Handwork Memories Are Heartfelt

As a child, I'm sure I made a lot of things in school; drawings, paper mache, models. However, the one thing I truly remember is my A-line skirt.

 

Learning How-to Machine Sew

Everyone remembers the first time they do something significant. A meaningful accomplishment is always a source of pride. When creating something from scratch or with your hands, this further magnifies the sense of accomplishment. This is even more true during adolescence which naturally magnifies, well, everything.

Not only do I remember the A-line skirt that brought me so much pride, it was so important, the moment warranted a picture of me wearing it. Yes, that's right, the picture above is me wearing my beloved skirt.

Powerful Experiences

It's not so ironic that 40 years later, I'm running a business that cherishes the notion that Handwork = Love.  Where what you make represents something more than just a craft but something that is meant to be kept, cherished and even captured in picture. I was so proud of this skirt. I loved that skirt. It made me feel so competent that I just wanted to show it to everyone.

We want you to know that we still have space at many of our camp locations. The supplies are here, the counselors are ready and your child is welcome to join us for a creative good time as we move into the final weeks of summer. We are so excited and grateful for all the campers we've been working with and if you are thinking about signing up for a week of camp, now is the time to register.

You can search for locations close to you here. Want to see our summer camp photo gallery? Visit our Facebook Page here.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance please contact Miss Alexis at the studio- 610.660.9600 or simply contact us here.

We hope you are enjoying your summer!

The Handwork Studio Team

Each summer we work with thousands of campers to teach them all about machine sewing and needle arts. To do this, we have to have a lot of sewing machines; almost 200. Our machines stand the test of time and that is thanks in large part to the amazing quality of the Janome brand. However, we also have a machine sewing magician of sorts in Gary O'Connor from Eagle Enversave. Gary works dilligiently each spring to go through a thorough matenance process on every single one of our machines. All machines are purchased and maintained by Gary. To say we couldn't do this without Gary is an understatment. His work and support helps make machine sewing a reality at The Handwork Studio.

Eagle Enersave is located in Drexel Hill, PA and has been in the industry for 40 years. Eagle Enersave only sells the best, most reliable machines because they offer free service and we could not do that with inferior products According to Gary, keeping customers happy is always a good idea. On partnering with The Handwork Studio Gary says, " I think it is wonderful that you folks are creating a fun, interesting place for young people to cultivate these skills. Too many schools have decided these programs are not as important as others.The satisfaction these children get from their new skills is priceless." If you visit his store you are likely to meet his adorable dog, Trevor who is pictured above.

We are often asked which sewing machine parents should purchase for their child. The machine we've chosen to work with  is the Janome MyStyle 100. It is a simple basic workhorse. We love this machine because kids can grow with this machine as their understanding of machine sewing increases. Most importantly, these machines can take a lot of work, which is an important factor for us since we run so many programs throughout the year. This machine has a drop down bobin which minimizes jamming. Most importantly, the MyStyle is a real sewing machine that is built with quality and durability. Most sewing machines you see for kids are much more similar to toy machines that are generally inexpensivily made. These lower grade sewing machine will be frustratinf for a beginner sewer because they will not opearte with ease. Meeting frustration at every turn cab be a huge detterant in learning to machine sew. This is why it is important to us to have your child work with a machine that results in an easy-understanding of machine sewing mechanics and produces a professional grade stitch. We've included a quick video that gives you an overview of how simple the MyStyle is to operate!

If you are interested in a Janome MyStyle, we highly reccomend you order your machine from Gary at Eagle Enersave. If you aren't local, Gary will have your new machine shipped to you.

If your child is showing an interest in sewing or fashion design, consider enrolling them in our Fashion & Machine Summer Camp Program. Please contact us if you have any questions about purchasing your new machine or in regards to summer camp. We are happy to help in any way we can.