Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

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{C’mon, let’s learn how to sew! // Featuring Home Ec.}

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Filed Under: giveaway, sewing, shop feature

This giveaway is now closed! Congratulations to our winner, comment #176 Lindsay of A Design Story. Lindsay, please check your email for information on how to claim your prize {free pass to Home Ec Online for you AND a friend!}. xoxo

One question frequently sent my way is, “How did you learn how to sew?” It was just over four years ago when the trade of sewing caught my eye, and without anyone nearby to teach me I headed off to the library to check out about 30 books. Some books were amazing + filled with the right teaching style {lots of large photos + easy to understand text}; others made me want to pull my hair out. I kept on with learning the trade and found myself searching YouTube any time the process felt hopeless, just like many of you :)

I quickly learned the value of a well-taught sewing lesson, like Home Ec Online. And ooohhhhhh, if only I would have learned how to sew by taking Home Ec — I can’t quite imagine how lovely that would have been :) I’m a former student of Home Ec and absolutely love how beautiful the eCourse is laid out, not to mention easy to follow.

Read on to read more about Home Ec + Leigh-Ann’s inspiring words — and be sure you read through to the end, we have something fun to offer two of you!

xoxo, Gussy

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1. What inspired you to create Home Ec Online?
While working on a craft project in 2010, I made a YouTube video that walked beginners through the first steps of sewing, How to Use Your Sewing Machine! A few months later, I visited my YouTube channel and saw there was over 200,000 views on my sewing video! I took that to mean that a lot of people are searching for How to Sew, and I wanted to help! So, I designed and co-taught (with Rachel Denbow & Courtney Tucker) an e-course that teaches you how to sew, from your own home! Home Ec Online has had a huge response and it’s been a really fun journey :)

2. Tell us a little bit about the Home Ec eCourse?
In the Home Ec eCourse, we begin with guides to gear you up, then we teach at least one new sewing skill in each of our 28 sewing projects. Our sewing projects are fun, easy to follow and practical! We start super easy and we consistently use step-by-step instructions (ours are written with plenty of example & progress photos) that break a project into manageable steps with everything you need to know and do. As you move through the Home Ec projects, you’ll gain a toolbelt of sewing skills, practice what you’re learning and get more and more comfortable using a sewing machine and creating handmade sewn goods!

Take a look at all of the projects Home Ec Students make during the eCourse:

Visit Home Ec Online and take a look at our Course Outline, FAQ’s, Student Testimonials and Registration/Printable Gift Cards!

3. How much does Home Ec cost and how can our Gussy Readers register?
The Home Ec eCourse has a one time fee of $50 and your registration does not expire (this way you can take it at your own pace and refer back to the projects and tools at any time). If you want to learn to sew, you can register for Home Ec here.

{click here to register for Home Ec Online}
4. LA, do you ever hear from Home Ec students?
Yes! I love receiving proud emails & pictures from Home Ec students saying “LOOK, I just made this!”… it’s so cool :) I follow a gal named Sarah on Instagram who had no sewing experience, took the Home Ec eCourse 5 months ago and is sewing pretty things out of ying yang (quilts are her fave). The Home Ec eCourse has been a powerful tool for Sarah and thousands of women, men and young adults who registered and jumped right in. Plus, a cool aspect of the course is that we allow students to take the projects we teach and reproduce them for Commercial Use. This means that if you have a small business (or have always wanted to), you can expand your range of products and potential!

Sneak Peek: This year, I’m working on a way that Home Ec students can share their progress pictures with each other!

5. What sewing projects/techniques are your favorite?
I love piecing fabric together… I call it casual quilting and I can’t get enough of it. Most of all, I love projects that are useful, like Home Ec’s bags & purses, hemming jeans, dress making, shoe organizer, home decor and my fave… organizational stuff!

6. Where do you draw personal inspiration?
I love connecting with people that have things in common but do it differently from each other (for example: My friend Jill and I have grown our companies alongside each other since 2006, but we have different businesses, styles and ideals). I am very inspired hearing about a.) the processes of things and b.) peoples stories. My favorite sources of inspiration are autobiographies, blogs about people and businesses, documentaries, tv shows and articles about how things work. I’m really visual and I gather a lot of inspiration from the small details around me and from collection websites like Pinterest. I can’t get enough of Pinterest.

