On October 3, 2026, the “Long Lines” beginner sewing students continued building their sewing machine skills—and put them to work making pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles.

This month, students learned how to thread their machines and balance thread tension. They also began learning about the all-purpose presser foot and how it is used for everyday sewing.

For their first project, students used pillowcase cuff and body templates made from recycled election signs to cut their fabric pieces. They learned the “hot dog” method for sewing the cuff to the pillowcase body.

Next they learned two different ways to finish their seams: a zig-zag clean finish and a French seam.

The finished pillowcases will be donated to Ryan’s Case for Smiles, which provides cheerful pillowcases to children in hospitals. Learn more about Ryan’s Case for Smiles.

A special thank-you to Wendy and Mike, who donated two bags of fabric for our students to use!

Want More Sewing Time?

Missed class or want some extra time at the machine? Join us for Craft Circle on October 17 at 11 AM, when you can sew, work on your own projects, or spend some time with fellow crafters.

Looking for a Halloween or Renn Faire project? You can also make the October craft circle project — a Three-Seam Cloak from a bedsheet and a spool of 5/8-inch ribbon. It’s a simple beginner-friendly project that can be finished in time for Halloween or Renn Faire season.

Coming Up in Long Lines

Our next “Long Lines” classes will be November 7 and December 5, when students will learn to make a basic 12-block quilt to donate to Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children in hospitals and other children in need. Learn more about Project Linus and check out their free patterns for knit, crochet, and sewn blankets!

For more information about Long Lines, Craft Circle, or donating cotton fabric, finished pillowcases, or finished blankets, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.