As some of you may know, I have started releasing patterns of the projects we make in my kids and teen classes. The first is the free Pencil Pouch pattern and now it has a back-to-school friend with the Composition Notebook Cover!
I pride myself in reducing sewing instructions down to the bare bones so that it's clear, concise and easy to follow for kid and adult students. But verbally explaining a step clearly and writing it down in pattern to a similar effect is a different ball game. I have a new, massive respect for all pattern designers, editors and testers!
I wrote the pattern to be used in class and thought I did a pretty bang up job. The first students to go through it pointed out so many things that I say one way in class and wrote a different way in the pattern. For example, 9 years olds don't use the word "align" (as in, align raw edges together). They do say "Line up" however. Saying "Place Right Sides Together" will get me a blank stare but if I say "Stack Right Sides Together" they are all over it.
I got those ironed out and then my husband, who has little to no sewing knowledge, tested it. And THEN I had some lovely sewists test it for me. This pattern has been gone over with a fine tooth comb and is ready for the public!
I'll be sharing some of the beautiful versions my testers made. Be sure to read click on their names to check out their instagram feeds!
So here's what you're getting:
-Patterns that teach! I want you to see and understand every step.
-Lots of detail. Like lots and lots. The regular version of this pattern has no less than 53 full color instructional photos. Each of those photos represents one step and frequently that one step is broken down into smaller steps. I don't assume you know where to pin or where to sew or how to sew on a button, so I show you.
-Answers to the "whys". Kids love to ask why? "Why do we baste?" "Why do we use interfacing?" "Why do I have to sew that?" There are extra Stitch Notes throughout the pattern that answer those questions that are so critical to actually learning how to sew and applying the knowledge to future projects.
But the part that I'm really psyched about is the Teacher's Supplement. I've found some great patterns online that I've taught (with the permission of the designer) but after my first sample I've thought "I could have saved time here" or "A beginner student would have done better with this technique". Since these patterns are well tested in my classroom I've encountered all those areas to tweak the pattern and include suggestions throughout to make the pattern run smoothly in your classroom.
The Teacher's Supplement includes a Project Detail Sheet to be used as a reference sheet for cost estimation, material lists, skills learned and more.
On top of that you get Project Upgrades. My classes are at different experience levels so the basic pattern may be perfect for beginner students, but those who have been sewing with me for awhile need another challenge. This pattern includes another 6 pages of color photo instructions to kick it up a notch. Students can add a buttonhole tab like in Emily, Kim and Debbie's versions and/or piece a patchwork top as Emily and Kim did!
Lastly, you get unlimited license to use the pattern with your student's in your classroom. I'm a stickler for copyright in my own classroom. I don't like teaching a pattern out of a book unless everyone has a copy. Same goes for paid downloaded patterns. If it's a free pattern then I make sure I have the designer's permission. Designers work hard on their patterns and I have a great respect for that, BUT it also makes it very difficult to teach from these patterns. I teach 20 kids a week. To buy 20 copies of a pattern or a book would be cost prohibitive. So the Teacher's Supplement allows you to use the pattern for as many students in your classroom as you'd like (please just don't send them home with a copy of the pattern!)
If you purchase the pattern and share your creations on social media please be sure to tag me @hartfordstitch and #hartfordstitchpatterns so I can see your beautiful work!
Happy Stitching!
Laura