Different sewing techniques taught at Hancock

Home economist Paula Hardin knows how to make sewing fun. For close to 40 years, she has taught countless adults and teens the benefits of knowing how to sew, crochet, design and sew curtains and more.

This summer at Hancock Fabrics locations in Metairie, Gretna, Slidell and Baton Rouge – where Hardin has taught for the last 10 years – she is introducing two new courses: tutu skirt making and mesh wreaths with bow making.

“They’re the hottest new things in the crafting world,” Hardin said. “Even 8-year-olds can do it (tutu making) with help.”

Year-round classes carrying over in the summer include the popular Adult SIT-N-SEW for all sewing skill levels including those wanting to know how to use a machine, read and use patterns, learn sewing shortcuts and new techniques; Kids and Teens Can Sew where new students will make a skirt, shorts, pajamas or a tote bag and repeat students work on more advanced projects; and the Serger workshop (learning to use your own serger or one in class). Cost is $99 for the 15-hour SIT-N-SEW class; $89 for Kids and Teens Can Sew; and $59 for the Serger workshop.

Return excitement
During the summer, Hardin said younger students have the opportunity to attend multiple classes since they are out of school.

“We do a lot of children, and we have a lot of repeat children who make something different each class,” she said. “These kids get very good. I had one child who made a lined fur coat. One of my shining stars was a young girl who started in her young teens, went to design school in California and now works in New Orleans for a Mardi Gras designer. She now teaches with me.”

Hardin said she also conducts classes in Kentucky. Most classes are offered to those as young as age 8.

For details, visit www.paulassewingschool.com, call 884-9627 or email her at [email protected].