Stencils and Patterns

Creating My Stencils

I started by sketching simple shapes on a piece of paper. Stars, hearts, and basic geometric forms were my first choices. After perfecting my designs, I carefully cut them out to create my stencils. This step was surprisingly therapeutic; the repetitive motion was soothing, and I felt a rush of excitement as I visualized the fabric creations that would soon come to life.

Cutting Fabric: A Game Changer

With my stencils in hand, it was time to cut some fabric. I laid the stencil flat on my chosen material, secured it with a few pins, and traced around it with my colored chalk/mark. Using the stencils as guides made cutting so much easier! I was able to achieve clean, precise edges that I could only dream of achieving before.

The process felt empowering; I was no longer at the mercy of my cutting skills. Instead, I had a foolproof method that led to consistent results. Each piece was an exact replica of my stencil, making my sewing experience more enjoyable.

Bringing It All Together: The Sewing Process

Once I had my fabric pieces cut out, I moved on to the sewing machine. The shapes were so uniform that piecing them together felt like a breeze. I chose a simple project—a patchwork pillowcase—allowing me to showcase the stencils’ versatility.

As I sewed, I realized how much more confident I felt. With each stitch, I was proud of the clean lines and precise shapes I was creating. It was thrilling to see my initial sketches transition from paper to fabric!

The Final Product

After hours of sewing, my patchwork pillowcase was finally complete. The moment I finished and held it up, a wave of accomplishment washed over me. It was more than just a finished project; it was a testament to my learning journey. The vibrant patterns and shapes were not just beautiful but also represented the fun and experimentation that came with this new technique.

Reflection: What I Learned

Using paper stencils has truly transformed my sewing experience. Here are a few key takeaways from my adventure:

  1. Precision Matters: Clean cuts lead to a polished final product, and stencils make it achievable.
  2. Confidence Boost: Knowing I had a reliable method to guide my cuts made me more adventurous with my fabric choices.
  3. Creative Freedom: With stencils, I can explore various designs without the stress of freehand cutting.

Looking Ahead

I can’t wait to explore more complex designs and incorporate stencils into larger projects. Maybe next, I’ll tackle a quilt or some custom clothing! The world of sewing is vast, and using stencils has opened up new avenues for creativity.

If you’re considering diving into sewing or looking for a way to enhance your skills, I wholeheartedly recommend trying out paper stencils. It’s a simple technique that can bring precision and joy to your sewing adventures. Happy sewing!

Tracing a Sewing Pattern

Creating My Stencils

I started by sketching simple shapes on a piece of paper. Stars, hearts, and basic geometric forms were my first choices. After perfecting my designs, I carefully cut them out to create my stencils. This step was surprisingly therapeutic; the repetitive motion was soothing, and I felt a rush of excitement as I visualized the fabric creations that would soon come to life.

Buying a ready-made stencil

You can as well buy a ready-made stencil and just place it on your fabric, and you trace it out. Sewing has always been a blend of creativity and skill for me. Recently, I decided to take a leap into a new technique: using paper stencils to guide my cutting. I decided to tap into the brain of designers that have skill in making patterns on paper stencils. This simple yet effective method transformed my approach to sewing and opened up a world of possibilities. I am following Evelyn Wood, she has patterns https://youtu.be/OGkPd93MFIQ?si=Z-OG_fvITIh5YqCR

Also, if you stay in regina you can visit Fabricland where you can also buy various types of patterns that you can use as stencil to cut your chosen material into your desired outcome

Cutting Fabric: A Game Changer

With my stencils in hand, it was time to cut some fabric. I laid the stencil flat on my chosen material, secured it with a few pins, and traced around it with a fabric marker. Using the stencils as guides made cutting so much easier! I was able to achieve clean, precise edges that I could only dream of achieving before.

The process felt empowering; I was no longer at the mercy of my cutting skills. Instead, I had a foolproof method that led to consistent results. Each piece was an exact replica of my stencil, making my sewing experience more enjoyable.

Bringing It All Together: The Sewing Process

Once I had my fabric pieces cut out, I moved on to the sewing machine. The shapes were so uniform that piecing them together felt like a breeze. I chose a simple project—a patchwork pillowcase—allowing me to showcase the stencils’ versatility.

As I sewed, I realized how much more confident I felt. With each stitch, I was proud of the clean lines and precise shapes I was creating. It was thrilling to see my initial sketches transition from paper to fabric!

The Final Product

After hours of sewing, my patchwork pillowcase was finally complete. The moment I finished and held it up, a wave of accomplishment washed over me. It was more than just a finished project; it was a testament to my learning journey. The vibrant patterns and shapes were not just beautiful but also represented the fun and experimentation that came with this new technique.

