Start Sewing Week
A live, beginner-friendly workshop for anyone who's never touched a machine (or tried before and put it away).
Thread your machine, use your first pattern and sew a pair of shorts in one week!
SEPT 13-18th, 2026
Start Sewing Week
A live, beginner-friendly workshop for anyone who's never touched a machine (or tried before and put it away).
Thread your machine, use your first pattern and sew a pair of shorts in one week!
SEPT 13-18th, 2026
HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT DURING
START SEWING WEEK
DAY 1
Sewing Machine Day
Get to know your sewing machine inside and out! You'll learn the parts of your machine and HOW they work (that's probably been your missing piece), wind a bobbin, thread your machine (no matter what kind you have), and stitch your first line on scrap fabric.
 
If you've struggled with tangled threads when you try to sew you'll learn why that happens and how to fix it. By the end of today, you'll feel confident when you sit down at your sewing machine.
DAY 2
Pattern Day
Ever bought a pattern and had no idea what size to actually cut? You're not alone, most people guess, cut the wrong size, and blame themselves when it doesn't fit (and then cry because of all the time and fabric they wasted 🫠).
 
Today you'll learn how to measure yourself the right way, read a size chart, and print and assemble your pattern. By the end of today, you'll have a real, ready-to-cut pattern sized for your actual body!
DAY 2
Pattern Day
Ever bought a pattern and had no idea what size to actually cut? You're not alone, most people guess, cut the wrong size, and blame themselves when it doesn't fit (and then cry because of all the time and fabric they wasted 🫠).
 
Today you'll learn how to measure yourself the right way, read a size chart, and print and assemble your pattern. By the end of today, you'll have a real, ready-to-cut pattern sized for your actual body!
DAY 3
Fabric Day
This is the step where most people freeze - what if I cut it wrong and waste this beautiful fabric? Before scissors ever touch fabric, we walk through exactly how the pieces go together, so you already know what you're looking at. Then we cut the paper pattern, prep your fabric, and cut it out together, piece by piece. No guessing or extra trips to the fabric store!
DAY 4
Sewing Day
This is the day it stops feeling like a pile of fabric and starts feeling like clothes. Somewhere in the middle of today, you'll hold up your pieces, see actual shorts staring back at you, and think "wait... I'm really doing this."
 
And if your thread jams or bunches along the way? We've got you - that's the #1 thing that makes people quit, and today you'll learn exactly how to fix it instead of shoving your machine back in the closet.
DAY 4
Sewing Day
This is the day it stops feeling like a pile of fabric and starts feeling like clothes. Somewhere in the middle of today, you'll hold up your pieces, see actual shorts staring back at you, and think "wait... I'm really doing this."

And if your thread jams or bunches along the way? We've got you - that's the #1 thing that makes people quit, and today you'll learn exactly how to fix it instead of shoving your machine back in the closet.

DAY 5
Shorts Day
Today's the day you go from "I think I'm doing it!" to "OMG I just made a pair of shorts that I will actually be proud to wear in public." And when your friends compliment your cute outfit you can finally reply with "Thanks! I made it!" That confidence is going to keep you going back to your sewing machine over and over now that you know how to use it the right way.
FINAL DAY
Celebrate What You Made
After a weekend to finish up if you needed it, we come back together to celebrate. You'll see what everyone made, find out who won the giveaways, and celebrate the fact that you started this week not knowing how to thread a machine
and now you're wearing something you made yourself!
FINAL DAY
Celebrate What You Made
After a weekend to finish up if you needed it, we come back together to celebrate. You'll see what everyone made, find out who won the giveaway, and celebrate the fact that you started this week not knowing how to thread a machine
and now you're wearing something you made yourself!
In just five days, you'll go from never having touched a sewing machine (or one that's been collecting dust in your closet) to wearing a finished pair of shorts you're actually proud to show off.
Everything You'll Get:
 βœ… 5 days of live online, beginner-friendly sewing instruction (Sept 14–18)

βœ… The Darcy Shorts PDF Pattern in both Adult and Kid size included! ($20 value)

βœ… A community of women who are in the same stage of learning that will encourage, help and inspire you

βœ… Real-time access to me and a team of seamstresses all week who will help you with any problems you may face!
 
βœ… Loads of fun sewing giveaways!
ALL FOR JUST $10
sound familiar?
IS THIS YOU?
  • You've never touched a sewing machine and have no idea where to even start
  • You own a machine, but it's been sitting in the closet since your last attempt didn't go so well
  • You've bought fabric (or even a pattern) before and it's still sitting in a bag, untouched, because you didn't know what to do next
  • You're scared to cut into fabric because what if you mess it up and waste it
  • You want to make real clothes - not just pillows and tote bags - but you don't feel ready yet
  • Your grandmother or mom sewed, and some part of you has always wanted to carry that on - but you never knew where to start
  • You're craving a creative outlet that's just yours - something that isn't for your kids, your job, or anyone else
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone - and you are definitely not bad at this.
You just haven't had someone show you, live and in real time, exactly what to do - and stick around to help when it goes sideways.
 