7. Help us get to know Leigh-Ann a little better :) Where do you live + work, what’s your day-to-day like, what are your hobbies?
I have a cottage-y house in Winnipeg, Canada (born & raised) and Kyla Roma + I own a web design company called Freckled Nest Design :) I get to work with creative people and small business’ every day, creating online spaces that tell their story and represent their brand. It’s the dreamiest career and I really love what I do :)

I’m a big fan of Technology and Pop Culture, Crafts (album making, sewing, embroidery and things that make life better) and I love inventing things… making ideas come to life :) I have a small black lab named Lola, a close family (we’re building a big cabin together and it’s brought us even closer) and my business is my baby.

I’m a fun-loving person, introvert, quoter of TV characters, passionate about small business, and I love sharing about the creative things I’m consumed by!

I tweet instagram, pin, sell handmade, design, teach and blog… come say hi :)

Thanks for having me Maggie and Gussy readers!
xo, Leigh-Ann & the Home Ec Team

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS // Open to all residents {U.S. + outside countries}, Leigh-Ann is giving away 2 *free* registrations for Home Ec, one for you and one for a friend! Simple leave a comment below and you’re entered {$100 value}.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY // Share this giveaway with your social media communities. Simply tag myself {@GussySews on Twitter or @Gussy Sews on Facebook} + include this post permalink: http://bit.ly/VaIAw2. Don’t forget to leave an extra comment for your additional entries!

EXTRA DETAILS // Up to two additional entries can be gained for this giveaway for a grand total of three entries {leave a comment below {mandatory #1} and share across two social media platforms {optional #2 + #3}}. This giveaway will be open through Thursday, January 31st and a winner will be announced at the top of this post + emailed on Friday, February 1st. Good luck + have fun!

Comments

  2. Megan says

    This is so cool! I teach “Home Ec” (now called FACS) at the middle school level!! Last year, I wrote a grant and got some money to buy 20 sewing machines for my students. It is such a fun experience to teach them how to sew and watch them learn a new hobby that will last a lifetime! I would love to learn a little more and share this giveaway with my BFF who just got a sewing machine! Hope to win!

  8. Jess Trabulsie says

    The sewing course sounds great!!! I’m in that ‘check out 30 book from the library stage’! :)

  9. Karen Stout says

    I have bought a second hand sewing machine and a cabinet to put it in. My dad is having to make some adjustments to make it work as the cabinet is old and the sewing machine is not. I can’t wait to get it set up and I definitely need a course. What inspired me to want to learn? A love of vintage aprons. I would like to mix and match my own choices in fabrics. Just walking into Joann’s gives me a high…the colors, the prints, the textures! Oh my!

  10. Brittanie says

    I got a sewing machine for Christmas, but haven’t had the time to learn how to sew yet. I would love this!!

  15. Jessica Tedone says

    I tried teaching my daughter how to sew last year and the crotch of the pajama pants ended up at the feet so it looked like something mc hammer would wear but much worse. Sooo needless to.say I need a little refresher course.

  19. Kristin W. says

    I’ve tried on my own … and other than a straight line, failed. I’d love for someone to teach me … with a crazy, busy travel schedule for work, I feel like this is a great way for me to just unwind. To be able to offer a 2nd class to someone I care about … is a great bonus. Thanks for the opportunity … and thanks for sharing.

  20. A-M says

    What a great idea and it looks like so much fun! Would love to dig my sewing machine out and find out what I am actually supposed to be doing with it!!!!

  22. Shannon Thomas says

    Oh my gosh I would live to have this and give the second one to my sister. Thanks Home ec and gussy sews!

  25. Faith says

    I would love to learn how to sew…better. I have blindy made my way through a few butchered projects and need help! This looks like the perfect solution for me!

  26. Reine says

    Hi! Would love to win this. I have 2 kids that I would love to be able to make things for them.

  29. Jenny McCool says

    My sewing machine has been used three times since I bought it last summer! I would LOVE to win and I have a new mom friend who would love the class too! (Not that she isn’t busy with a new baby, but she wants to sew as well!)

  33. Victoria Y says

    I would love this! My mom tried to teach me how to sew years ago but after a while her Parkinson’s got too bad to sew anymore, and I’ve pretty much forgotten all of it! It took me almost a year to figure out how to thread a bobbin! I use my mom’s antique 1940’s singer and it’s sitting in my room, looking lovely, but not being used like it should. I do know it still runs awesome though!

