Aaliyah's first sewing lesson

Here is Aaliyah and her pillow!! She did an awesome job on it :^)

I love to share the gift of sewing and quilting with others. I have done a little bit of teaching here at my home and I also taught a WaterColor quilt class many years ago at our then quilt shop-Strawberry Patches-now closed.

So when our medical student, Aaliyah, mentioned that she would like to learn to sew, I invited her over to do a first sewing lesson with me!!!

Our office hosts medical students from OHSU. They usually spend about 5 to 6 weeks with us during their Rural rotation in med school. I don't really consider us rural, but Portland does!!!

I made up lessons for beginning sewing several years ago. First, they sew on paper, no thread, in a steadily decreasing square pattern where they get the feel of the machine and learn to pivot. Next is the paper with the spiral, going round and round and round, which can be a little difficult staying on the line, but a good lesson.

Then we make a pillow cover. I have such a huge stash that I let my students pick whatever they want from it. I made an instruction pamphlet for the pillow cover, one for a 14" pillow and one for a 16" pillow.

Here's the fabrics that Aaliyah chose-they looked lovely together.

 So in one afternoon, she learned to use my Husqvarna Viking 60 20 sewing machine and went home with a finished project. 

I wish we would have had more time as I would love to have taught her how to make an outfit, or top, or skirt, or some type of clothing. That is what she would like to learn. I know there are many places in Portland to learn to sew, but, of course, being a 3rd year med student, there isn't a lot of spare time!!!

Aaliyah was tons of fun, we all enjoyed working with her at the office! She's going to make a fabulous Dr!!

Take care Aaliyah, I hope to hear from you in the future and keep on sewing!!! 

Her sister has already put in a few orders for pillow!!! :^)

Have a wonderful Easter everyone, Happy Quilting, and keep those needles sharp!! Martha