussed common safety hazards in the sewing labs and how to avoid injuries, as well as how to use the equipment correctly and safely. Students also finished their sewing equipment word finds and grain line samples.

September 5th

Students were given a sheet with pictures of pieces of sewing equipment. They worked together in pairs to see how many the could identify with the correct names and what they would use them for. We then went through and identified each one and discussed what it is used for. We also discussed the six different categories of equipment and they were given a word search with twenty different pieces of equipment to find. This will be due on Monday if they didn't finish it today.

September 4th

Students discussed and looked at different types of thread and the purposes of each. They should now be more knowledgeable when choosing the types of thread they would like to use for their projects.

September 3rd

Students learned about grainlines and parts of a piece of fabric. They started a sample on grainlines in which they had to label the different parts of fabric and had to pin on a small pattern piece correctly by pinning it on with the grainline parallel to the selvage and lengthwise grain.

September 2nd

Students learned about the three ways fabrics are produced (Woven, non-woven and knitted)and were given samples of each of the three fabrics to help them identify fabric types at the fabric store. We discussed each type and the characteristics of each. We finished by watching a video which demonstrates how each fabric is made and by what kinds of machines.