  34. Emily weber says

    Please, please pick me! I just got a Bernina 350 for Christmas! I have made a few projects but only w bare minimum knowledge! I would love to win!

  35. Beverly says

    What a wonderful opportunity! Thank you for the generous offer. I’m a newbie to sewing, and look forward to learning :-)

  36. Debbi says

    Honestly, last time I did any sewing WAS in home ec class 25 years ago! I have a brand spankin new sewing machine still in the box and need to learn now to use it! This class would be such a blessing!

  40. Allie Battles says

    This sounds like an awesome e-course! I’ve always wanted to learn to sew just never dove in and tried it…maybe now is the time!!!!

  41. Lauren I-S says

    It’s would be so amazing! I have been playing around with the sewing machine for about a month and need something like this to get me functional. Our kitchen is in remodel mode and so there will be curtains and slipcovers and pillows in my future. My daughters are little and I want to give them the gift of self-sufficiency. In part that can be by teaching them to sew.

  44. Nissa says

    I so need to win this giveaway! I love to sew, but most of the time (ok, all of the time) have no idea what I’m doing. Thanks!

  47. Elaina B. says

    I just told my hubby that I wanted to learn to sew! This would be amazing to win. I’d love to be able to sew little dresses for my baby girl. Thanks for the chance!

  48. Donna says

    This would be so perfect for me. I am a self taught sewer and so many times I get frustrated when I hit a snag. I would love to inprove my skills and learn easier and better ways to accomplish what I want to sew.

  50. Amber Vickers says

    I would love to take this ecourse! I bought a sewing machine a year ago and sadly, it’s just gathering dust now.

  51. Melissa B says

    I have talked so much about wanting to learn how to sew that my husband got me a beautiful new machine for Christmas. This course sounds perfect!

  53. Joanna Osborne says

    Okay, this is perfect. I was going to take the nicole’s classes sewing class but the pressure of it being 4 weeks has been killing me. I LOVE that this is self paced with no start or end so I’m going to sign up for this instead. THANK YOU!

  56. Lora says

    Fun! I can sew, but would like to learn new techniques and have ideas for a few more projects. This course sounds perfect. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  57. Rosi Rodriguez says

    I already know how to sew, but it is always good to return to the basics and just have fun-which these projects look like they are! Thanks Gussy and Home Ec Team!

  64. Rosalie says

    I recently taught myself to sew (with books & blogs) this is an amazing opportunity to learn more!!!!

  65. Julie says

    I sew a bit and am mostly self taught. I always love learning ‘new’ techniques and the correct and usually easier way to do things. :)

  66. Bel says

    I would love the chance to have a refresher course in sewing. The last time I had a class in sewing was in junior high, which let’s just say that was a while ago. Would love to get back into sewing now that I have a young daughter who is always in need of new clothes or clothes for her dolls.

  70. Beth says

    I’d LOVE to win this for my sweet Mom and I! She’s a fantastic sewer, but I’d love to take this along side her so I can learn more too!

  71. jessica canning says

    I want to learn to sew so badly. I get books from the library but still having issues. this would be a HUGEEEE help! :)

  72. Teresa S. says

    I took home ec in 7th grade, a loooong time ago. I would love to take an online course. Thanks for the opportunity.

  75. Trish M says

    Oh my gosh this is what Ive been looking for. I just started learning to sew on the weekends at my moms. I saving up did my first sewing machine. Even if I don’t win I am signing up! Thank you!

  79. Denise says

    I would love to win this for myself and my daughter. We would have fun learning together and getting to spend time with her is a plus. :)

  81. Shawna Miller says

    I’ve had my eye on taking this course forever! I’ve been wanting to improve my sewing skills and have even considered taking a class in town, but this would be perfect since I just had a baby :)

  82. Jennifer Moure says

    I want to win so bad!!! I wanted to my husband to sign me up for this class for my birthday but my birthday has now passed and he never signed me up. He did get me a very old (1930’s???) sewing machine that I want to try out but I really only know how to do a straight stitch. I want to learn how to make cute stuff :)

  84. Bethany Holtet says

    Love this idea! My mother in law bought me a sewing machine for mothers day and I have only used it twice. I would love to use it more.

  85. gioia says

    Thanks for sharing Home EC, I sew but would love to learn more! I will share this with my friends who are interested in learning..

