MILLSTONE — Since Anne Haines was a little girl, she has always been fascinated with sewing.
“My mom was a home economics major in college, so I have been on a sewing machine since I was about 9 years old,” said Haines, of Millstone Township. “I have sewn all kinds of things from tents to quilts to my own wedding and bridesmaid dresses.”
Haines will share her lifelong passion for sewing by teaching a six-week class that will begin on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Millstone, 211 Millstone Road. There is no charge to take the class.
“Since they don’t really teach things like sewing anymore in school, this is a chance for people to learn a useful skill and also have fun,” Haines said. “Anyone who wants to sew is welcome. Children 7 and older can come, but they must be accompanied by a parent.”
The classes will focus primarily on basic hand and sewing machine techniques. In class, Haines will give an introduction to basic hand-sewing tools, techniques, stitches and fabric selection. There will be instruction on basic hand mending, so students can bring something that needs to be stitched together. One class will feature embroidery and quilting. Another class will offer basics in machine sewing. There will also be classes about pillowcase making and basic garment construction.
Students must supply their own basic tools and materials, although sewing machines will be available for classroom use and also for purchase.
“Please do not buy a sewing machine prior to class,” Haines said.
Class size will be limited to 10 students so that Haines can provide individual attention to each participant. She encouraged anyone who is interested in the program to sign up now.
Haines believes sewing is a skill anyone might enjoy, and there are many reasons to learn it such as mending, repairing and altering clothing. In addition, she said it opens up the possibilities to create something new and to express individual style.
“I enjoy sharing what I know with people,” she said. “Sewing is a fun, creative skill … A lot of people do not have a clue about how to sew, but it really isn’t that hard. I will have some sewing machines available to use and for sale if someone needs one.”
Haines has never taught sewing to a class, but believes it will be rewarding. Recently, she had a booth at Millstone Day to help children sew. It made her look forward to another chance to teach sewing.
Some people say sewing is a lost art, but Haines sees it differently.
“It’s not really a lost art if you look at the number of sewing-related blogs and websites on the Internet,” she said. “Maybe it is not as common as it once was, when people sewed many of their own clothes to save money, but people now are discovering it is a fun way to be creative and it is also very useful.”
For more information, call 732-299- 7827 or email [email protected].