Basic Sewing Kit

When getting all of your sewing notions together to embark on the world of sewing, it’s great to start with a basic sewing kit. The items that I will be sharing are for the most basic kit, that will help you start sewing. You can always add to this list, bringing in tools that will help you save time. But to get you started we will go over the absolute basic items and then I will be sharing some of my favorite guilty pleasure tools.

I posted this over at Sew Dayton for Tips and Tricks! I thought I would bring it over to JKessel Design too just to spread the word!

Basic Sewing Kit Essentials

the basic kit for your sewing journey

A  container is a great place to start when putting your sewing kit together! When taking classes it’s nice to have all of your items together.

Items to include in a sewing kit:

• 2 pair of scissors an inexpensive pair of paper scissors and a good quality pair of fabric shears.

• Straight pins & Pin Cushion – many people, find the quilting pins with colored heads, easier to handle.

• A tape measure

• Marking tools such as tailors chalk, vanishing ink marker or even washable markers from your kids coloring stash.

• A gauge – This is a great tool for making accurate measurements and for tracing straight lines such as darts.

• A seam ripper  All new seam rippers are sharp and precise. Make sure to change out your seam ripper every few weeks, it will save you time and your eyesight.

• Hand sewing needles – a nice assortment to fit various sewing needs

• Sewing Machine Needles – Keep a stash of the most commonly used needles. Size 12 is your basic go to needle, Size 14 is for thicker fabrics like denim and Size 10 is for light weight fabrics. Make sure you change your machine needle every 8-12 hours of sewing (with normal cotton) more often if you are sewing wool, fleece, denim, or felt.

• Extra Machine Bobbins – it’s always good to have a set of extra bobbins for that last-minute thread change. They are not that expensive and it will save you time.

Advanced Sewing Kit

Some extra goodies to have in your kit!

1.  Pressing Ham

2. Snap Tool

3. See-Thru  Ruler

4. 5 in 1 Sliding Gauge

5. Turner

6. Clapper

7. French Curve Set

One last thing…

There are a lot more goodies you can have in your kits, don’t be fooled by gimmick tools, do your research before purchasing! I have spent some good money on things that really didn’t help me do my work, but they were shiny and cute..

Good luck with your sewing adventures! Till the next Tips posting!

Stay Inspired and Have FUN!

XOXO ~Jesy

Basic Sewing Kit! What is it that you really need? Jesy Jkessel Design - Sewing, Photography, Painting & Design

Learning to Teach

I know it sounds strange, Learning to Teach. But it is true.

Teaching people a craft is tough work, trying to come up with the right words to describe what to do in a situation, is sometimes the toughest thing to do. Since opening Sew Dayton, I have taught classes to the community to get them into sewing.

Basic classes, how to install a zipper, a dog walking coat and more! It’s fun, don’t get me wrong.

I love working with people, I always enjoyed being the person that used to train new hires at my old job, there is just something so amazing when you seen that “ah ha” moment in someones eyes.

I have been at this for almost 5 months now, and have taught many classes and still get the best sense of accomplishment when I see that moment it clicks with a student.

What makes a great teacher?

Do you think its normal to be nervous before every class?

I am always so afraid that I am going to mess up or say something completely wrong.. or just look stupid. I guess that is what makes teaching so much fun! You never know what to expect and it’s even more awesome when a student can joke and laugh with you during a class.  Even better when the class is over, they are asking to book another private lesson.

I have to be doing something right, or faking it pretty well *wink*

I am so blessed to have Sew Dayton, and all the students that I now call friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better 5 months!

XOXO ~ Jesy

Learning to Teach Jesy Jkessel Design - Sewing, Photography, Painting & Design

Sewing in Dayton! Sew Dayton, Sew Fun

If any of my followers are wanting to learn to sew, and don’t know where to take classes in Dayton, look no further!  Here is the class schedule for January-March 2013 for Sew Dayton.

Private lessons, just one on one with a teacher we can do that too! We schedule all private lessons Tuesday – Friday at the shop. All group classes are on Saturday with an exception of a few repeat classes. Private lessons are a 2 hour minimum and $20 per hour. You can choose whatever you want to learn! How cool is that.

Classes Jan-March 2013 (Download File)

Need anything altered? Like a skirt too long, not fitting just right? Bring in your alterations, “Do you do alterations?” is our most common question. And by George we do!

Not wanting to learn to sew but want that perfect gift for someone? How about a custom order present? gift card or heck maybe you will find something that we have in stock already made?

Love designer fabrics, Colette Patterns, and Oliver +S? Can’t find them anywhere except online? We carry them, our stock is small but we are growing it every month! Our mission is to fill our walls with beautiful designer fabrics you can’t get anywhere else. So far it’s been such a hit, it’s hard for us not to want to buy it all up to make goodies!

The Colette patterns are amazing, and I used the Oliver + S pattern for Ms R’s Christmas gift this year, which she loves!

Well off to work! Hope you all have an amazing new year! If your local please come on over to the shop and say hi!!

XOXO Jesy

Learning To Sew In Dayton Jesy Jkessel Design - Sewing, Photography, Painting & Design