CYNTHIA WHITE, INSTRUCTOR
A sewing machine in good working order, and an empty bobbin. Bring all presser feet and accessories that come with your machine, including the owner’s manual. It is especially important to bring the owner’s manual if you have not used the machine before.
(I have ONE machine for student use, so I can accommodate ONE student who does not own a machine. You MUST reserve this slot individually by emailing me and getting a confirmation back from me that this machine is available for you to use, if you wish to take the class without your own machine.)
Scissors: A small pair of scissors or thread snips, plus an 8” pair of sharp dressmaker’s shears for cutting fabric.
Seam ripper with a cover.
Needles: Size 8/12 or 90/14 sharp sewing machine needles (Schmetz microtex or denim sharps are recommended.) Also a packet of hand sewing needles.
Pins: Sharp
straight pins, with or without colored heads, and a pincushion. I recommend longer straight pins, 1.25 or
1.50 inches in length, as they are easier to use.
Rulers: A measuring tape and a 6” sliding hem gauge.
Miscellaneous: A fabric marking pencil or chalk, or a water erasable marking pen (not the ones from a child’s drawing set, however). The marks need to show up on your fabric, but you also need to be able to get them out of the garment when it is finished.
Paper and Pen and a colored Highlighting Pen for taking notes during class and for highlighting parts of the pattern instructions.
PATTERN AND FABRIC:
Prior to the first day of class, you will need to purchase a pattern and fabric, so that you are ready to cut out the garment pieces during the first class. I recommend using one of the following pajama patterns (or another pattern marked EASY or VERY EASY). Pajamas are a good first project because they tend to fit loosely (and hence to be forgiving as you learn new skills).
Pattern options:
McCalls M4979: this pattern is collarless, which makes it a bit easier than those with collars. Buttons down the front. PJ Top and pants, which can be with elastic or with drawstring.
McCalls 3856
McCalls 3370: this pattern has a robe pattern as well. In class I recommend making the pajamas; you could make the robe later.
McCalls 4320: this pattern is unisex for men and women, has v neck robe as well.
Butterick 6837: robe and pajamas pattern
Simplicity 5338: unisex pajamas with collar and button front
Butterick 6885: unisex pajamas with pullover top/ can be nightshirt rather than pjs. This pattern runs quite big, so if you think you are between a L and XL, for example, plan on making the L!
Butterick 4037
These are your three main pattern brands. By looking at these patterns, you will get an idea of the sort of pattern I am recommending for your first project.
Confer with the salesperson at the fabric store to determine the correct size of pattern. The salesperson can also help you read the back of the pattern envelope to figure out HOW MUCH fabric you need for the view you are planning to make. Also, note what extra things you need to purchase: FUSIBLE INTERFACING, BUTTONS, THREAD, ELASTIC, for example. Amounts will be listed on the pattern envelope.
Select a woven cotton or flannel fabric for the nightshirt.
IF YOU ARE BUYING FLANNEL: Buy ¼ yard more than the pattern calls for, especially if you are making pants, due to shrinkage of flannel in first wash!
IF you are going to want to make any of garment pieces
LONGER, buy additional fabric as well.
(I’m 5’10” and usually make my pj pants 4-5 inches longer and therefore
buy an extra 1/3 yard of fabric.)
THEN WASH AND DRY YOUR FABRIC THE SAME WAY THAT YOU PLAN TO LAUNDER YOUR FINISHED GARMENT. (You are preshrinking the fabric in other words.) Iron if necessary and bring to class with the pattern, and your other supplies, especially pins and tape measure and good scissors.
Email me at Cynthia@tactiledreams.com if you have any questions (or wish to reserve that sewing machine). You can also visit my website www.tactiledreams.com to see some of my quilts and learn about my long arm quilting business.
I look forward to sewing with you.
Cynthia White
Sewing Instructor