Explore the variety of pathways that lead to sewing. Important life events, costumes, a new home, fitting challenges or changing needs are all reasons that people start to sew.
Class Sessions
Episode 1: Sewing for Babies and Children
25:44
Babies and children are a great inspiration to sew. Couture fashion expert Angela Wolf transforms a simple t-shirt into a super cute girl's dress. Then, she shows how to make spaghetti straps quickly. Pattern designer Krista Tracy makes a trendy waterproof backpack to use as a diaper bag or a pool or gym bag.
Episode 2: Let's Dress Up
25:42
Along the path to sewing, the need for a costume is a great reason to start to sew. Sewing experts Janet Pray and Jessica Johnson alter a basic pattern to make a cute, cuddly and safe toddler costume. Fashion designer Angela Wolf shares a neckline tip and fabric artist Terry McFeely creates whimsical fairy wings for anyone.
Episode 3: Distinctive Style
25:42
Sometimes a photo in a magazine can lead the way toward sewing custom fashions and accessories. Couturier Angela Wolf sews a fashionable fleece jacket and then fringes wool to create a flirty handbag. Designer Kay Whitt creates a colorful custom bag with a handy concealed zippered pocket.
Episode 4: Costume Fun
25:43
Once you gain sewing confidence, you can explore new possibilities. Cosplay enthusiast Cheryl Sleboda fearlessly sews with unusual fabrics to create today's trendiest costumes. Angela Wolf embroiders on leather and embroidery educator Rebecca Kemp Brent creates changeable body art with faux tattoos for fun and fashion.
Episode 5: Wedding Bells
25:43
The pathway to sewing may lead right down the aisle. Fashion expert Angela Wolf shows how to embroider on tulle to create a stunning one-of-a-kind wedding gown. Quilt designer Kim Montagnese creates a keepsake ring-bearer pillow with computer design software and creative embellisher Clare Rowley tops it off with custom-made bridal veils.
Episode 6: Cosplay
25:42
Many people who never sewed before are sewing spectacular costumes for cosplay events. Rebecca Kemp Brent, sewing educator, shows how to make a Renaissance-inspired suit of armor from a sweatshirt and designer Angela Wolf adds top-stitching for fashion effects. Cheryl Sleboda, costume enthusiast, lights it all up by adding lights to garments, costumes and accessories.
Episode 7: Sewing for People of All Abilities
25:43
Sometimes we sew to adapt clothing for people with special abilities or sew to help others. Fitting expert Peggy Sagers shares simple techniques to make contemporary fashion comfortable and functional for anyone. Designer Angela Wolf changes the angle of a pocket to update the look. Sewing educator June Mellinger presents easy, meaningful and useful sewing projects to benefit important causes in your community.
Episode 8: Stepping Out
25:43
On your journey toward sewing, release your inner designer. Joanne Banko, sewing and embroidery educator, creates a sharp Western-inspired jacket. Angela Wolf shares couture tips for belts and embroidery expert Rebecca Kemp Brent customizes embroidery to make badges, patches and insignias for costumes or jackets and hats.
Episode 9: Sewing 101
25:42
Let's go back to sewing basics. Sewing industry insider Janet Pray shows how to sew more efficiently and comfortably with good sewing ergonomics. Lynn Lunoe, sewing educator, explains how to use the feet and accessories that come with a sewing machine. Blogger and designer Heather Valentine quickly sews up a fun, fashionable and super-simple skirt.
Episode 10: Decorating at Home
25:43
When the pathway leads to a new house or apartment, make it feel like home by sewing decorator accents. Lisa Shepard Stewart, author, designer and fabric expert, makes designer-quality pillows with faux piping trim. Angela Wolf, custom fashion designer, has a tip for cutting buttonholes. Quilt designer and fiber artist Kim Montagnese adds color and texture to a contemporary wall-hanging with thread painting on a frame.
Episode 11: What's Trending
25:43
Step off the traditional path and sew your own signature style. Designer Kay Whitt adds decorative hem bands to create colorful on-trend fashions. Pattern designer and custom clothier Angela Wolf shows how to create a perfect hem. Then, she redesigns vintage ready-to-wear to channel today's runway look.
Episode 12: Fashions and Fit
25:40
Achieving a perfect fit inspires many to start to sew. Using custom measurements, sewing educator Joanne Banko creates a well-fitting boho skirt on the serger. Angela Wolf, author and designer, shows how to sew flat-felled seams for a tailored look. Then, she shows how to make custom-fitted pants and jeans that flatter any figure.
Episode 13: Sewing as a Business
25:42
Your pathway to sewing may lead to a career in design, sewing or embroidery. Commercial embroiderer Paulette Bell shows how to start your own custom embroidery business. Angela Wolf, designer and pattern creator, adds sparkle to table accessories and shares her experience as a successful entrepreneur developing a custom sewing and fashion design business.
Your Instructor
Angela Wolf
Angela Wolf is the owner of her own custom apparel business, ABO Apparel, and the author of a regular column on patternreview.com. You may recognize her as the couture sewing expert from 'It's Sew Easy" on public television or from her contributions to respected magazines such as Threads and SewStylish. Angela has her own ready-to-wear collection and is the author of "How to Start a Home-Based Fashion Business."
Bonus Material
It's Sew Easy: Pathways to Sewing - Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of National Sewing Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Sewing Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on National Sewing Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Login to www.nationalsewingcircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from National Sewing Circle from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact National Sewing Circle?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
