ONLINE LICENSING

The Perfect Mix: Sew! Serge! Embellish! Licensing Event

The Perfect Mix: Sew! Serge! Embellish! is the latest (and some say the greatest) Teacher Licensing curriculum to be offered online.
Open for new enrollments for the first time since 2018, this licensing features the same talented faculty, the same brilliant collection of 20+ projects, and the same blend of machine techniques as the live retreat. all from the comfort of home. We invite you to join us for all the fun!
Write your awesome label here.
The Perfect Mix: Sew! Serge! Embellish! is the latest (and some say the greatest) Teacher Licensing curriculum to be offered online. Open for new enrollments for the first time since 2018, this licensing features the same talented faculty, the same brilliant projects, and the same blend of techniques as the live retreat, all from the comfort of home!

More than 20 projects, each designed to share a special collection of techniques, will be yours to use in your teaching, to make for sale without limit, or simply to enjoy. With lessons focused on sewing, serging, and embellishing, this licensing truly includes the "perfect mix" of projects. For each project, you will receive downloadable patterns and written instructions as well as a step-by-step streaming video tutorial. The videos are taught by the wonderful team of Kathy McMakin, Alicia Welcher, Connie Palmer, and Missy Billingsley. In addition to the 20+ projects, you will receive dozens of technique videos and downloadable handouts, machine embroidery designs you may use on the projects if desired, business tips, and, upon course completion, your teacher's license.

From clever beginner-level projects to the glorious beauty of an heirloom christening gown, the projects you will receive in this licensing have been created with every type of sewist in mind. Because an important part of sewing instruction is keeping current with the benefits of various machines and specialty equipment, we share those things during the licensing lessons. But, don't worry! You do not need to own an embroidery machine (or Sashiko machine or Embellisher) to get your teacher's license. If you do not own a serger, that's fine too! There are directions included for completing the required techniques and projects using a sewing machine instead.

The list of projects includes a layette for boys and girls, dresses for girls and dolls, kitchen items, totes, bags, and even a gorgeous sampler quilt. Of course, there is a christening gown and slip, and a companion dress for girls and dolls to accompany it. Constructed in a variety of design styles, these projects include lessons appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skill-level students. Every technique you learn helps you develop the skills, techniques, and confidence to complete the most complex projects in the curriculum.

Here's how it works: During this course, there will be eight required assignments (four technique samples and four projects) that you will need to make and submit photos of through the site. Those assignments will be graded by our instructors, and upon course completion, you’ll receive your teacher's license. Once you have your license, you’ll co-own the copyright for all the written instructions/patterns for the projects included in this licensing. That means you’ll be able to copy the exclusive licensed materials to share with your students if you choose to teach, make the projects for sale without limit, or just sew them for your own enjoyment. (No, you do not have to want to teach to take a licensing class!) No matter what your reason is for joining us, this course will help your sewing become more polished, satisfying, and creative. After the course is over, you will still have access to all the videos and resources on the site – that access will not expire! We invite you to join us for The Perfect Mix: Sew, Serge, Embellish. It’s going to be so much fun!

Frequently asked questions

Who Should Attend?

  • Everyone who teaches sewing will learn not only about sewing–and even the most seasoned and experienced enthusiasts learn new things in this licensing course–but also about teaching sewing. Every project is designed and presented from the perspective of a teacher sharing her secrets with another teacher. It’s great!
  • Anyone who wants to take pride in creating beautiful, finely finished projects, and enjoy using the easiest methods and practices while doing so. From simple, beginner-level designs to complex, highly detailed, and sophisticated items, the techniques shared in this course are fool-proof, shown clearly in step-by-successful-step sequences, using time-tested methods and tools. What has been eye-opening in the live retreats is how many of the most experienced are excited by the simplest projects, and go on to make them over and over again, each one slightly different than the one before ... and how many beginner students are able, after completing a few of the simple projects, to go on to create the most detailed dresses, gowns, and quilts, just taking it one step at a time. 
  • If your superpower is about making meaningful gifts this is a great opportunity for you! The course is filled with projects that make meaningful gifts, such as the gorgeous christening gown and the accompanying child’s dress.
  • Are you looking for projects that are quick, yet sophisticated and perfect for selling? This course offers simple projects with stunning details that make them perfect for selling online and in person. Because the value of any project increases as the amount of thoughtful design, embellishment, and finishing detail is added, this particular licensing course is invaluable for anyone who loves to work with a single design and create it in an infinite number of ways. For instance, there is a blanket design in the course which is very simple, very clever, and looks, even in its most basic form, rather sophisticated. This project’s secret, however, is in how quickly and easily it goes together, and how simple it is to change it to become dozens of other blankets by changing its size or adding unique embellishments and personalized embroidery. A great basic design’s secret lies in its ability to fulfill a nearly infinite variety of roles, going from what you create the first time to something very modern, or trendy, or cuddly, or sweet. Refine it with heirloom fabrics, trims and details; add ruching, some frills and flourishes, or softly tailored touches ... the possibilities are nearly infinite.

What Will You Learn How to Make?

  • Self-Binding Baby Blanket
  • Bargello Tote Bag
  • Organza Banded Pillowcase
  • Special Licensing Mug Rug
  • Sew Sassy Kitchen Towel
  • Fun & Fancy Makeup Bag
  • Heirloom Sampler Quilt
  • Lace & Ribbons Christening Gown
  • Dolly & Me Jumper and Ruffled Pants
  • Knit Infinity Scarf & Flower Pin
  • Baby Boy & Girl Sleeping Door Pillow
  • 3D Heat N Shrink Flower
  • Lacy Flower
  • Baby Boy and Baby Girl Heirloom Layette Set (dress/bubble, bib, booties, burb-cloth, bib and blankets) 
  • Lace & Ribbons Doll Dress and Slip
  • Lacy Heirloom Blouse
  • Ruching & Rickrack Overlay Dress
  • Christening Slip
  • Woven Lattice Table Runner
  • Two-Color Mitered Napkin and Napkin Ring
  • Serge and Flip Placemats
  • Under the Sea Child’s Backpack
  • Lacy Heirloom Pillow
  • Lace and Ribbons Child's Dress
  • Sleepytime Pillow
  • Sassy Eye Glasses Holder

What Makes This Course Great for Teaching?

  • If you already teach sewing, you’ll pick up tips to help you become more effective with every project and skill you share with your students. 
  • If you’re considering teaching, you’ll know already how to best say and present things, as you’ll have learned from the best teachers in the world.
  • You’ll find projects which have been designed to fit comfortably within a three-hour workshop, even for beginners.
  • You’ll find projects that have been sized to conserve on fabric and supplies when just starting out.
  • You’ll find more complex projects which include a series of techniques, which may be taught as technique sample classes (notebook classes) or shared in longer workshop settings or a multi-week class series.
  • You’ll be privy to helpful advice from experienced teachers–little tips and tricks, plus precautions and points to emphasize with your students for a smooth, successful class.
  • In other words, while you are seeing the project unfold in easy-to-follow steps, you’re also getting expert advice and seeing exactly how to teach the project yourself. You will discover simple steps you can take to help students minimize errors and confusion.

Course Lessons