Learning As A Lifestyle – Sew What?

This weekend my son, Ben, asked me to help him sew a vest. He recently lost a bunch of weight and did not want to spend a lot of money on formal clothes. Sure, how hard can it be? When I was in school my mom made most of my clothes. I thought that was lucky. The clothes I wore fit well and looked fashionable.

As a young adult, I worked for Jo Ann Fabrics. They asked sales associates to make displays for the store so I started sewing for my girls. At first, things were simple. Straight seams, no-frills dresses and tops. As the girls got older, the patterns got more complicated but it was still quick and easy to throw together a shirt or dress in no time. I even made a prom dress with whalebone stays. The vest was going to be a piece of cake.

So, I sit down to throw together this little vest and I realize I can’t see the eye of the needle. I also don’t remember how to thread the machine. We spent nearly three hours getting the bobbin ready and the machine threaded. It is not as easy as it looks to follow a piece of paper to thread a sewing machine. I wished all night that I could take that class that will start next week.

The Center for Lifelong Learning is offering two classes in sewing next week. One is Sewing Using a Pattern. This class is for adults who used to sew and need a refresher (like me) or for novices who are just learning to sew. Class is scheduled Thursday, July 24, from 10am to 4pm. Plan to make your item while you have our instructor there to help you. The fee is $55 and there are still spaces available in this class.

The other class is Basic Sewing and Knitting for Kids. It is offered Monday through Friday, July 28 – August 1, from 1pm to 4pm. This class is designed for children ages 8-12. Boys and girls alike are welcome. They will make several projects during the week and it will be lots of fun. The fee is $69 and there are still a few spaces left in this class too.

Marilyn Jones has been teaching sewing classes for us for about a year. Marilyn holds a Masters of Education in Adult and Higher Education and a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Home Economics. She is originally from Florence, Alabama. Her husband is a retired Army officer. She has taught with Park University and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College. Marilyn is currently teaching classes through the Continuing Studies and Outreach Program of the University of North Alabama as well.

To register for classes at the Center, call 256-233-8260 or go to our website – www.athens.edu/CLL. Whether you want to take a class, go on a trip with us, or just have a cup of coffee and surf the web, come visit the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street, in Athens, Alabama and see our new signs.

We look forward to learning with you.
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262
By: Wanda Campbell