Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy​​
Birchbank Farm - Sewing                       Fall 2020
​Students and teachers must be able to readily switch to online lessons at any point in the semester in order to register for classes. All students must complete a project for these classes.

Additional registration at location is required. Click here for instructions.

Class Title: SEWING 
Grades: 4th grade – 12th grade 
When: Tuesdays at 10:30 pm until 11:50pm, Classes start the week of September 15 
Where: Birch Bank Farms 1826 Platt St, Niles, MI 49107
Instructor: Janine Frizzo Website: www.birchbankfarms.com Please visit our website to complete your registration
Format: In-Person 

PLEASE NOTE: CLASS DATES AND TIMES MAY CHANGE IF ANY CLASS MUST BE SPLIT UP TO MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STUDENT SAFETY. SEE SYLLABUS NOTES.

Class Description: From simple hand sewing techniques to advanced machine embroidery all  skill levels accepted.  We start with a tunic and design a costume for theatre, dynamic class presentations or just plain fun. First semester focuses on realistic human forms. Second semester focuses on fantasy and animal forms. Students will be expected to bring their own equipment , supplies, and fabric.  A sewing machine is not required, but advanced students are encouraged to bring theirs and loaners are available for rental. All projects will have the option of completion without the use of a sewing machine. A list of required supplies will be provided on the first day.

    This is usually a full year class but your student is welcome to join us for one or both semesters. Each semester consists of 12 sessions, each 1 hour and 20 minutes long.
​Syllabus
             

 
Class Title: BEARLY SEWING 
Grades: 4th grade – 12th grade  
When: Tuesdays at 3:30pm until 4:50pm, Classes start the week of September 15 *NOTE: Time Change!
Where: Birch Bank Farms 1826 Platt St, Niles, MI 49107 
Instructor: Janine Frizzo Website: www.birchbankfarms.com Please visit our website to complete your registration
Format: In-Person 

PLEASE NOTE: CLASS DATES AND TIMES MAY CHANGE IF ANY CLASS MUST BE SPLIT UP TO MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STUDENT SAFETY. SEE SYLLABUS NOTES.

Class Description: The syllabus is a general guideline. Projects, skill goals and order may be changed to better suit the skill level of a particular class, a particular student, available mediums and supplies and weather. Each student will be required to finish an individual or group project before the end of Bearly Sewing.
Bearly Sewing is a multi level sewing course that will send beginners off feeling confident and advanced students challenged enough to keep them occupied.  We will start with a  basic pincushion bear,  and allow access to patterns and design challenges right up through repurposing an old fur coat.  Each student will work at their own level and finish as many projects as their abilities allow.
Some materials must be provided by the student. See notes in the syllabus.
​Syllabus                         

*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class. 
​Teacher of Record:  Lisa Van Plew-Cid