  86. Sarah W. says

    I have a lovely sewing machine from my Grandma, who was a seamstress, but have never truly gotten the hang of it. I would love to learn to sew! I crochet currently, but sewing would be a blast too :)

  88. Rebecca Park says

    I would love to win. I already sew fairly well but would live to work through the projects and learn a few new tricks.

  90. LisaJQ says

    I would really love to learn how to sew! I see projects all the time that I would love to do but am not able to because I don’t know how to sew.

  91. Sarah H. says

    Oh how I would love to win this class! I really want to learn how to sew. Thanks for the chance!

  92. Caroline Griffith says

    This would be so wonderful! I’m still a newbie–trying to figure it all out on my own–and this would make my attempts much less pathetic :)

  94. Leslie says

    Lovely giveaway. I jus told my husband a few weeks ago that I wanted to learn to sew. This would help to jump start it! :)

  100. Shara says

    I taught myself how to sew a couple of years ago, but haven’t ventured far from the straight stitch…I’d love to learn more about how to use my machine!

  102. emily says

    oh!! words cant describe how much i want to win this giveaway :) sister and i would love this!

  111. Anne says

    I am so excited that you are giving away 2 free home ec class registrations! I really want to learn to sew new and different things but am stuck in a rut! SOOOOO hope I WIN!

  114. K says

    I have been learning to sew for the past year by trial and error and internet research. I would love to finally be taught some sewing techniques! Hope I win!!

  115. Southern Gal says

    What a great idea! I don’t need the lessons myself, but I would love to gift them to my daughter and her friend who are moms to little ones and want to learn how! Thanks for the chance.

  120. Juliet gunn says

    Hi I would absolutely love to get this giveaway! I have recently started sewing and have totally fallen in love with it, but I know I need more confidence and a better skill set to attempt to do the things I would love to do with my sewing machine!
    Xxxx
    P.s I love your blog, it is such an inspiration to me! X

  121. Toni says

    This would be so awesome to do with my 9 yo daughter who got her first sewing machine for Christmas.
    xoxoxoxo

  122. Amy says

    Oh Please, Please, Please! I would love to win this! I am really trying to learn on my own with the use of books. This would be soooo much better!
    Thanks for the opportunity!!!!

  124. Amy @ For the Love of Georgia says

    What an awesome giveaway! Thank you!

    I purchased a sewing machine, OH… 2 years ago… and it’s just sitting in my closet because even though I sewed a bit with my grandmother when I was little, I have completely forgotten everything she taught me and I’m completely clueless on where to start. I think this course would be just the push I need to get on it ;)

  134. Lindsey Dollar says

    I’m crafty in a lot of ways, but sewing is new territory for me. I really want to make my own t-shirt quilt, so I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas – and now I really need to learn how to use it and sew. This class would be great for that! I’m sharing the context on Facebook and Twitter, too!

  146. Katie says

    This would be an amazing chance to learn something i’ve always wanted to do but never been brave enough! and the possibility of dragging my sister along for the ride rocks! :D. Thank you for the chance to win :)

  151. Christa says

    Oh boy! I have wanted to learn to sew for about 15 years, my mother was an excellent seamstress (as was her family) but since she grew up having no choice but to sew her clothes, it turned her off to teaching me.
    I am in my 40’s and life is shifting. Now would be a great time to learn. Thanks!

  156. Mina Holliday says

    I taught myself how to sew over this summer. But learning some proper techniques would be great!

  158. Bailey says

    Would LOVE to win this!! And how awesome that it doesn’t expire and you can go at your own pace!

  162. Lisa says

    Just getting back into sewing after taking too many years off. I used to make basic baby quilts, but now find I can’t even remember those simple steps. I would love to have the opportunity to take this course and learn!

  166. Andrea says

    This sounds like a perfect way to fit a course into your own schedule! I would love to check it out more;-)

  167. Jessica says

    Oh, what a lovely giveaway! I would absolutely LOVE to be enrolled in this course, but we just moved and can’t afford any extras right now. It would be so great to win.

  170. Liz Cogswell says

    What a great giveaway! I have a sewing machine that I have {gasp} only used once! It scares me, but I really want to learn how to use it! Thanks for the opportunity!

  172. Jessica says

    Oh I would love to win! I have had “learn to sew” on my resolution list for 4 years now!! I think it is about time to just do it! Thank you for the giveaway! Love the new blog design too!

