This was an amazing project. It taught me so much about me as learner and gave me another perspective on what my students encounter daily. I successfully completed this project by producing an apron and it will be a Mother's Day gift too! Now, let's address those 10 inquiry questions I developed at the beginning of this project a few months back.
10 Inquiry Questions:
1. What resource will help me the most in pursuit of learning how to sew?
Though I know this was supposed to be a technology based learning, I found that my sewing mentor, Kathy, was the most helpful resources. She has years and years of experience and expertise and is able to help me hands on and share her success and failure stories.
2. What is going to be the most difficult part of learning?
The most difficult part of learning was being okay with it not being perfect and that it is much more time and labor intensive than I anticipated. The time doesn't bother me, however I don't have a ton of free time right now so it became a bit of stressor.
3. What are the different sewing stitches?
My vocabulary knowledge is lacking but I used two different types of stitches. I used the zigzag stitch for the top part to add detail and design to the apron as well as a little zigzag detail on the straps to give it a little something special. And I used a typical stitch for the rest of the apron. I just made the spacing a little wider or closer depending on what piece I was working on.
4. What is some terminology I will learn?
Gather: I did this to shorten the skirt in order to attach the longer piece with the shorter piece (skirt verse top).
Lining: I created a lining for my skirt, top and straps to make it look more sturdy and of nicer quality.
Needlework: Basically just using the sewing machine!
Pattern: I had to create a pattern and cut my fabric from it.
Pleat: I created pleats for the skirt to look more secure and set nicely.
Seam: Where I connect the two pieces of fabric.
Seam Allowance: This is the area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. I had a hard time keeping this consistent!
5. Where are the best fabric deals?
Well apparently Jo-Anns, where I went is not the best place. There is a place off 70th that is supposed to be much better with higher quality fabrics. I learned this from my sewing mentor, Kathy.
6. How much money will I save making my own clothing verse if I went out and bought something similar? (Price difference)
Well this apron cost me $15 to make while one similar at Anthropolgie costs $42. So it's a big difference! However, it takes me time to make this so maybe it evens out in labor costs...
7. Does the type of thread matter?
It does! Depends on the type of fabric you are using and the type of stitch you are trying to accomplish.
8. Am I going be able to actually wear this article of clothing out in public?
I am! Well maybe not in public, but in my kitchen, heck yes! It came out wonderfully and it quite sturdy.
9. Will I wish I had taught myself how to sew by hand?
NO!!!! It would have taken me forever!
10. Will I still be proud that I did this even if it is a failure in my mind? (this is an IF statement)
I am SO proud of myself. I got out of my comfort level and learned something I've been talking about for years. I truly loved this project.
10 Inquiry Questions:
1. What resource will help me the most in pursuit of learning how to sew?
Though I know this was supposed to be a technology based learning, I found that my sewing mentor, Kathy, was the most helpful resources. She has years and years of experience and expertise and is able to help me hands on and share her success and failure stories.
2. What is going to be the most difficult part of learning?
The most difficult part of learning was being okay with it not being perfect and that it is much more time and labor intensive than I anticipated. The time doesn't bother me, however I don't have a ton of free time right now so it became a bit of stressor.
3. What are the different sewing stitches?
My vocabulary knowledge is lacking but I used two different types of stitches. I used the zigzag stitch for the top part to add detail and design to the apron as well as a little zigzag detail on the straps to give it a little something special. And I used a typical stitch for the rest of the apron. I just made the spacing a little wider or closer depending on what piece I was working on.
4. What is some terminology I will learn?
Gather: I did this to shorten the skirt in order to attach the longer piece with the shorter piece (skirt verse top).
Lining: I created a lining for my skirt, top and straps to make it look more sturdy and of nicer quality.
Needlework: Basically just using the sewing machine!
Pattern: I had to create a pattern and cut my fabric from it.
Pleat: I created pleats for the skirt to look more secure and set nicely.
Seam: Where I connect the two pieces of fabric.
Seam Allowance: This is the area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. I had a hard time keeping this consistent!
5. Where are the best fabric deals?
Well apparently Jo-Anns, where I went is not the best place. There is a place off 70th that is supposed to be much better with higher quality fabrics. I learned this from my sewing mentor, Kathy.
6. How much money will I save making my own clothing verse if I went out and bought something similar? (Price difference)
Well this apron cost me $15 to make while one similar at Anthropolgie costs $42. So it's a big difference! However, it takes me time to make this so maybe it evens out in labor costs...
7. Does the type of thread matter?
It does! Depends on the type of fabric you are using and the type of stitch you are trying to accomplish.
8. Am I going be able to actually wear this article of clothing out in public?
I am! Well maybe not in public, but in my kitchen, heck yes! It came out wonderfully and it quite sturdy.
9. Will I wish I had taught myself how to sew by hand?
NO!!!! It would have taken me forever!
10. Will I still be proud that I did this even if it is a failure in my mind? (this is an IF statement)
I am SO proud of myself. I got out of my comfort level and learned something I've been talking about for years. I truly loved this project.