Replies

1. 
   ljr5546 | Dec 22, 2006 02:44pm | #1

   I have the series referenced in your posting, "you can make it".  Being a sewing newbe in a city where there are virtually no other sewers, or sewers willing to teach, I have had to resort to sewing videos.  Over the past year I have spent time and money building my collection of instructional videos.  This has been a tremendous help; however, it is not without its limitations.  The "You can make it" videos offer great information -- that is if you can sit through the videos.  In most instances the facilitator is simply reading from queue cards.  While this person presents some good ideas and concepts, her monotone voice and lack of enthusiasm was a real sleeper.  I have yet to stay fully awake and engaged start to finish in any of her videos.  I mean no disrespect to the "You can make it" production.  My opinion is that it’s a video series on a very low budget.

    

   If you are seeking instructional videos, my favorite is Peggy Sagers, and Sandra Betzina.  Another good video series is by Margaret Islander.  Margaret's innovative techniques have been instrumental in my learning the art of sewing. 

    

2. 
   lovemycottons | Dec 22, 2006 08:47pm | #2

   A few years ago, I decided to get back into sewing apparel so I signed up for a sewing class to brush up on my skills at the local store that sells sewing machines. The instructor used the 'you can make it' program and I found it useful. The pamphlets that accompanied the lesson were clearly written and broken down into easy steps. Not only did I perfect my basic skills, I also learned some new ones. If you follow the program to the end, you will get into tailoring. I believe we veered off the program for my tailored jacket, (I had wanted to learn the old methods). I would recommend the 'you can make it' program for the beginner and advanced beginner sewer.  I don't think I would have appreciated the program if I taught myself with the videos as the previous poster tried to do. As with all classes, having someone there to teach, demonstrate, and solve problems is a far better learning experience. And you are with fellow sewing buddies!

   The 'you can make it' program is a good start to sewing wonderful clothes. After the program is completed, the student should be able to make basic skirts, blouses, dresses, & jackets. You could teach all these basic skills without the 'you can make it' program. I guess the advantage of the program are the handouts. I myself like handouts, whether from the 'you can make it' program or the instructors. They are great reinforcers of what you learned when you are at home.

   I hope this helps

3. 
   heirloomthreads | Dec 27, 2006 05:32am | #3

   Hi, just wanted to reply to this one.  I have purchased the "You Can Make It" program with the intention of using it to teach.  However, I never got that chance as my daughter had a serious accident.  She is fine now, and since we just moved, I plan to get the program out and start using it.  I also teach at Jo-Ann locally.  Personally, I think that the "YCMI" program is well written and it comes with a lot of ideas to grow your business.  That said- for the money, you could write your own program, starting with the basics and building from there.  Yes, the handouts are nice, as a previous poster mentioned, but you can get handouts by contacting the pattern companies and you could also easily create your own.  I will use the program since I already bought it, but one thing that you should be aware of going in is that it isn't just the initial cost the program.  You also have to buy handouts and patches for each new student as well as pay yearly update/ franchise fees.  Since I let my "franchise" expire, I will need to pay extra fees in order to be able to legally teach with the program again.  If I hadn't already invested in the program, I would just create my own, but then, I may still do that to be able to better customize my classes to meet the specific needs of my students. 

   Best of luck in your decision.  If you have any more questions, I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

   Kat

    

1. 
   Villagedressmaker | Dec 27, 2006 06:46am | #4

   I really appreciate the answers that I received about "You Can Make It". Thanks to those who took the time to share their experiences with me. Patty