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Thursday, January 31, 2013

FREE!!! 4 Week Sew-Along: Sewing 101 w/ Mimi G + Giveaway



If you have ever wanted to learn to sew but classes local to you are difficult to find? expensive? or just not what you are looking for? Then this 4 week sew-along will help turn you into a bona fide seamstress! 

The video below will explain the sew-along and how to enter the GIVEAWAY so make sure to watch.


(subscribe to my youtube channel)

Every Friday I will post a new step-by-step video with that weeks lesson, handout and homework if applicable and you will get the chance to sew along other new seamstresses learning just like you. It will be like having me there with you every week! You will also be able to post your progress,  questions and finished your skirt on the FLICKR group I created (Click HERE to join) just for our little group.


This is what all you need to do to SIGN UP  for class! 
1. enter your email address in the "Follow by Email" box in my sidebar

 (If you already follow me here via email you are all set)


Simplicity.com has been generous enough to offer a GIVEAWAY of the pattern I will be using in class to two lucky winners! and I am GIVING away a $20 gift cards to help those two winners purchase fabric and notions! Enter to win by watching the video above and following the instructions given.
The Winner + Class Supplies Announced on Monday


Week #1

Sewing Machine Basic + Threading
Basic Tools and Understanding
Picking a Machine + What To Look For
How To Read Pattern Envelopes
How to Understand Measurements
How to Read The Pattern
How to Gather Tools and Fabric

Week #2

Tackling The Pattern
Reading Instructions
Understanding Pattern Markings
Fabric Layouts
Choosing Your Size
Cutting The Pattern

Week #3

Discussing Fabric
Laying Out Pattern Pieces
Grain-lines and Importance
Understanding Pattern Pieces and Instruction
Cutting The Fabric
Cutting Interfacings
Creating A Lining
Preparing For Sewing
Sewing Part 1 (Step by Step)

Week #4 

Sewing Part 2 (Step by Step)
Sewing A Lining
Applying A Waistband
Applying A Zipper
Finishing The Skirt


SHARING IS CARING: PASS ALONG THE FLYER BELOW


75 comments:

  1. This is so Great Mimi! I live in a small town and the sewing classes offered here - not my thing! I am definately signing up - Thank you again for helping us who want learn!

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  2. Boooyaaah!!!!!!!!!!! Excuse me, I do not know where that outburst came from. I am soooooooooo excited I can't wait to start you sewing classes. Will make sure I rush home from the gym for the next four weeks. Mimi, thank you so much for doing this for us (if I must speak on the behalf of your grateful followers, fans and those who want to be just like you [talented]). Well, I must reiterate that I cannot wait and I will be anxiously awaiting my class supplies list. God Bless!!

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  3. What I am most excited about when it comes to sewing is knowing that my garment is being made with my own hands. No matter how similar the garment is to others, it's more than special because I created it <3

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  4. Thank you so much for this Mimi!! You have allowed me to "LOVE" sewing all over again!! I am most excited about this, because as a single Mom, it is hard to find time to take sewing classes. This I can do from home! I love seeing and wearing my finished projects!! thanxs

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  5. Ahhh! I am super excited about actually being around ON TIME for not just a sewalong, but a beginner's sewalong as well! It feels like such luck! I have always found them too late, and never feel like I get the real experience just sort of sewing along 2 years after everyone else :) I just subscribed to your RSS feed 5 hours ago, so it is like fate, yes?

    I have been sewing since I was 4, but have never really learned how to "follow instructions" or "sew correctly" and usually just mangle things. I've been following lots of youtube tutorials but would love, love, love some help learning how to use patterns!

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  6. Mimi - I already follow by email. Do I still need to add my email address in order to sign up for the class?

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  7. This is so exciting!! I am super thrilled to get some hands on basics for sewing clothes, and I like everything I've seen posted on your blog. Finally a reason to look forward to Monday!! :0)

    Have a beautiful weekend!!
    Diana G.

