Just for fun, I signed up for the Sewing Studio Craftsy class. In this on-line course, taught by Diana Rupp, you are guided through a couple of projects chosen to introduce you to the wonderful world of sewing. The first project is an envelope pillow and the second is a 'Naughty Secretary Skirt'.
The class is very clear and thorough and Diana is a born-teacher! I purchased her companion book, S.E.W. Workshop (Sew Everything Workshop) because it's necessary to get the identical pattern for the skirt (if you don't want to buy the book you can just pick up a similar pattern at your local store). The book is awesome - from start to finish she explains everything very well and her stories and humour make for some very fun and interesting reading. The book also includes 10 patterns for various other garments and projects, as well as instructions for other things to make using your own patterns or simple templates.
Although I don't think I will actually pursue garment construction, I thought this class would be a great overview of sewing, reading a commercial pattern, and dealing with all the other aspects of fabric arts: colour, fabric, the sewing machine, etc. Diana offers so many great, insider tips and tricks that I'm sure will be very useful down the road in my sewing career (I'm thinking awesome Halloween costumes for my grandkids!). Ms. Rupp is a total inspiration and I am really impressed with the realization of her passion and dream - owning and running a sewing studio in New York City! The 'real' classes she offers there can be more than $240 so the Craftsy class, forever(!) is a bargoon at $20 bucks!
If you're interested in taking this class, use the link to the right to get it at a SUPER price!