Reflection: What I Learned

Using paper stencils has truly transformed my sewing experience. Here are a few key takeaways from my adventure:

  1. Precision Matters: Clean cuts lead to a polished final product, and stencils make it achievable.
  2. Confidence Boost: Knowing I had a reliable method to guide my cuts made me more adventurous with my fabric choices.
  3. Creative Freedom: With stencils, I can explore various designs without the stress of freehand cutting.

Looking Ahead

I can’t wait to explore more complex designs and incorporate stencils into larger projects. Maybe next, I’ll tackle a quilt or some custom clothing! The world of sewing is vast, and using stencils has opened up new avenues for creativity.

If you’re considering diving into sewing or looking for a way to enhance your skills, I wholeheartedly recommend trying out paper stencils. It’s a simple technique that can bring precision and joy to your sewing adventures and I wholeheartedly recommend trying out ready-made stencils. It’s a simple technique that can bring precision and joy to your sewing adventures and anyone can do this. Happy sewing!

Cutting using stencil

Hello, fellow sewing enthusiasts!

Welcome back to my blog, where I share my journey into the world of cloth sewing. This week has been particularly exciting, as I dove into the essential skill of cutting fabric for a top. It’s a crucial step that can make or break your project, so let’s dive in!

Before cutting, I decided to get a paper as my stencil—something I learned is essential to avoid any surprises use paper first, before cutting real fabric!

Choosing the Pattern

I decided to go with a simple, classic top pattern. I watch my instructor cutting the paper pattern stencil. I also recorded it herehttps://youtu.be/hMg0Q-7CZQI    I watched it multiple times afterwards; I watch marking the paper using the measurement and the calculations using a blue colored chalk to mark out the pattern pieces on my paper stencil, making sure to align them properly according to the grainline. This part felt a bit like a puzzle, and I enjoyed figuring out how to maximize the fabric while minimizing waste using the paper stencil.

Looking Ahead

Now that I have all my paper stencil marked out, I’m excited to move on to the next step: cutting it while attached to the real fabric and later sewing the pieces together! I’ll be focusing on techniques for assembling the top, which I can’t wait to share with you all next week.

Thanks for following along on my sewing adventure! If you have any tips or experiences cutting fabric, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Until next time, happy sewing!

Exploring Canva to Document my Learning project and make a Logo for my Sewing enterprise

In today’s digital age, tools that foster creativity and enhance learning experiences are essential for both teachers and students. One of such tools that stands out is Canva—a versatile graphic design platform that simplifies the creation of stunning visuals. This blog post will provide an overview of Canva, offer basic instructions and tips, and explore how it can be effectively utilized in the classroom, including its alignment with the SAMR model.

Canva is more than just a design tool; it’s a great platform for enhancing creativity and learning in the classroom. By incorporating Canva into teaching practices, educators can engage students at various levels of the SAMR model, making learning more interactive and enjoyable. Whether for personal projects like my sewing journey or collaborative classroom activities, Canva can inspire creativity and innovation in every learner. Happy designing!

Using Canva in the Classroom

The SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) provides a framework for integrating technology in education. Here’s how Canva can fit into each level:

  1. Substitution: Students can use Canva to create digital posters instead of traditional paper ones. This substitution keeps the same functionality but uses a digital medium.
  2. Augmentation: Incorporating Canva’s collaborative features allows students to work together on projects in real-time, enhancing their engagement and fostering communication skills.
  3. Modification: Students can modify assignments by creating interactive presentations that include videos and links, transforming a standard presentation into an engaging, multimedia experience.
  4. Redefinition: Using Canva, students can create a digital portfolio that showcases their work overtime, integrating various types of media and reflecting on their learning journeys in a way that wasn’t possible before.

    Documenting My Sewing Learning Project with Canva and Designing a Logo

    To illustrate the power of Canva, I’ll document my progress in my sewing learning project. Here’s how I plan to use Canva for this project:

    Incorporate Visuals: Add photos of my sewing progress, including fabric choices, pattern layouts, and completed pieces.

    By utilizing Canva to document my sewing project, I not only create a visually appealing record of my learning journey but also reflect on my experiences in a meaningful way.

    Design a logo for my Sewing enterprise: I will make and design a logo using the Canva templates and make some edit and redesigning to suite my preference on the Canva app. this will help me to propel and sell myself well to the world.

