long weekend

I'm heading to the cabin for a few days for the Long Weekend (Canada). I'll resume the Photo Series when I return and post Part 2 of the Vintage Dress Shopping Tips as well :) Hope you have a great weekend, Love Leigh-Ann

LA's 1 of 5 Fave Bands: Metric


Fave Song: (#5)Wet Blanket (#4)Gimme Sympathy (#3)Help I'm Alive (#2)Twilight Galaxy (#1)Collect Call
Fave Line: "the best haircuts are taken"

*love the way Emily dances. major

Side Project: If you love Metric, you'll probably love Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton (i doooo) Metric=Energy and Observation, EH&TSS= Mellow and Introspective

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(#3)Winning  (#2)Our Hell  (#1)Crowd Surf off a Cliff
Fave Line: "the life that you thought through is gone"

The Tiny Drawer - day two

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[ day one & story here ]

Interview: My Sewing Story

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1. How did you learn to sew?
In middle school, I took Home Ec with Mrs. Starkell for a few months and learned the basics (how to: thread a machine, not sew your finger, a few projects & how to make boxer shorts you'll wear out as shorts-- because it's the 90's) :] I'd always admired my mom's sewing skills and was thrilled to be in a sewing class. Once I took Home Ec, it was like I had my license and Momma let me use her machine. I practiced and practiced, played with different types of fabric, taught myself to slip cover couches, made pajamas and I designed some fun accessories :)
Once I had my own house, I was on a tight budget and needed to make curtains. I borrowed my friends Pfaff machine (which was in a sweet hot pink luggage case) and sewed curtains for all 9 windows in my new home :) I was hooked again! I love the unlimited potential of fabric + sewing machine!

2. Why do you love to sew?
I have a few reasons... 
1. I love working with fabrics! Mixing color and pattern is one of my biggest joys in life and textiles are one of the best mediums for doing that!
2. I love figuring stuff out :) When I made the 'Hanging Shoe Organizer' for Home Ec... I didn't know how to make the dimensional pockets yet but I knew it was possible. I tried a few ways and when I got it right, I squealed! I felt so excited to learn something new and use it in my home (plus teach you soon) :]
3. It's a hobby & skill that can translate into any purpose; it's relevant and really applicable... decor, wardrobe & fashion, repair, accessories, children & toys, art and of course, it's fun!
4. I find it so relaxing... you can see your idea/project produced so much faster (with the machine) than any other craft but it's still hands on and totally fulfilling :)
5. I love making a finished product that looks bought but totally custom to my style :)

3. Favorite thing you've ever made?
Many Monday's, my mom takes Olivia and Kennedy to the library-- it's their special thing and all three of them love it equally! In November, I made O & K "Library Bags" for their birthday (with a tiny pocket inside for their library cards) and the girls quickly filled them with books :) At Christmas, I made my Mom one... and it sent her to giggles & tears, she could now match her grand daughters on their dates!
I love how committed they are to the library bag trio, Mom makes sure of it ;)

4. What is your favorite technique?
I'm pretty addicted to joining fabrics to create stripes. I wanna do it to everything!

5. What part of Home Ec are you most excited about?
I'm most excited for the girls and women* in Home Ec to feel empowered & thrilled as they discover the seamstress hidden inside of them! Our online class environment is a great place to learn from the beginning and be surrounded & supported by others around the same stage and by teachers who care about you enjoying the process! Rachel, Courtney and I put a lot of thought into the skills and projects being useful, progressive and extensive... once you complete Home Ec, your sewing machine will never gather dust again! Your life will change :)
*no boys or men so far (but you're welcome to join!)

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How Home Ec Works:
We will post a new project tutorial on the private blog, Monday through Friday (sometimes Saturdays) but this is a take it at your own pace class, there is no pressure to do the projects in line with our posting schedule and the private Home Ec blog will stay up for one full year so that you can continue accessing the material, working at your own pace with your schedule in mind. We write our tutorials with demonstrative photos and step by step written instructions; they are pretty and very easy to understand and follow (plus we are available to answer questions). Once registered, you can visit the class blog and work on your projects any time you want, as much as you want :) 

If you've always wanted to learn how to use that sewing machine you found at a garage sale or could use a few tips on how to get your button holes to turn out like they should, you should join us for Home Ec, an online class designed to teach you how to enter the land of back stitching and squaring up with confidence. You'll get the skills you've always wanted and resources to become quite the innovative crafter/homemaker/business person/best Christmas present maker ever.

