Fashion Camp 2023
Unique Time Designs hosted the first annual sewing fashion camp earlier in August. The goal was to help children ages 6+ learn basic design and sewing techniques all the while creating a unique fashion item of their choice. What makes our camps different? It is kid led! In hindsight this was probably crazy on my end, but I really want my students to get their creative juices flowing.
The camp was four days from 9:30-12:00p.m. with an end of the week potluck pool party. What sewing studio does that?!? The girls really enjoyed it. We started the day learning different techniques on our machines. Girls learned how to make ruffles, applique, create necklines, hems and hacks to make sewing easier. I had a mini project available each day. We created sewing journals, fabric twine and made bracelets, hair scrunchies, designed dress sketches and added fabric samples.
Each girl picked a major project to work on throughout the week. I had two girls working on hoodies, one on a Jersey top, 2 on dresses and one on an apron.
I was REALLY excited to teach the girls how fabric is made and we received a huge opportunity to facetime Christina with Waymaker Fabrics in Kansas. Waymaker Fabrics is an American milled fabric company. They specialize in being eco-friendly with a water based dye process. That means she produces fabric you can purchase for your sewing creations! The girls were able to see fabric being printed, dried and ready to ship off. She explained the various machines she uses and answered all of our questions. It was like a mini field trip we didn't even have to leave the house for! Christina has such beautiful fabric options my favorite options are the Cotton Lycra and Modal- both knit options (think clothes with a stretch). You can submit your own fabric designs and order in 2 yard increments or order from her various options. I love the idea of supporting another American made business. Do you know how your clothes are made? As I've been studying textiles and designs it's almost cringe worthy to see what the process looks like from the time it reaches me. I can have confidence Christina is following American standards and I'm receiving a product suitable for my needs.
The girls finished up the week with projects finished and a new found love for sewing. Did I mention a majority of these girls had never touched a sewing machine? Does that give you any hope you could do this to! Sometimes we let our fears get the best of us thinking oh I couldn't do that!? You never know if you don't try! Join me on one of our upcoming classes or take some private lessons. I have many options and would love to help you make the perfect creation :)