Take your first steps into the exciting world of fashion with "First Steps in Fashion - Intro to Sewing"!

This comprehensive class will equip you with the essential skills to bring your fashion ideas to life. Learn to confidently operate a sewing machine, from threading the needle to mastering various stitches.

Dive into the world of patterns, understanding how to use existing ones and even creating your own unique designs. Explore the diverse applications of different stitches, discovering how they can add both functionality and flair to your creations. Throughout the class, you'll gain hands-on experience and build your skills, culminating in the creation of your very own garment.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and sew your way to stylish success!

For Makers in 6th-12th grade

Embark on a two-week fashion design journey, starting with the basics and culminating in sustainable creations! Week one, "First Steps in Fashion," will cover the essentials of sewing: learn to operate a sewing machine, understand and use patterns (and even create your own!), and explore a variety of stitches. You'll put your skills to the test by making your own garment. Week two, "Upcycled Fashion," dives into the exciting world of sustainable design. Discover how to deconstruct, reconstruct, and alter existing garments to create unique and stylish pieces. Learn textile manipulation and embellishment techniques to transform old clothes into fashionable new designs.

For Rising 6th-12th Graders

Dates: July 21 - August 1, 9AM to 12PM

Instructors:

First Steps: Savannah Shanley (she/her) joined the Mixxer staff as Events Manager in May of 2023 after graduating from Salem College. She loves all kinds of creative mediums including painting and printmaking but her biggest passion is the art of quiltmaking and fiber arts. She loves helping others to learn and share their creativity with the world. Stop by to say hello whenever you're at Mixxer!

Upcycled Fashion: June Jones, Mixxer Sewing Team Lead, will share her expertise throughout both weeks. All tools and materials are provided, and lunch is included. 

Humans have been casting metal for aroud 6000 years. A copper frog is the oldest existing casting currently known; it is estimated that it was made in 3200 BC in Mesopotami. Modern casting can be much more complex, but it doesn't have to be.

In this  5-day program, students will learn about metal casting as an art form. Students will create molds that will be included in Mixxer's Night of Fire - Iron Pour event in September, plus make a metal casting to take home that week.

For Rising 9th-12th Graders

Instructor: Alan Shelton - Founder of Mixxer Community Makerspace

Dates/Time: July 28 - August 1, 9AM to Noon

Discover the art of sustainable fashion and learn how to upcycle existing garments into unique and stylish pieces. This course will teach you the techniques of deconstruction, reconstruction, and alteration to create one-of-a-kind clothing items.

You'll learn to:

Deconstruct garments into usable materials

Design and pattern-making techniques

Sewing and stitching techniques

Textile manipulation and embellishment

Upcycling techniques like refashioning and repurposing

By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to transform old clothes into new, stylish pieces, reducing waste and expressing your individuality through sustainable fashion.All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

For Rising 6th - 12th Grade Students

Date/Time: July 28 - August 1, 9AM to Noon

Instructor: June Jones, Mixxer Sewing Team Lead

Instructor Bio: MIXXER's own June Jones has been sharing her expertise and knowledge to members and offering a friendly hand in all their sewing projects. June has been sewing for as long as she can remember. Having had an established career as an electronics technician and running a business focused on sewing machine repairs, June can skillfully assess your project and give you guidance to help you achieve your vision.