Intro to Sewing Machines w/ Shauna

This free 60-minute course is designed to be an accessible entry point into the diverse and creative world of sewing. During this course, you'll learn how to operate the Janome 134, an excellent example of an at-home sewing machine.

Today, sewing skills are utilized across a wide range of industries and pursuits, from high fashion runways to aerospace engineering. You're just as likely to find sewing machines in costume departments for blockbuster films, innovative tech startups creating wearable technology, or artisanal workshops as you are in homes, schools, and community centers. As interest in sustainable fashion, DIY culture, and personalized creations continues to grow, it's increasingly valuable to understand how sewing machines work and how you can apply sewing skills to your own personal and professional interests.

Our goal is to demonstrate how accessible and versatile sewing can be, even for those who don't consider themselves particularly crafty. No sewing experience required! While we'll be using the Janome 134 for demonstration, the skills you learn will be applicable to most at-home sewing machines.

In Intro to Sewing Machines you'll learn:

• What different types of sewing machines are available and their capabilities
• Pros and cons of domestic sewing machines vs industrial
• General sewing machine anatomy
• Additional materials used for sewing (threads, fabrics, notions)
• Preparing your machine and workspace for sewing
• Sewing Machine Best Practices
• Threading the machine and bobbin
• Selecting appropriate stitches and adjusting settings
• Basic machine troubleshooting

Shauna Hughes is the owner of Harvest & Hide (@harvestandhideco), specializing in custom leather goods and leather jewelry. With over 22 years of sewing experience, she brings a deep passion for sustainability and upcycling—transforming thrifted finds, closet staples, and fabric scraps into beautiful, functional pieces that avoid the landfill. With a strong community-focused mindset, Shauna enjoys helping people learn tangible skills, such as sewing and leatherworking, to build confidence in their ability to be self-sustaining. Outside the classroom, she runs a small homestead focused on regenerative agriculture and is in the process of establishing an in-house tannery to produce ethically sourced leather from start to finish.

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