You don't need another tutorial you watch alone. You need someone live, on screen, right there with you each step of the way.
IMAGINE KNOWING...
HOW TO SEW WITH CONFIDENCE
  • Thread your machine without pulling up a YouTube video every time.
  • Troubleshoot what to do if your thread starts bunching up, instead of panicking and giving up
  • Choose the right pattern size so it actually fits - no more guessing and hoping
YOU MADE SOMETHING WITH YOUR OWN HANDS
  • Print and tape together a pattern without getting lost halfway through
  • Use a beginner pattern and finish it - start to finish, no abandoned projects in a bag
  • Know what it feels like to wear something you made and say "yeah, I made this!" without a hint of hesitation
YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTHES
  • Keep alive something your grandmother or mother loved - and finally understand why they loved it
  • Know what it feels like to have a creative outlet that's just yours again - something you get to make instead of manage
that's exactly what START SEWING WEEK is for.
πŸ‘‹ Hey there, I'm Amelia!

When I was a new mom, I realized I needed a hobby, something that was "my thing." After borrowing my grandmother's sewing machine, I was immediately hooked (and I never gave her machine back πŸ˜‚). Sewing became the creative outlet I needed, and it felt incredible seeing my daughter walk around in something I made!

But I took the long road. I spent years figuring things out on my own, throwing away projects, and getting frustrated. I wish I had someone to show me the way back then, someone to give me a clear path "do this, now cut that, now stitch here." It would have saved me so much time and headache.

I want to be that guide for you so you can get sewing quickly and easily!

Hear from past workshop attendees!
I had no idea where to start with sewing...
"I love that this was a guided tutorial with a group to lean on. I had no idea where to start with sewing and this gave me the confidence and boost I needed to take more classes and start making more clothes!" - Ilo
"I enjoyed the sewing part however I learned a lot about my machine I have had for several years. I kept telling myself I was going to start and when I saw this class and I decided to take it to give me the opportunity to learn about my machine. Once I got started the more I wanted to know. I just can't wait to start on a new sewing project now. I feel so much more confident now than before the class." - Connie
Do I need sewing experience to do this workshop?
Nope! I'll walk you through everything you need to know to get your machine up and running and sew a pair of shorts you'll be proud to wear. No experience needed.
Do I need a specific sewing machine?
Any sewing machine will work, even if it's an older model. I'll teach you how to thread and use yours no matter what style it is. If you need extra help, our team will be in the Facebook group to help you troubleshoot - you've got this!
What if I can't join live each day?
No problem! Every session is live, but recorded and available until September 23rd, so you can catch up on anything you miss.
Where does it take place?
Everything happens right inside our private Facebook group - live classes, community support, and giveaways, all in one place. If you don't have a Facebook account, no worries - you can set up a temporary one or use a family member's to join us for the week.
What time are the live sessions, and what about timezones?
12pm EST every day, with replays available if you can't watch live.
What if I fall behind?
No problem! You'll have access to the videos until Sept 23rd so you can catch up if needed.
I know the basics of sewing, will this workshop benefit me?
Absolutely! There are always knowledge gaps to fill in, and this workshop will help you close them - plus your participation enters you for a chance to win our giveaway prizes!
I don't have a sewing machine yet, can I still join?
Yes! Inside the workshop there's a list of recommended sewing machines you can order in time to join us.
Is there support if I get stuck?
Absolutely. Our team is active in the Facebook group throughout the week to answer questions, give feedback, and help you troubleshoot anything that comes up.
What does it cost?
Just $10 for the full week of classes AND the pattern ($10 value by itself)!
How much fabric will I need?
The Darcy Shorts are designed to be made in woven, non stretch fabric. We recommend using quilting cotton, linen, poplin or cotton lawn.  You'll need about 1 1/4 yards for the kid's sizes, or 1 1/2 yards for the adult size.
 
You'll also need 1inch elastic for the kids' or 1.5 inch elastic for the adult size, plus some ribbon or twill tape for the front bow detail.  All the details (along with the size chart) will be included in the pattern.
You didn't buy your sewing machine to let it collect dust.
You bought it because some part of you wanted to make clothes for yourself or your family that fit perfectly. Or maybe you wanted to carry on something your grandmother or mother once did, and give you a creative outlet that's just yours
 
And then life happened, or it got confusing, or you got stuck on step two and never came back to it.
 
This week is your sign to finally use it for exactly what you bought it for.
 
In just 5 days you'll be wearing the first piece of clothes that YOU sewed and you'll be excited and confident to keep going!
The Nitty Gritty Details!
πŸ“ When is Start Sewing Week?
It runs Sept 13–18, 2026. We'll kick off with a live welcome call Sunday, teach live Monday through Friday (Sept 14–18), and wrap up with a celebration on Monday, Sept 21st!
 

πŸ“Where does it happen?
Everything happens right inside our private Facebook group - live classes, community support, and giveaways, all in one place.

πŸŽ₯ Are the lessons live or pre-recorded
They're live! Every session happens live at 12pm EST, but if you can't make it, replays are available so you never miss a thing.

πŸŽ“ Do I need to be experienced?
Nope! Even if you've never touched a sewing machine before (or you have one collecting dust in the closet), we'll walk you through everything step by step.

🧡 What are we making?
A pair of shorts you'll actually want to wear!

πŸ’° How much does it cost?
Just $10 for the entire week - AND the pattern is included in both Adult and Kid sizes ($20 value)!