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Special sewing workshops set in Elkins

ELKINS — Participants will have the opportunity to stitch memories when a nationally known sewing educator visits an Elkins retailer and offers hands-on workshops next week.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 21 and 22, Viking Sewing Machine Educator Karen Charles will be offering demonstrations and workshops on different sewing techniques at Elkins Sewing Center.

“She travels all over the country and she’ll have a lot of samples of things she has done on our various sewing machines,” Sue Pifer, Elkins Sewing Center owner, said. “Her information will be applicable to any range of machines, so she will have things a person who has a basic machine can use.

“It’s to stimulate interest but it’s also a training opportunity for people to see what they can do beyond what they already do,” she added.

The first day, Tuesday, will consist of a trunk show and a variety of demonstrations.

“A trunk show or lecture demonstration is another terminology for it. A trunk show means she comes with a suitcase full of treasures which she pulls out and says ‘This I used technique ‘A, B, C,’ on and this I used technique ‘C, D, E,’ on,’ and passes it around to people who are attending so they can touch it, feel it and look at it front and back,” Pifer said. “It is better for them if they can touch and feel it.”

On day two, there will be hands-on workshops where attendees will learn different techniques on laptop computers.

“Wednesday, she will be doing hands-on workshops. People will bring their laptops and they will be working with their computers and she will be giving them additional computer training because we have embroidery software that interfaces with all of our embroidery machines,” Pifer said. “She will be doing the workshops based on the interests of people who are attending so she should be able to answer questions.”

Lunch is included in the registration fee and registration is required. Those wishing to register can visit Elkins Sewing Center, located at 300 Davis Ave., or call 304-636-9480. Pifer urged interested individuals to register early as space is limited.

Pifer said the sessions are open to all ages and skill levels, and noted you do not have to be a Viking sewing machine owner to register.

Pifer said she feels events like this are not only educational but also enjoyable.

“It’s an opportunity to get new ideas and be inspired by new ideas,” she said. “This educator is fun. We are delighted we were able to invite her back to Elkins.”

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