Guest Blog by Marilyn Vrooman

Much has changed over the past years in Family and Consumer Science classes; however the most consistent support is B-Sew Inn and their commitment to classroom equipment, supplies and educational resources.  This year at Millwood we were able to participate in the equipment loaner program.  The students are in awe of the things that the Unity sewing and monogram machine can do.  We purchased Anita Goodesign software “Sock Monkeys” and the students are having a blast creating quilt blocks with the sock monkey designs.  They have created enough blocks that we have incorporated them into a 74” x 90” quilt.

Sergers have changed drastically over the years also.  We have sergers from 1985, 1996, 2008 and now the Evolution. What a change in the threading system.  I can remember when it took forever to thread, set tension controls, manually set the differential feed to now with the Evolution it takes just minutes. The serging results are just beautiful with so many different options and threads. With all the different thread textures, weights and colors what was once the inside of a garment is now the outside design of clothing and accessories. The only problem is we need one for every student.

At Millwood, we have specific uniforms per building on campus.  All uniforms are monogrammed with logo on the front.  As the student’s work with and learn how to use the Floriani digitizing software, they are beginning to understand the digitizing process as they are trying to re-create their school logos for the future. One of my future goals is to teach thread art quilting.  The digitizing process gives an inside look at what is needed to create the various values, textures and designs used in thread art patterns. As we continue to utilize the loaner program this year with B-Sew Inn, I encourage everyone to participate in equipment programs in the future.

Marilyn Vrooman, PhD
Millwood Arts Academy

Note from Josie:
Thank you Marilyn for such an enthusiastic endorsement of our B-Sew Inn Equipment Loaner Program. We love hearing how this sewing & design technology impacts the learning environment. Inspiring the next generation!!!