Visit HERE for full details and registration info.

A big preview of all the projects we'll be teaching...
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Class officially starts August 10th.

xoxo,
Leigh-Ann

PS. Take a look at Rachel's Interview and Courtney's Sewing Story... these women are incred!! I'm looking forward to making Courtney's Ironing Board Cover & Wrap Skirt and Rachel's Piped Cushions & Canvas Bag!

PPS. New post below.

The Tiny Drawer Series - day one

Last Sunday, I was at my parents house photoshooting in my mom's garden shed (for a blog design). I brought along some of my tiny collections to go with the theme and felt excited as I saw it come together :)
As I was packing up my things, I remembered how I came across this tiny drawer... it was about 7 years ago on a Sunday Morning as I walked by a garage sale near my home. A cute old man was moving and his garage was filled with treasure! I found some of my (now) favorite containers there, perring knives that reminded me of my grandma, old tools that were worn from years of the cute old mans chores, jars of buttons, and little collectibles that spoke to me :) And on his window sill, was this tiny wooden drawer, filled with bolts. The nuts and bolts sort, but just the bolts. I adored it then and there and he gave it to me :)
This drawer now stores my sewing needles, safety pins and vintage ricrac but last Sunday, it became a magical little window into my journeys garage saling. In front of Momma's chive garden, I photographed some of my found treasures framed in this Tiny Drawer and I look forward to sharing them with you over the next week or so :)

Vintage Dress Shopping Online - PART 1

I'd admired vintage dresses online for a long time but was always intimidated by the sizing and inability to try them on before I bought. In March, my friends Elsie and Jill taught me how to measure myself (and add allowance) and I began buying vintage dresses online! With the right measurements & information, (in my experience) buying dresses online offers a pretty sure fit and is even better than buying dresses at the mall where I can try it on ahead (with way more variety and pretty selection)! I have 21 beautiful dresses so far and I wear a vintage dress 3 times a week on average :)

The shopping & searching has been a blast and I feel really pretty and fancy when I dress up! Now I want to share with you what I've learned.. you might become addicted too ;)

Please Note: This 3 Part Series is based on information I've gathered, things I've learned from friends and personal experience. This is a hobby of mine and I am not a professional.

You will need a measuring tape and paper & pencil to record your inches.

1. Bust - With your bra on, measure around your body across the biggest part of your bust.

2. Waist - Standing straight up, measure around the smallest part of your waist (between your bellybutton and bra cups). Don't suck in or you'll have to live that way and you'll turn into a fish.

3. Hips - Standing straight up with your heels together, measure around the biggest part of hips, across your bottom.

4. Shoulder - (this measurement is not always given) Measure from the ball of your shoulder, fully across to the other ball of your shoulder.

Allowance: Once you have your body measurements, you should add allowance (a bit extra) so that the dresses you chose are not 'skin tight'. Depending on the stretch of the fabric, add 1" to 1.5" to each measurement (bust/waist/hips/shoulder).
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Coming soon... Part 2 = Using your Measurements to Find Dresses Online!
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PART 2: Searching and Selecting HERE.

2 July Giveaway Winners

Congratulations!!
Tammy, you've won July's BIG Giveaway!! :) 
Juniper Grace, you've won the Feature Giveaway :) 
Thank you to everyone for supporting my sponsors & entering these giveaways! Tammy & Grace, please email me at FreckledNest@gmail.com with your mailing address.

If you'd like to sponsor Freckled Nest in August, please email me to reserve a space (I have a few large and small ads). 



Starting Monday...
I photographed a new photo series today :) It's about tiny treasures from one of my favorite summer hobbies-- garage saling!