  173. Nicole says

    Even though I already know how to sew, I know I could learn some things and perfect my ability through this course. It sounds fantastic!

  176. Lindsay@ A Design Story says

    Oh I so hope to win!! I have a beautiful brand new sewing machine that has only made 2 pillows because I don’t know what I am really doing!!! I want to be a master at it some day!!
    Crossing my fingers, Lindsay

  184. Tiffany B. says

    I taught myself to sew, and could really use some professional tips. I’m sure that I could be doing things more efficiently, or with better quality. This course would be greeeeaaat!

  186. Staci Z says

    I am just learning to sew and would love an online course. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  187. Jenny Veleke says

    I’ve sort of taught myself some sewing over the years but never taken time to fully study it. This would be fun!!

  189. Alyssa says

    Mother of 4 and dying to learn how to sew! I would love to take the eHome Ec course in order to get me on my way to sewing with skill and creativity. Love this idea!

  190. Stacey Pinney says

    Ohhhh the projects in the pictures above look like so much fun to make!! I’d love to win…thanks for the opportunity!

  191. hausfrauChelsea says

    Always been a huge fan of LA! I’d love to get in on this class (and winning it will be the only way I can!)

    Thanks, everyone!

  193. Jolie N. says

    This is JUST what I NEED! I just had my second girl and with 3 boys at home too I NEED to learn to sew…to repair things and to make beautiful things for my girls! Thanks so much for the giveaway! I hope I win!

  194. Stacey P. says

    I shared the link and tagged Gussy on my FB page! :) Thanks again for the chance to win! :)

  201. Stacy says

    This course sounds amazing! I saved up for a new machine, and am a little scared to turn it on for the first time by myself. :-)

  202. Marilyn says

    Oh, this would be awesome! I just bought my first sewing machine and I am staring at it, completely clueless and intimidated!

  207. Jenn K. says

    What a grand giveaway! Like Maggie I have taught myself what I know and would love to learn more from fellow sewists. thanks for the opportunity! p.s. My friend would be my mom.

  208. Kelly H says

    Ahhh! This is soooo cool, my Mom bought me a sewing machine last year and I would LOVE to learn how to sew better!

  209. SB says

    I’d love to win this. I’ve got basic skills like sewing 2 pieces of fabric together, but that’s about it.

  212. Laura says

    This is a terrific thing to find out about! I think I will include it in our homeschooling.Oh, I need this course too! I have a sewing machine – brand new that I don’t even know how to set up – much less use. :( So I will have to take it along with my daughters. :)

  215. Jennifer Sollecito says

    Hi, I’ve been wanted to learn to sew now for a few years. Then I could hem my own pants since I’m short and need all tog them hemmed. I would also do lots of DIY projects for around the house and for my upcoming wedding (if the class is within the next few months).
    Thanks for the chance to win!!

  220. Jennifer Kontyko says

    Wow! I have been so frustrated trying to teach myself, & I can’t go to a class at night because of my kids. Thank you for the chance!

  221. Stephanie Kussler says

    This is such an awesome giveaway! What a wonderful opportunity to learn such an important skill :)

  222. Maranda says

    This is awesome! I have owned my sewing machine for 2 years and have no idea how to use it–this is perfect for me!

  223. Christy says

    I would love to win this. I have been wanting to learn to sew for years and would love to be able to expand my product line in my Etsy shop!

  227. Britney Smith says

    OW! I would absolutely loove this gift, I received a sewing machine as a wedding gift back when me and my husband got married in 2011, I’ve tried a couple of really simple projects with it and love the thrill you get when you complete something and have a finished project… sadly, my husband knows how to sew better than me and often times has to help me with even the simplest of projects, I would loove to truly learn how to sew, so I can 1) stop pestering my husband for sewing help ;) haha, and 2) so I can use the gift of sewing to create things for others! Thanks, xoxo.

  233. Lorena Mora says

    Sounds like the perfect class. Just was given a sewing machine last month and I need all the help I can get.

  234. Erin says

    This is amazing!! I just stumbled upon this the other day and thought how great it would be to take this course!! I would love to win it! I am so anxious to learn how to sew!

  236. Melissa says

    This would be amazing. I would love to learn how to sew and this course looks so helpful and like so much fun!!

  237. Kimberly says

    I just bought a sewing machine a few months ago and I am pretty sure I am doing this “sewing” thing all wrong.. lol… Home Ec would be a God-send!