WELCOME!

Hello from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina! My name is Kim Kochis and I am a retired air traffic controller. I have been crocheting and sewing my whole life. My grandmother taught me to crochet granny squares. As time went by, I purchased books and learned to make more projects. My mother taught me to sew. Many years later I took a quilt class and now I make small simple projects. However, I still take a class or two to learn new techniques. And I am willing to share my skills with you!

I currently have a studio above my garage. Lessons for crochet are limited to 4 students at a time. I will be teaching about types of yarn and start with simple easy confidence building projects. Tell me what you dream to make-- a prayer shawl for a family member or dear friend, a baby afghan, an afghan for sofa, chair or bed, ponchos, placemats, coasters, potholders, hats & scarves???

You will need to have a small bag to carry your yarn, small scissors, pattern book and crochet hooks,small ruler (or retractable tape measure), large tapestry needle & needle threader for yarn and stitch markers. Hook sizes that I use the most are G,H,I & J. My hooks are made by Susan Bates. They have wood along the shaft and are ergonmic. It may be cheaper to purchase a set of hooks versus hooks individually, you decide which path works best for you.

Lessons for sewing are limited to 3 students at a time. Unfortunately, I can not afford to provide sewing machines. You must have your own sewing machine that is in good working order. I am happy to help you purchase a machine with local merchants. I highly recommend that you consult with "Consumer Reports" to help with your decision.

I personally own a Bernina that is computerized. I purchased it in 1994 and I had to take out a two year loan to pay for it. It has been a wonderful machine to own and sew with. Of course, I knew that sewing was my passion and I wanted a machine that would endure time. I can safely say that this machine sews as nicely today as it did the day I bought it!

I will be teaching you how to pick a project, read a pattern, fabric and thread selection, cutting and assembly. We will start with easy confidence building projects. Again, you tell me what you want to make. Are you interested in making clothes (such as simple tops or skirts, jumpers, sun dresses, vest), home decoration for the whole home (such as curtains, toaster and teapot covers,pillows,pillow cases, placemats, a memory board), puppets, dolls or stuffed animals, pocketbooks, tote bags, cell phone and ipod carriers ????

I suggest you look at pattern books to get a feel for what interests you.

Butterick patterns offer many catagories: See & Sew, Accesories, Crafts, and Girls section offers Very Easy, Easy, and Fast & Easy. Beginners stay away from patterns with zippers.

Simplicity patterns also has a wide selection: Childrens, Sewing Patterns for Dummies, Easy to Sew, Its so Easy, Accesories, Crafts.

McCall's patterns offer: Easy Stitch N Save, Accesories.

You will also need to assemble a few simple tools for a Sewing Kit. I highly suggest a plastic container to hold everything. Pins,scissors--both large for fabric and small for tight areas ( i prefer pinking shears & spring loaded snippers) retractable tape measure, pad and pen (sticky notes come in handy too), pins, 6 inch sewing gauge, seam ripper, number 2 pencil, assorted sewing needles for your sewing machine and for hand work, pin cushion, needle threader.

You can find most of these items at Michael's or AC Moore or Jo-Ann's of Cary and/or in the sewing & craft section in most Wal-Mart stores.

I am available to meet you at any of the above mentioned stores to help you with your shopping.

Class times are available at 11 AM or 2 PM, Monday through Friday.

I think it is best to keep things simple, lessons and guided shopping are $20 per hour. Cash is preferable.

Thank you for your interest. Please feel free to contact me by phone 919-567-9288 or email me at kimk@doublekfarm.com