Beauty School and Cupcakes

beautyschool
One of my besties has created a really special e-course called Beauty School. I've seen it-- and it's amazing, sweet, enlightening and inspiring! In Beauty School, Elsie shares her best beauty secrets through 10 topical sessions with how-to's, a few videos, lots of inspiration & visuals, and smart & pretty ideas that are affordable and even free! This e-course is only $26 and well worth it, more info here :)
Great job Elsie, I love Beauty School!

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late night snack
[ red velvet cupcake from Cake-ology
Look who wanted me to share my late night snack...
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I took most of the day off today... I went thrifting, had a late lunch watching a local concert, wandered aimlessly (shop to shop), visited Hoopers (sooo beautiful!), saw a comedian street performer, visited an old school toy store (picked a few books for my house when my nieces come over), found a gorge dress that makes me feel like a size S, ran into my friends Courtney & Kirby, had my favorite lemonade (hello lemon haven!), and I did all this by myself :) Sometimes, it's nice to just have a quiet, smiley & refreshing day all by yourself :)
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Sunday I'll draw and announce the 2 winners of July's Big + Feature Giveaway! Enter soon (here and here), before time runs out.
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Goodnight (or Goodmorning), 
xox, Leigh-Ann

his name is Peanut.

He napped on my lap and my heart totally melted. I adore him, want to adopt him, and I kinda teared up when I had to leave (after a half hour of cuddles). See you next year little man!
Maoh ya, berry picking was fun too!

Sponsor Feature: Here We Go

Hi Freckles!
Today I'm happy to feature 'Here we Go' on Freckled Nest! Justine has a sweet blog with some of my favorite types of features... tutorials, font-love, yummy recipes and cute handmade!! Thanks for joining us Justine!!  
Love, Leigh-Ann
My name is Justine and I am the voice behind the blog Here We Go. A blog filled with photos, baking, crafts, font, cats and my boyfriend Justin. I am the narrator of our blog and he is the model. I am in love with typography and design. I love crochet, and can make a mean afghan as well as some cute simple headbands.
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We work with children and adults with special needs and we're currently working at Camp Paivika in California. We read way too much and are currently in the process of writing our owl fantasy trilogy. It’s a work in process and helps us escape into our favorite world. I collect Pandas and Owls and am constantly on the hunt for them :) I hope you come by and say hi, I love finding new blogs, so make sure to show me yours! Also, check out this HTML/Code course that I'm co-teaching next month :)
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I wanted to giveaway things that show what I like and a sense of my "style." To enter, please share your name/email and your favorite thing to collect :) 
(The winner will receive a friendship bracelet make by Justine's sister Jordyn, a Martha Stewart elephant punch, a NYC purse and a stamp that says "Just a Note")

Today is my Favorite Day of the Year!

It's Berry Picking Day with my family! Last year it was amazing and this year promises to be the same-- plus, my brother Kody is joining us!! I'm really (most) excited to see my favorite Mini Horse... his pictures been on my fridge all year long and I'm bringing him some mini carrots and big hugs :)
1. Come back this afternoon for a Blogger Feature & Giveaway! 
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2. Don't forget to enter July's Big Giveaway here!!

3. I've got some major blog catchup to do... I'm still working through my blog topics list, thanks for being patient :)

4. Elsie mailed me a whole bunch of vintage dresses that fit PERFECT! I'm so excited! Thank-you Pilgrim!!

5. Thank you for reading my blog, I'm so happy you're here :)

xoxo,
Leigh-Ann "Future Horse Mama" Keffer

Home Ec eCourse, $50

Home Ec is not just for teenagers anymore, it's for everyone, everywhere!! 

Leigh-AnnRachel, and Courtney built this Sewing eCourse for beginners and those who want to develop and polish their sewing skills! We created 3 Guides, 28 step-by-step Projects with at least one new Sewing Technique in each, and a tips post on How to Invent & Adapt projects of your own!
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This class is different than others we've taught. The projects are each amazing and useful, but the real purpose of each project is so that you can learn a specific sewing skill, one step at a time, practicing and learning along the way. We also want to show you previews & describe to you EACH project so that you can see what you learn and how much skill you'll obtain by the end of Home Ec. The value is insane!





