Sewing Camp Now For Adults Begins Aug. 14

Submitted by Chris Clark
on July 27, 2017
- 1:35 pm

Courtesy photo

COMMUNITY News:

This summer, kids from 7 to 14 came together for five weeks to learn the basics of sewing at Los Alamos Makers.

The camp was a success. Kids are not quite ready to become fashion designers, but they learned sewing basics like how to properly hem, make button holes and sew zippers with a machine. Most adults don’t actually know how to do that!

The camp was 100 percent hands-on. Each week, participants had to tackle a different project like making a fancy hot/cool pack; a personalized pillow case with the fabric of their choice; a coin purse and their own beanie hats.

The program culminated with two back-to-back sessions during which kids worked on their own projects, practiced what they learned and made whatever they wanted.

Sewing with a machine is not as straightforward as one could imagine, but a little practice and instruction make a tremendous difference. A sewing machine is an underrated engineering prowess.

While learning how to sew, kids had to practice some math skills, measure, think in 3D, plan, understand materials…and finally understand how a machine makes a stitch. It gave them a whole new appreciation for the clothes they wear and the satisfaction to have made their own things.

Building robots may not be the only way to develop engineering skills. Surprisingly, or not, all our sewing mentors are women with an engineering or science background.

Because of the significant demand for a sewing camp for adults, Los Alamos Makers will offer the same sewing camp for teens and adults.

The camp is weekly, 6-8 p.m., Monday evenings starting Aug. 14, at the Makerspace (3540 Orange St. – Suite LV1, the old PEEC location).

Like the sewing camp for kids, attending all sessions is not required. Participants can pick and choose which sessions they would like to attend. Registration is now open.

Space is limited so make sure to reserve a spot if you are interested. To express interest or sign up, email the makerspace at Hello@LosAlamosMakers.org.