10/09/2026
Theatre class has officially begun our costume design unit, and students are already discovering that sewing is both a valuable life skill and a creative outlet!
This week, students learned basic hand-stitching techniques, including running, back, and whip stitches, while working with felt and patterns. On Day 1, students learned how to trace patterns onto felt using tailor's chalk or washable markers. By Day 2, they were following step-by-step written instructions and beginning their sewing projects. Several students were so engaged that they took their sewing projects to study hall and the dorms to continue working on them.
Day 3 brought a real-world sewing challenge when a student's pocket button came off during the school day. Knowing he had theatre class, Nick came in looking for help learning how to sew it back on. With minimal verbal instruction, he successfully reattached the button to his cargo pocket and was thrilled to see that it worked perfectly. After finishing, he proudly exclaimed, "My mom said that I would need to learn how to sew. I guess this was why! She was right! I did need to learn to sew!"
We also celebrated our first completed project. Gracelynn finished a felt bacon piece inspired by Scout's ham costume in To Kill a Mockingbird. She quickly moved on to creating an egg and is now working on aprons. Although she was initially hesitant about the sewing project, she has fully embraced it and is eager to keep creating new items.
It's been wonderful to watch students build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and discover the satisfaction that comes from creating something with their own hands. We can't wait to see what they make next!