Your Name:
Your Email Address for Access:



The Home Ec eCourse features 2 videos, a few guides and 28 step-by-step written tutorials that are accompanied by plenty of photos. This is an example of the tutorial format.


About Each Project...

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How to Work your Sewing Machine - Video 
A video guided tour of your new Sewing Machine... filling & loading your bobbin, threading your machine, adjusting stitch length, needle alignment, using the presser foot and backstitching. Plus a few tips for straight & even stitch lines and my favorite sewing habits!
Video transcripts are available for the Hearing Impaired upon request.

Tools of the Trade - Guide 
Fabric and craft stores can be overwhelming, especially when you're just learning how to sew. Did I get everything I needed? Did I get anything I needed? As someone who has spent a great deal of their life both shopping and working in those stores, I've learned nearly every product top to bottom. So, for my first post I'll be covering a range of what you may need and why, as well as share a few helpful shopping tips.

Tips & Troubleshooting - Video
 I'll be covering basic problems you may run into using your sewing machine and what to check first before taking it in for a check up.  In my video, you'll get a few tips on keeping your machine clean and running smoothly and a basic run down on what to expect to pay for a new machine or tune up.  Don't be afraid!  Your machine is your friend!
Video transcripts are available for the Hearing Impaired upon request.


 Cloth Napkins (2 Ways)
Set a more beautiful table with handmade cloth napkins!  You'll learn how to make two styles with basic techniques that will help you master larger projects later in the class.  You can feel good about setting your table in style because cloth napkins reduce waste and help save money! Introducing: squaring up fabric, simple hemming, adding Ric-Rac edging.  With a focus on mixing and matching patterns.

Drawstring Gift Pouch
Instead of wrapping a gift with paper, create this pretty drawstring gift pouch that acts as a bonus gift and reusable bag!  You'll learn how to create a pouch, Also great for business owners packaging products and making a great impression! Introducing: making a bag, joining 2 fabrics, drawstring casing, square corners, strong slit.

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Reusable Grocery/Book Bag
Finally a grocery bag that can fit lots and be carried over the shoulder for one big trip into the house. This bag isn't just beautiful, but is also machine washable and also great for the environment! Introducing: Making a larger bag, straps, strong x joints.

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Round Bunting
Learn how to create fabric circles and put together a new take on classic bunting.  Ideal for a nursery, shower gift, or a playful display in your studio! Easily customizable and simple enough to finish in an afternoon. Introducing: Creating fabric circles and machine applique.


Supplies Roll-Up
The perfect caddy for your supplies, your boyfriends wrenches, your kids markers or your sharpie collection! Made with an oilcloth or vinyl exterior and an adjustable strap, this roll-up is durable, flexible and just what everyone needs! Introducing: creating sections, working with thicker material (and needle), installing an adjustable strap


Ironing Board Cover
Replace your dingy old ironing board cover with a shiny new one, and make everyone's least favorite chore a little bit more fun. Introducing: using old cover to create a pattern for the new, edge-finishing options, elasticizing an edge, calculating fabric required.


Curtains (2 Ways)
Curtains can be extremely expensive but not when you make them yourself! Choose grommets or a bunched 'ruffle' top and sew window treatments to suit every room in your home! Introducing: lining up a pattern, double hemming, spacing & installing large grommets.


Quilted Pot Holder
Pot holders are a dying breed... no more cork ones in this house, I want cute fabric ones protecting my pretty table :) Work with batting to create a layer of insulation, and quilting to keep the potholder thin and flat. Introducing: batting, closing in a double sided square, blanket stitch.


Reversible Bib
Bibs don't have to be tacky.  Learn to make your own with fabric you have on hand.  You'll learn straight line quilting and how to work with double-fold bias tape. Introducing: quilting straight lines, adding bias tape, drafting from a pattern.


Hemming Jeans At Home
We can't all have an industrial "jean machine" in our homes (though I'm definitely hoping I someday will!), but it's still possible to end up with a nice looking hem when you're either pressed for time or pinching pennies. You'll pick up techniques for shortening your favorite denim using both hand and machine sewing. Introducing: determining correct length, working with heavy materials, determining your machine's limits.


