A week-long “Camp So or Sew’ has concluded at the New England Girls’ School with participants in the sewing camp eager to try out new skills on their next couture creation.
Organiser of the inaugural “Camp So or Sew’ sewing school Rita Showell who owns Fabric Fair in Armidale is thrilled with the response to her first sewing camp and hopes that this will be the first of many.
“This year we had two levels, a master class and a teen class,” said Rita Showell.
“Particularly in the master class, we have had people come from throughout the northwest region and we hope next year to make it a residential school.
“The master class was definitely for more experienced sewers who want to sew to a higher level and the teen class is more for beginners with some sewing experience, focusing more on the creative side of sewing.
“Participants in the school spent the week focusing on varied projects, with some students working on their Year 12 major works, others tailoring jackets, pants and shirts.
“In the master class we encouraged the students to choose a project that covers the things that they want to learn,” said Rita.
“We have had a combination of sewing techniques with machines being used as well as fine hand sewing.
“We aimed for a couture level, that real attention to detail, that makes the difference in a quality garment.”
Rita believes that sewing is still as popular as it has ever been, and regularly holds sewing classes throughout the year in Armidale that are booked out.
“I am finding that young people are wanting to learn sewing skills.
“With so much cheaper clothes on the market, people are turning to sewing to make their more special clothes that they want to keep going from season to season.”
Story: Jo Harrison
