Sew Inspirational

Sew Biz

There’s never been a better time to start a sewing based business and teaching fashion and craft sewing is a strong springboard to launch it from.

The huge influence of T.V. shows like ‘Project Runway’ are bringing renewed interest to teens and twenty somethings, who have never touched a needle and high schools and private sewing schools are renewing or expanding textile based courses at an exciting rate. In the following age groups, people who have never been interested in sewing are also being inspired to experiment and the rest of us, with an inbuilt love of textile and stitching, are being drawn back to the lure of fashion sewing, patchwork and embroidery crafts to incorporate all that combined talent and learning into individual, eye-catching, one-of-a-kinds.

Although there are a plethora of great sewing textbooks and indeed a never ending supply of ‘how to’ articles in magazines, most people learn best from hearing, seeing and doing. Students progress much faster when surrounded by enthusiasm, experience and expertise.

Do you have what it takes to be a great teacher?

Let’s look at a few guidelines from the fabulous new book from Palmer/Pletsch Publishing ‘The BUSINE$$ of TEACHING SEWING by Marcy Miller and Pati Palmer.

How to be a Great TEACHER

To be a good TEACHER you must be an EFFECTIVE teacher. Remember to be natural, be yourself, and to express your own ideas in your own manner. Teach yourself the skills and techniques to be great. Here is a capsule of what is most important.

• Know your subject VERY WELL
• PRACTICE
• Be organized
• Be prepared
• Put the audience at ease
• Be a good listener
• Be a good communicator
• Ask questions of the audience
• Get to know your class!
• Create confidence
• Make people feel good
• Be a role model in your appearance
• You can’t teach until you motivate students to WANT to learn

1. Say what you are going to do (introduction)
2. Do it (lecture/demonstration content)
3. Say what you’ve done (summary)

Network with people in your industry and sewing community – volunteer and get involved.

With all of this in mind the Australian Sewing Guild is adding an up-to-the-minute teacher data base to their website (www.aussew.org.au) and are looking for teachers to add to it. This data base will benefit all who love to sew and thirst for more information and inspiration, and will be a resource list for those wishing to hire quality teachers for personal development, group workshops, sewing retreats or conventions.

If you would like to be listed on the teacher data base complete the following questionnaire and post it to the Listings Coordinator, Joanne Jenkins, Australian Sewing Guild, P.O.Box 553, Civic Square, Civic ACT 2608 or email Joanne at listings@aussew.org.au. Please type ‘TEACHERS LIST’ in the subject box and answer ALL the following questions.

Sewing Teacher Profile
Date: 
Name:
Address:
Business Telephone:
Email:

What is your area of teaching?

• General garment construction
• Tailoring
• Knits
• Lingerie
• Bridal / Evening
• Machine embroidery
• Fabric manipulation
• Pattern making
• Fitting
• Heirloom
• Home decorating
• Accessories

Do you teach anything else?

If you have a brochure detailing your classes please enclose a copy.