Zippered Pencil Case
 Gather all your cute pencils and markers because as soon as you finish this project, you're going to want to use it! Sewing a zipper can feel so intimidating but it's actually pretty simple, don't be afraid! Introducing: installing a zipper, lining a pouch

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 Resizing a Shirt or Dress
Don't throw out your grandma's vintage mumu!  With a few basic tricks, you can resize vintage clothing to fit your body type. Introducing: hemming, taking in at the sides, learning your measurements and silhouettes that are most flattering.

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Jersey Wrap Skirt (Forgiving Raw-Edge)
This super-basic skirt, which you will draft from your own measurements (using math--gasp!), is both forgiving to your figure and to your skill. Lots of finishing techniques are not only difficult, they're time consuming. By leaving the edges raw, we leave time for more important things, like creating the perfect fit. And looking totally cute in your new skirt because, hey look at that, you're already done making it! Introducing: drafting a pattern from measurements, properties of stretch fabric, getting comfortable with clothing construction.

Plushie Toy
Babies grow out of their adorable clothes so quickly but you can give them new life in the form of their favorite new plushie!  Using a provided pattern and easy directions you can make these gender neutral creatures for your favorite little one. Introducing: working with jersey cotton, customizing a pattern.
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Removable Pillow Case with Piping
Take your pillows to the next level with piping that makes them pop!  You'll learn how to create a removable pillow case and add piping to add depth and create a more finished shape. Introducing: removable cushion case, piping.
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Ruffled Duvet Cover
A duvet can be a quick and affordable way to update the look of your bedroom...and it can be a lot more affordable if you make it yourself! We'll give you a few different options for fabric, dimensions, and construction so you can decide what works best for you. Introducing: buttonholes, fabric care, ruffles.
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Fabric Cubby/Tray
Those square shelving units and fabric cubbies are really popular, but sometimes it's really hard to find cute ones, especially in the right size. We'll show you how to make your own! And, if you don't have a shelving unit, you'll also be able to use the techniques to make neat little fabric trays, perfect for office desk organization or craft show displays. Introducing: constructing a cube, working with heavy interfacing.
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Padded Laptop Case
There's no reason your laptop should be in a boring black sleeve... let's create a case that makes you smile each time you use it (while still being protective)! Sized to your computer, this padded case is built to last, beautify and protect. Introducing: Working with Foam.
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apron
Full Apron
Make an Anthropologie inspired apron sure to flatter any shape.  This simple pattern allows your fabric selection to stand out with a chic bow detail at one shoulder. Give them as gifts this Christmas! Introducing pleated pockets.
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Leather and Canvas Purse
The purse that actually looks like you bought it at a boutique.  Learn how to add rich details to your creations by using leather and hardware like the pros. Introducing sewing with leather, box purse base, sewing with hardware details.
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Mod Table Runner (Double Sided)
Dress up your tea party with a table runner than calls all eyes onto your pretty table display! Similar to quilting, this tablerunner is made by joining materials to create visual interest and seamed in a way that flattens your piece and shows a level of craftsmanship that impresses all your guests! (Note: The above tablerunner fabric is more traditional than mod. You'll see a mod table runner in the class, promise!)
Introducing: Secure Seaming, Straight Lines that Show.
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Drafting a Simple Pattern
One of the fastest ways to learn how clothing is constructed is to tear it apart. If not literally, then visually (we'll cover both options). Using a basic piece of clothing from your closet, we'll recreate it "quick and dirty" style. These make great projects for late at night when the fabric stores and mall are closed and you really want to wear something new the next day! Introducing: what types of clothing are easily drafted, working backwards, simple construction.
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Hanging Shoe Organizer
Shoe organizers are not a new invention but cute ones just might be! These hanging shoe organizers are a stylish way to display and store 12 pairs of shoes (or more) and use vertical space to your advantage. Introducing: Tabs, Rows of Dimensional Pockets and a Secret Tip. 
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Messenger Bag
This grey & yellow corduroy messenger bag feels like the 'safe purse' for girls who don't love handbags (also great for students). Built to last with looks that impress, you'll love carrying your books and belongings in your handmade messenger bag that's sure to make you proud of your new sewing & construction skills! Introducing: Working with directional texture, hardware connectors, adding decorative personality.
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Reading a Commercial Pattern
They're tempting, they're intimidating. You're pretty sure they're written in a different language. Commercial patterns open up a whole new world of clothing (and accessories/craft) construction that would otherwise be impossible for "civilians" (read: not trained fashion & pattern designers) such as us. From selecting a pattern, to learning how to read the "step by step", we hope to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to conquer these wonderful little mysteries. Introducing: determining your size, skill level, understanding fabric & notions, using your pattern "correctly", dealing with the mishaps.
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Flying Geese Quilt
The cherry on top of this crafty class!  Use your new confidence to create a beautiful, large quilt for yourself or a loved one.  Introducing patchwork quilting.
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How to Invent & Adapt Projects
Different from any of our past online classes, in Home Ec, we are allowing you to take the projects we teach in this class and reproduce them for Commercial Use if you choose (but not to reteach). This means that if you own a business, taking Home Ec can expand your range of products and potential! We hope that you will find ways to personalize the projects to make them your own, and in this Tips post, Leigh-Ann will give recommendations for adapting a few of the projects into your own style and brand (also beneficial for gift making!). Even better, learn how to think like an inventor... how to use the skills you've learned in Home Ec to invent and design completely new projects exclusive to YOU!




