John & Marie • Jul 10, 2022

Xbox or Sewing? - Good Question

Some five years ago an article titled “The Pro and Cons of Xbox: Is Xbox Good for Kids?” was published on line by Steven Woda. Reading it recently proved intriguing for a person who is part of the generation who did not have TV until their teens and then it was a HMV black & white and who, as a child, spent until dark outside with siblings, neighbours and friends involved in physical activities of all sorts.

Whist Xbox critics tend to highlight the “cons” there are also some “pros” advertised that are synonymous with some of the positive attributes of sewing for children. Three such positives are how it provides opportunities to:

· Increase self-confidence,

· Improve hand-eye coordination, and

· Encourage socializing with friends.

During the July school holidays we held our sewing day for children affectionately known as “Kidz Kapers”. ( https://ripleysewing.com.au/activities/)

Two young people involved were Lil and Zay who had a fabulous day sewing their own project. They learnt how to stitch and put together a pillow with a pocket for either their iPad or a book. They picked their own fabric and had their name embroidered on it. Lil even learnt, among many other things, how to thread the machine by herself. What was even more exciting was hearing Zay’s parting words “it’s better than Xbox!!!” We knew then they had thoroughly enjoyed their sewing day.

S-E-W it is not really a question of “Is Xbox is good for kids” but rather a confirmation that learning to sew is. Keen to know what is planned for our September Holiday program then contact us to express your child’s interest. Maximum of six participants with all RSC staff holding a valid working with children blue card.

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Simply Sewing on Saturdays

By John & Marie • 14 Apr, 2023

Expressions of interest are invited from fellow sewing enthusiasts to join our 2023 Simply Sewing on Saturdays small group of like-minded people enthusiastic to share our patchwork and quilting journeys. We gather fortnightly from 9am to 12noon with a scrumptious morning tea enjoyed in between. You may like patchwork, applique, embroidery, or combining a range of techniques in your project; with perhaps the joy of one or more quilting styles to finish your creation. Many believe quilting needs to be a big, and expensive, activity with the results destined only for show of some kind. Simply Sewing on Saturdays enables members to be part of a quilting journey making project, big or small eg. from mug mats, place mats, table centres, bags/caddies, wall hangings, and everything in between; plus, quilts from cot to whatever size you wish. RSC will have patterns and kits available. Members can also bring a quality project of their own. In essence, the main aim is to create projects using quality materials in a supportive environment where sharing with others offers you the best in your patchwork and quilting journey. To express your interest please click on the "Get in touch" button above to tell us a little about yourself and what you would like to contribute. Note: Beginners (Male &/or Female) welcome to apply. Places are limited so we look forward to hearing from you soon. S-e-w until next time, from all the team, keep well and stay safe!

Learning the Art of Quilting and Patchwork With Marie

By John & Marie • 29 Sep, 2021

Designed as an introductory beginner friendly patchwork program through which you learn to play with colour, explore the art of machine/hand embroidery, advance your applique skill and gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic patchwork stages of cutting, piecing, quilting, basting and binding. This program is for those who would like to have fun stitching along with other like-minded people. The centre piece is a cherished nine block sampler quilt consisting of Ribbon, Uneven nine-patch, Eccentric star, Pinwheel, Heart, Flying geese, Maple leaf, Courthouse and Variable star blocks. It is a great way to showcase different quilt blocks and techniques including half-square triangles, strip piecing and the stitch-and-flip method. S-E-W, don’t be daunted, just take it one block at a time and it will soon come together. To support your endeavours, you will also have the opportunity to communicate with the designer of the sampler quilt who is an international patchwork teacher, modern quilter, pattern designer, freelance writer and author. Several other projects of hers will be included in your beginner package. Primarily you will be using Lori Holt’s “Flea Market” Fat Quarter Bundle complimented by an assortment from the Devonstone Collection Building Blocks Basics Textures fabric range. Limited to 5 participants! Commencement Date: Saturday 9th October 2021 Time: 9am to 1pm Frequency: Weekly Place: Ripley Sewing Centre Contact: ripleysewing@gmail.com or message 0419 948 452