It's a Summer Shut Down...Tips on Closing Down Your Fashion Classroom
Summer break is quickly upon us classroom teachers. Follow these steps to get your fashion classroom August ready before you leave campus for the summer.
Clear the space: Start by removing any unnecessary items from the fashion classroom. This includes scraps of fabric, old patterns, and any other materials that are not needed for current or future projects. Go through student work left behind. If you can use any of the work for future examples, then neatly store away. Before you dispose, recycle, or store away, take a pic to update your slide decks.
Organize storage areas: Assess your storage areas, such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers. Ensure that each item has a designated place, and organize them in a logical and easily accessible manner. Consider using clear containers or bins to store smaller items like thread, needles, and buttons. Small boxes make great and cheap containers for organizing small sewing equipment.
Clean sewing machines: Thoroughly clean each sewing machine in the classroom. Use a soft brush to remove lint and dust from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and other components. Compressed air works wonders! Wipe down the surface of the machines with a cloth and mild cleaning solution to remove any dirt or stains. Make sure all parts of the machine to include cords, foot controls and bobbin covers are numbered for easy reference and storage. You may need to store machines in a special location if your floors will be cleaned over the summer. Check with your custudian or assistant principal to see if this will be happening over summer.
Sort and store fabrics: Sort through your fabric stash and eliminate any damaged or unusable pieces. Fold the remaining fabrics neatly and store them in a designated area, such as shelves or storage bins, according to type, color, or project. Good luck, this has always been a challenging area to maintain…it is lovingly referred to as the “beast” in my classroom. This major stash should contain cotton friendly fabrics focused for the beginning sewist.
Organize notions and tools: Group sewing notions and tools together based on their function. Keep items like scissors, measuring tapes, and pins in easily accessible containers or organizers. This will make it easier for students to find what they need during their projects. I have my small tools organized in small, metal drawers purchased from IKEA. I love it!
Clean work surfaces: Wipe down all work surfaces, such as student desks, cutting tables and ironing boards, with a cleaning solution appropriate for the classroom. Remove any excess fabric scraps, threads, or other debris. Ensure that there are clear and clutter-free work areas for students to use. If you have small sewing trash containers by the machines, clean out and store for the summer. Refresh the labels if damaged from overuse.
Check equipment: Inspect all equipment, such as irons, cutting tools, and rulers, for any damage or signs of wear. Replace or repair any items as necessary to maintain a safe and efficient sewing environment.
Label and inventory: Label storage containers and shelves to indicate the contents, making it easier for students to locate materials. I have an inventory list of all the supplies, equipment, and tools in the fashion classroom. This helps to keep track of what you have and what may need replenishing. It also helps to track the age of the equipment. Personally, I am going to plan all purchases before leaving to ensure I have supplies approved and orders ready to submit when a new school year begins.
Safety measures: Review safety protocols, redesign if needed to focus on the importance of keeping the fashion classroom and lab clean and organized. Examine the classroom and reflect back over the school year. Did you have any safety concerns? I will be revising my safety contract to include the importance of storing equipment and tips to stay safe while working in the fashion lab.
Maintain cleanliness: Encourage students to clean up after themselves and follow good hygiene practices while using the fashion classroom/lab. Regularly assess and clean the space to maintain a clean, healthy and inviting environment for everyone. Creating a clean-up procedure or plan for the new school year will help you to build a culture of respect for the equipment, the classroom and for each other.
By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can keep your fashion classroom organized, safe, and conducive to creativity and learning.