Your Name:
Your Email Address for Access:






Each Home Ec project features a new skill that will allow you to learn with practice & application as you complete the project using the step by step instructions. As you move through the course from beginning to end, your skills and confidence will grow and you will feel comfortable with the progression in project difficulty. We've written all tutorials with lots of demonstrative photos and step by step written instructions. Our tutorials are pretty and easy to understand and follow, even for the newest beginners!

All sessions are live when you arrive and there is no time limit to your access or involvement. This means there's no waiting for projects to be posted and you can take the course at whatever pace works for you, your class access has no expiry & it will always be here for you :)

A Few Things to Note:
- You will receive access by email within 48 hours.
- This eCourse does not include live support but almost any question you could have or problem you could run into has been addressed.
- Registration does not include supplies or print outs.
-  The Home Ec eCourse features step-by-step tutorials that are written with plenty of photos. This is an example of the format.
- The Home Ec eCourse kicks off with 2 videos. Video transcripts are available for the Hearing Impaired upon request.
- If you'd like to give Home Ec as a Gift, we have printable Gift Cards!

• Meet your Teachers: Leigh-AnnRachelCourtney
• Check-out at our Registration Page (or below)


Your Teachers
Leigh-Ann: Sewing since 1993, Self Taught, Hobby Sew-er.
Rachel: Sewing for 8+ years, Quilter, Seamstress and Innovator.
Courtney: Sewing for 7+ years, Quilter and Professionally Trained Seamstress.


About the Power of Sewing

"Sewing has made me a happy happy girl. I highly recommend learning how to use your machine - you won't regret it - and will find yourself spending less and less time at the mall, and more time online figuring out how to make your own version of some of your favorite $300 dollar dresses! Plus, having a reason to browse fabric shops. That's my favorite part." -Jill from Lune Vintage

"Sewing sort of fell into my lap about 18 months ago, and I'm so amazed at all it's brought me: a wonderful group of new friends, satisfaction in creating something cute & sassy, and most recently being able to quit my day-job to sew full-time. Playing with fabric and creating cute gifts is the best!" -Maggie from Gussy Sews

"I love to sew accessories for my home, clothes and just general repair. It can be very relaxing and a great stress reliever.I sewed most of my childrens clothes, blankets and some toys when they were young and it was so rewarding; seeing them wear and play with things I'd made was incredible." -Sharon







Your Name:
Your Email Address for Access:




Questions
If you have any questions, please email hello@frecklednest.com
xoxo, Leigh-Ann, Rachel and Courtney