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  8. Wow! I am super excited to learn the basics of sewing clothing. I quilt and the like, but never tried my hand at clothes. After perusing your site, I knew that making clothes would be next on my list of things to learn. Thank you for offering a class starting from the beginning...awesomeness!! Finally a reason to look forward to Monday! :)

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  9. So thankful I found your site. I already made one of your tutorials but so excited to actually "learn" what I am doing. Cutting two rectangles is one thing but to make something from a pattern will widen my horizons. I am in southern cali and so wish I could join you in July. But at the very least I get you this way!!!!

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  10. I am most excited about just starting!! I purchased a Brother cs-6000i after finding your blog, however I have yet to take it out of the box! SUPER excited to learn to sew!

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  11. I am most excited to just start!! I purchased a Brother CS 6000i after finding your blog, however I have yet to take it out of the box. SUPER excited!! Thanks for doing this!

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  12. Thanks Mimi for the opportunity!!! I need some help with sewing. I get so intimidated with all the stuff that I don't even start at times. I really look forward to these sewing clases. Your tutorials are always very extensively explained and I just love your style. I look forward to this. This is what I am excited about!!!!!!!!!!!

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  13. You are so awesome for doing this. I asked for and recieved a sewing machine for xmas however my little buddy is sitting in the box untouched. I just purchased the Simplicity pattern and ready to start sewing. Thanks

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  14. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE clothes and I love to shop. Learning to sew my garments will 1) keep more of my money in my pocket and 2) allow me to show my creativity by wearing my originals. Super excited! Can't wait for Feb 8th!

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  15. I'm so excited about this class! I purchased a sewing machine moths ago and I have no clue how to use it! I can hardly wait to start creating!!!! Thanks for offering such a valuable class free of charge!!

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  16. i am excited for this online series. Will we only be able to view the classes the day they are posted? I ask because I know that I will not be able to watch next Friday's class on the day it is posted. Thanks.

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  17. I have always wanted to learn to sew because my grandmother is a great sewer. I don't live close enough to her where I could take "lessons," so this is the next best thing. To be able to take this online course is fantastic because I can make the couture fashions that are outside of budget for my budget and tailored to my body and specific taste. How else can I put it, except: I AM BEYOND EXCITED!

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  18. I have always wanted to learn how to sew. My grandmother is the one who inspired me, but I don't live close enough to her that I am able to take "lessons," so this is the next best thing! I will be able to make pricey fashions for my budget and tailored for my body. My fiance recently bought me a sewing machine for my birthday, so I am super excited to put it to the test and test my skills.

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  19. Let's get it!! I am beside myself about these classes. I purchased sewing machines for me and my here daughters for Christmas and it will be these classes that get me started. Thank you so much for taking time from your schedule to encourage and assist your followers in exploring our creative sides.
    Be blessed.

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  20. I first want to say thank you for taking the time to give back to your followers ... I truly appreciate it. There's something about creating a garment to YOUR fit, YOUR style, YOUR creativity. I can't wait to be able to put the things learned to practical use.

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  21. I'm excited about learning some new techniques. I've been searching for a video sew-a-long for long time.

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  22. This is great Mimi! I have a ton of clothing patterns, not the one you are going to teach us, but a lot of them...and I have made a few things but the fit is never right...so I am most excited about learning more tricks for making the fit just right :) And I subscribed to your youtube channel, but I already follow you on your blog! And I "Liked" your facebook a long time ago, and Simplicity too! :) Thanks so much for your time!

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  23. Knowing that I made something specifically for me & it will help me cut down on the cost of alterations!!!!!

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  24. Knowing that I made something specifically for me & it will help me cut down on the cost of alterations!!!!!

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  25. Hi Mimi, What I am most excited about is with more experience (with your video tutorials), I hopefully wont't feel intimidated, but challenged. Challenged to learn something new and knowing if doesn't turn out 'just right' not to pack the sewing machine up, but to try and try again. (aka Jackie H. & Msj0856 & Ms Gemini)

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  26. I am so excited because I love all your creations and because of you I have renewed my love of creativity. I've always wanted to learn to sew but never had the opportunity. I've always been busy taking care of everything else. I'm now a stay at home mom to my three wonderful kids which means money is tight. Just today I was searching for free online sewing classes so this is truly a blessing. Thanks!

