I just cleaned up after another sewing lesson with my student. One of the things that I keep realizing while teaching, is that as a teacher I can either empower my student so she feels capable, or I can convince her that I am the source of all knowledge, and that she is but a bug, in the world of sewing.
Probably the best way to help my student to feel capable, is not to hover as she works. So I make myself busy as she sews. I do some of my own sewing. I deal with the laundry, or make myself a cup of tea as she sews on my machine.
As she begins the next step on a garment, I will point out the sorts of mistakes that I tend to make over and over again, so she can avoid them. Generally, my errors are good teachers. I will generally explain why we are using a particular technique. If I know that my student knows a couple of different ways to approach a task, I will ask her which one she prefers to use.
One of the things I love about my student is how different her work style is from mine. Today she needed to take out a row of black top-stitching from a band of wide elastic. It was slow and pesky work. I suggested that she might want to save that work for home. She refused. she said that she loves doing it. It is my least favorite thing to do, un-sewing. I'm glad that my student enjoys doing it.
Next week we will attach her skirt to the bodice of her dress. It will be another adventure in gathering.
Probably the best way to help my student to feel capable, is not to hover as she works. So I make myself busy as she sews. I do some of my own sewing. I deal with the laundry, or make myself a cup of tea as she sews on my machine.
As she begins the next step on a garment, I will point out the sorts of mistakes that I tend to make over and over again, so she can avoid them. Generally, my errors are good teachers. I will generally explain why we are using a particular technique. If I know that my student knows a couple of different ways to approach a task, I will ask her which one she prefers to use.
One of the things I love about my student is how different her work style is from mine. Today she needed to take out a row of black top-stitching from a band of wide elastic. It was slow and pesky work. I suggested that she might want to save that work for home. She refused. she said that she loves doing it. It is my least favorite thing to do, un-sewing. I'm glad that my student enjoys doing it.
Next week we will attach her skirt to the bodice of her dress. It will be another adventure in gathering.
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