Rag Dolls 2 Love Workshop

A couple of weeks ago interested students joined me for an evening of sewing at GAS Works. We made rag dolls as part of the Rag Dolls 2 Love project. I love and feel strongly about the mission of the Rag Dolls 2 Love organization. People from all walks of life are encouraged to make rag dolls from the patterns and instructions provided for free on their website. These rag dolls are then donated to children throughout the world that are victims of natural disasters and living in war torn communities. The idea is to give the children something soft to hug (the arms are long enough to wrap around your neck, sweet). I've made dolls in the past and would make dolls all the time, hours permitting, however, what I really enjoy is sharing this project with others and spreading the word on the Rag Dolls 2 Love project. I will tell you this takes a few hours but is doable by people of many skill levels, one of my students is disabled and has challenges with fine motor skills (ie. cutting & pinning, which is a big part of the project) and was proud to be one of the first ones finished!

If you would like to make rag dolls, here is the pattern: pattern & instructions.

To learn more about the project visit: RagDolls2Love.org

YazBerry Handmade Fashion August Class Schedule

Since I have my act together in planning classes for August ahead of schedule, I will post it now so you can start thinking about which classes you might want to take and to plan your own schedule.

All classes will be held in the courtyard outside of YazBerry Handmade Fashion, Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Unit #5, Salem, MA 01970 (across from Walgreens).

AUGUST CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS
Please e-mail berry@yazberry.com to register or stop in the store. Class size is limited due to space. May be some room for drop-ins day of class.

Instrucción disponible en español.
Instrução disponível no português.

**Parents, please use your best judgment if you feel your child is the right age to participate in the various workshops. You are welcome and encouraged to come along to help them out as you see fit. I encourage interest in the arts as early as possible.**

FREE Demonstration: Fashion Design Process
Participation unlimited, Space Permitting
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 11, 6 PM
I will demonstrate how I go about designing a purse. From the inspiration, to drafting the pattern, selecting the fabric and beginning the assembly. I won’t finish the purse as it takes several hours, but will begin some assembly.

Workshop: Recycled Junk Fashion Project (2 Sessions) $15 (both sessions included)
Limit 5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 18, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will be presented with a varied selection of items not typically associated with clothing. They are encouraged to bring ‘junk’ from home. I will provide a large selection of items. Then, using imagination and tools typically found in a sewing studio, participants will create wearable clothing items and accessories from the junk.

Date TBD-Session II Student Performance: Participants will put on a fashion show showing off their creations. They will be encouraged to invite family and friends to view the fashion show.

FREE Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Rag Doll
Limit 5-10 Participants
Open to all ages.
Friday, August 27, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to use a sewing pattern, follow instructions on a pattern and assemble a 3-D rag doll. The Rag Doll Pattern is supplied by Rag Dolls 2 Love, Inc., an organization that donates handmade dolls to children in war torn and disaster stricken areas. Students will be encouraged to donate their dolls, but can also take the dolls and patterns home and share the project with friends.