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  27. Hi Mimi, I am excited to gain more experience (with your video tuturiols)and not be intimidated but to be challenged. Challenged to learn something new and knowing if it doesn't turn out 'just right' not to pack the sewing machine up, but to try and try again. (aka Jackie H. & Msj0856 & Ms Gemini)

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  28. I'm so friggin excited! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us Mimi!

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  29. Yay! I'm excited about getting started.

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  30. i'm looking forward to everything in the class!

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  31. Yay! I'm excited to be doing this with you. Thanks Mimi!

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  32. I'm excited about the entire class!

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  33. I can't wait, am excited about what you a doing and I love your style!!!

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  34. Mimi, this is PHENOMENAL! I discovered your blog about a month and half ago and have been daily inspired to learn to finally sew. I have a "new in the box" machine that was gifted to me 10 years ago! I was just in a local fabric store yesterday inquiring about sewing classes, so I know that your doing this is a God-send for me and so many others. A sewing class plus a giveaway, YOU are just TOO MUCH and I thank you so very much. So excited to share everything I learn with somebody else!

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  35. Love your work, thank you for the classes and I can't wait, love to have this opportunity that I have been looking for, you encourage me to want to sew!!!!!!!!

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  36. Tried posting my thanks to you Mimi for doing this! Hopefully, this comment will make it through. I am so excited to finally learn to sew after having my gifted machine sit in it's original box for the past 10 years! Timing truly is everything. No more excuses, the time is NOW! Thanks for confirming this!

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  37. I'm looking forward creating and installing a lining.

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  38. I am a newbie when it comes to sewing garments but I so wanted to give this a try! It's a skirt (maxi) and I think I can do this with your assistance. I would love to sew a pair of pants after this project... Thank you so much and thank Crafty Gemini (Vanessa) for referring your site!

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  39. Thank you so much for inspiring me. I have done your maxi skirt tutorial with the zipper and it actually worked for me. When I tried a pattern I could not understand what it wanted so I went back to your video and finished putting the zipper and waistband in. The skirt did not fit so I am sending it to my sister. Anyway, I need the basics.

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  40. Hello Mimi G. I am so pumped about this sewing class. I am currently in school ofr fashion and I am enrolled in a beginners sewing class. It is a real challenge but you have inspired me to go HARD! I cant wait to learn from you. Im also signed up to see you in L.A. Can't wait

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  41. I am sooo excited to learn how to sew. My mom has sewn all of my life and made the majority of my clothes as a child. She tried to teach me once, but I was never really interested in learning.....that is until I become obsessed with your style. I have gained a lot of weight over the past few years and am working to lose it, and you style really inspired me because it reminded me of the "old me". I was SUPER fascinated when I learned that you made a lot of your fabulous clothing yourself!!! It made me think, Hey! I can do that!! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

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  42. I am sooo excited to learn how to sew. My mom has sewn all of my life and made the majority of my clothes as a child. She tried to teach me once, but I was never really interested in learning.....that is until I become obsessed with your style. I have gained a lot of weight over the past few years and am working to lose it, and you style really inspired me because it reminded me of the "old me". I was SUPER fascinated when I learned that you made a lot of your fabulous clothing yourself!!! It made me think, Hey! I can do that!! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

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  43. I'm most excited about learning how to read patterns and choosing fabrics!!!

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  44. Yay!! I'm MOST excited about the entire process, from start to finish!! I've followed your blog, social media pages, and YouTube channel for months now and I'm finally ready. Can't wait for the first day of class!!

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  45. Mimi! You are so a friend in my head; just a breathe of fresh air and so inspirational.

    I am a very petite 5'0 and have a huge laundry bag full of "off the rack" clothing that needs to be altered. That is a bit outside of my college student budget!

    I'd love to be able to simply make things myself! I have a sewing machine collecting dust in the corner of my room and it is about time I learn to thread the thing! I can not wait!

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  46. I'm excited about the entire class but if I had to choose one thing...I would say that I'm the most excited about learning how to read the pattern and cut out properly.

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  47. God bless you Mimi. This is the kick I need to get me back to sewing.

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  48. I'm excited about sewing again. It's been about 20 years since I'ver tried and had it on my list to start doing again! I love your style. Thank you!