    Here is the Logo I made for my sewing enterprise. Logo, Yemi

Fabric Preparation

My guide to Fabric

I have been following a lady named Nicole online to do some great learning and to have the needed foundation knowledge in my newfound adventure. She is so vast and experienced in fashion designing and also a good teacher who knows how to impact the knowledge. It is the Beginners sowing course in which I have enrolled on the website – madetosow.com https://youtu.be/IGITrkYdjJs?si=ZRRmMSRUJYJoR83O

Check out the series of learning I have been going through and kindly join me in learning at – Made to sew

https://youtu.be/lU3JOK3prZU?si=EOdyZ5VYKqL5e4zF

My First Straight-Line Stitch: A Sewing Milestone

This week in my sewing room, I experienced a moment that every sewist cherishes: my first straight-line stitch! As I settled in front of my electric sewing machine, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. With fabric spread out and ready, I pressed down on the pedal, and there it was—the satisfying hum of the machine and the smooth glide of the fabric beneath the needle.

The sensation was exhilarating! Each stitch felt like a small victory, a step deeper into the world of sewing. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the fabric transform, line by line. It was a simple act, but it filled me with a sense of accomplishment and joy.

As I reflect on this moment, I realize how significant it is in my sewing journey. With each straight stitch, I’m not just sewing fabric together; I’m piecing together my creativity and passion. I’m eager to explore new projects and techniques, and I can’t wait to share my progress with all of you!

Stay tuned for more sewing adventures—who knows what I’ll tackle next!

 

My Sewing Journey

My sewing Journey: A Fabric design adventure

Sewing has always seemed like a magical skill to me, a blend of creativity and practicality that transforms simple fabric into something beautiful and functional. Recently, I embarked on this fabric project that not only tested my skills but also taught me valuable lessons along the way.

I have been making progress lately in my sowing adventure as this past week I have learnt how to cut or make a design of a fabric using paper as a stencil to first get the design out. I make use of a colored chalk or maker to make the draft pattern and will later place the design on the piece of fabric before cutting it out.

The Joy of Creation

Making and cutting out the design is a technical skill that needs some calculation of numbers, taking measurement and aligning it to the fabric you have. I call it the art of creation as you have to picture the design you want to achieve and systematically cut it out on the fabric.

I have been watching some YouTube videos as well to guide me apart from learning from my friend (teacher)

My Sewing Enthusiasm

I’ve always admired the skill of sewing—watching my friend of 20 years and spouse transform a simple piece of fabric into a masterpiece is nothing short of magical. I see this project as a personal challenge to step out of my comfort zone. I want to learn new skills, develop patience, and embrace the learning process, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

I have always like craft and always appreciate hand work and people’s ingenuousness but taking this learning upon myself is actually a new challenge and a new road I want to drive on and explore.

I am a lover of fashion, and I like dressing to look well and cute, I also like fabrics, and this has endeared me to this sewing.

As someone who cares about the environment, I’m drawn to the idea of sustainable fashion. By learning to sew, I can create my own clothes and reduce my reliance on fast fashion. This project is about more than just learning a craft; it’s about making mindful choices that align with my values.

Also, this learning project will also help me economically to save as I will be able to sow for my children and also it will be a source of income generation to me when I start making clothes for others and earn from it.

 

Hello world!

Welcome

My Teaching Philosophy

For me teaching is a journey of exploration, connection, and growth, both for me and my students. Here’s a glimpse into my philosophy and what guides my approach in the classroom.

Curiosity and Expression

I believe that curiosity is the cornerstone of effective learning. My goal is to create an environment where students are free to be expressive, feel empowered to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves. By fostering a love for learning, I hope to inspire my students to become lifelong learners who seek knowledge beyond the classroom

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Every student brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and talents. I am committed to creating an inclusive classroom that celebrates and allows diversity and ensures that every voice is heard. I am open to embracing different learning styles and accept students of varying backgrounds, I aim to create a supportive space where all my students can be welcomed and thrive.

Critical Thinking

In this rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically is essential. I work to encourage my students to analyze information, consider multiple viewpoints, and develop their own informed opinions. By providing avenues to engaging in discussions and hands-on activities, I tend to cultivate the ability of my students to think deeply and independently.

Relationship Building

Education is not just about content; it’s about connections. I believe in the power of building strong, respectful relationships with my students. By taking the time to know them, understand their interests, strengths, and challenges, this will help me tailor my teaching to meet their needs and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Encouraging Growth

I encourage my students to embrace challenges and view mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. By cultivating a growth mindset, they learn that effort and perseverance lead to improvement and success. I celebrate their progress, big and small, and remind them that learning is a continuous journey, in which we make mistakes and learn from them.

Incorporating Real world Experiences

I aim to make learning relevant by connecting classroom experiences to real-world applications. By incorporating project-based learning and practical examples, I help students see the value of their education and how it applies to their lives and future careers.

In summary, my teaching philosophy revolves around creating an engaging, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students feel valued and inspired. I am excited to embark on this journey with my students, guiding them as they explore, discover, and grow. Together, we can cultivate an inclusive classroom culture that not only promotes academic success but also fosters a lifelong passion for learning for everyone.

Thank you for joining me on this educational adventure!