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Some say teenage sewing is a long lost hobby but at Road to California, it is alive and well.

“Teaching another generation” is near and dear to Road and the American Sewing Guild who co-sponsored this year’s Teen Sewing Camp. Said teacher Sue Vite, “It is inspiring to teach teenagers and see them get excited and catch the sewing bug…Our generation can’t be afraid to teach the younger generation.” It was apparent that young students truly appreciated learning from experienced sewers.

The goal for the class was to provide an opportunity for young sewers to “relax and create.” Students 10-17 years old were separated into skill level groups for the sold out session. For a $5.00 fee, they were able to choose from five different projects and could work on as many as they could finish during the six hour class. Pre-made kits were all ready to go for the students to make pillow cases, zipper pouches, applique tote bags, nine patch pillows, and elastic waist skirts. Both basic sewing and quilting skills were taught.

What is the most difficult skill for young sewers to grasp? “Sewing a straight line,” replied Ms. Vite. “They have no fear with zippers or anything else. Getting a good seam is tricky for them.”

One of the students in the class was Carolyn Reese’s granddaughter, Jillianne Reese. While Jillianne has spent her whole life helping her grandmother and mother sew, this was the first time she took a class. Jillianne found the class to be both “fun and hard.” She definitely wants to keep on sewing “to make cute things for kids and things for around the house” as well as floor length dresses for her International Order of the Rainbow for Girls meetings.

Lauren, 13 years old, has been sewing since she was 8 years old. She has her own sewing machine and has made several quilts but prefers to work on the types of projects that were offered during the class. She said it was “fun to create new things.”

Brooke, age 11, started sewing when she was just 5 years old. She sees sewing as “a form of art” and says that “It’s good to know how to sew and be able to fix things. When you make things, it saves you money.”

Seeing all the enthusiasm for learning this skill, it is safe to say the future of sewing is in good hands.

When did you first learn to sew?

What do you think of when you hear the words, “beyond the reef?” If they conjure up visions of a laid back, peaceful, relaxing beach setting, then you’ve entered the world of designer, Natalie Barnes.

Natalie, a former corporate commercial interior designer, started quilting in the 70’s as a way to win boys’ hearts in high school. She got started in pattern designing in 1994 when she went on a three week vacation to the north shore of Hawaii to visit a friend. During her stay, she put together a kit for her and her friend to make, utilizing Hawaiian fabrics. Another friend saw what they had made and asked Natalie for the pattern. And so her new career began. She worked part time on her own design work until 2008 when she went full time; marketing Beyond the Reef as a platform for her lectures, quilt show booths, teaching, and book writing.

Natalie embraces the challenge of staying in step with the changing force of quilting, especially with the modern quilt movement. She is “big” in to social media as a means to share her work.  As Natalie puts it, “I love what I do so it is easy to share.” What does she like best about what she does? The people she meets. “I love seeing everyone, their creativity and being a part of the quilting community.”

Natalie is involved in the beach area where she lives and works. When she isn’t designing, Natalie is a puppy sitter for Guide Dogs of America. Her dog, “Buddy,” is a good beach dog and companion. Natalie also enjoys spending time in her raised bed garden.

What does Natalie see for her future? She is excited to work with more fabric companies and publishers, providing more access to her brand. Road to California is proud to share Natalie’s Hawaiian inspired designs with our guests.