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  49. I'm a look excited! This is a goal for this year; sewing clothes and home decor. Thanks Mimi! BTW love your daughter's voice!

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  50. I'm so excited about this. My goal this year is to sew clothes and home decor. Thanks Mimi! Love your daughter's voice and song!

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  51. I am sooooooo freakin excited. I cannot wait for the tutorial. This is amazing. Thank you sooooo much for your time and generosity. I don't think ppl even know how much of a privilege this is to get 4 free sewing classes from you. Sincerely thank you!!!!!

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  52. This is right on time! I tried to sign up for classes at Joann's but it was full. I never got a response from a local teacher for sewing classes either. So this is nothing but God. I'm ordering a machine this upcoming week! Can't wait to get started. You've inspired me because my mom was the seamstress back in the day and it was something I didn't show an interest in until recently!

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  53. This is right on time! I tried to sign up for classes at Joann's but it was full. I never got a response from a local teacher for sewing classes either. So this is nothing but God. I'm ordering a machine this upcoming week! Can't wait to get started. You've inspired me because my mom was the seamstress back in the day and it was something I didn't show an interest in until recently! Thank you soooo much Mimi! God bless you honey! I'm too geeked over here! My family reunion is the same weekend in Long Beach as your event in July so I hope & pray I have time to join you!

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  54. Yay!!!!!!!! I can't wait! I can not find a class near me at all that will help me sew a garment. Only pillowcases or pillows. Thank you so much!! WOAH!! lol IKR!

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  55. I'm on it!!!! Thanks so much for your time Mimi!!!

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  56. This is just what I needed to get me sewing again. thanks

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  57. I'm so excited about this. You are truly and inspsiration...so to learn from you is great. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to share your talents with others.

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  58. Looking forward to this but, I tried to subscribe to email and the link on the side did not lead me to do that. Is there another way to subscribe to email.

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  59. Yaaaayyy!!! I'm so excited about the classes. I've been looking for online and local classes to no avail. I would love to make clothes and accessories for my 1 year old daughter and I.My husband just bought me my first sewing machine and I've been playing around with it and constantly watching your videos and crafty gemini.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO DO THIS!

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  60. Yaaaayyyy!!! I'm so excited!! My husband recently bought me my first sewing machine and I've been playing around with it watching your videos and crafty gemini's. My goal for summer is to make clothes and accessories for my 1 yr old and I.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO DO THIS!!

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  61. I'm excited to start creating my own style!

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  62. I'm excited about creating my own style!

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  63. I'm always excited about learning new things! With my work schedule, classes are tough. This will be perfect.

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  64. This is so exciting. I've been 'stalking' your site for about a year and a half, and for a year I've been trying to take a sewing class at my local college. The class only has 12 slots and it's always full! AARRRGGGHH! Thank you so much Mimi for offering this class. I have so many ideas and things I would like to make, and because of you I'm getting the oppourtunity. You're the best!

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  65. I'm most excited about looking as fab as you!!

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  66. Hi Mimi!
    What excites me on sewing is to have a piece that NO ONE ELSE HAS! Because the pattern can be the same, BUT the fabric is a personnal choice!
    Kisses from Portugal!

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  67. SOooooo Excited!!!! I can't wait to be taught by one of the best!! You are the truth!

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  68. THRILLED! I've already learned so much between your blogs & tutorials over the past 17 months..I think I've made just about everything on here!! I'm anxious to see what more I can learn from this class :-)

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  69. This is so awesome! I am most excited about being able to make clothes that fit me!

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  70. This is great! I am most excited to be able to make clothes that fit me!

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  71. Your regal skirt was what 1st brought me to your site. Now that I can learn on my new sewing machine I received for Christmas is even more MAJOR!! Not to mention the chance to win so gorg fabric is so exciting!!

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  72. HI MIMI... I am most excited about being able to learn to sew and be like my mother who sewed 95 percent of her clothes. This is the best!! Thank you so much!!!

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  74. Thanks for offering this. Just wanted to let ur readers know that if there is a Hobby Lobby in their area-Simplicity is on sale all week for .99. Great price for a starter pattern.

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.