Once upon a time in the charming state of Massachusetts, settled amid the bustling cities and peaceful countryside, lived a group of extraordinary kids known as the Stitch Masters. They weren't superheroes who saved the world from scary monsters or alien invasions, but they had a special power of their own. They could transform a mere piece of fabric into a stunning masterpiece with a single stroke of a needle! The leader of the Stitch Masters was a sprightly character named Sir Seam Ripper. Dressed in colorful patchwork clothes, he had a needle-sharp wit and a thimble for a hat. He had twinkling button eyes and a zipper for a mouth, which would zip up when he got into his deep sewing concentration mode. His spool-shaped body would spin with delight each time a Stitch Master finished a piece. Massachusetts, where the Stitch Masters resided, was a place where all four seasons loved to show off their best attire. Winters wore a blanket of snow, while springs donned a coat of flowers. Summers showed up in a sunhat of bright sunshine, and autumns preferred a shawl of fallen leaves. These vibrant seasons inspired the Stitch Masters to create the most festive outfits and the warmest quilts. Every week, the Stitch Masters gathered in the grand hall of the Thread Castle, in the heart of Massachusetts. Here, they would sew, stitch, and embroider, their nimble fingers moving faster than a hummingbird's wings. They would laugh and joke, their stitches often getting tangled in fits of giggles. They were the heart and soul of Massachusetts, adding color, warmth, and a touch of magic to the state with their incredible sewing skills!
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
For the last 24 years, our program has brought joy to over 21,000 children by teaching them how to sew! We strive to make every child feel proud of their accomplishments, while having a fun and memorable experience. Our helpful staff are also skilled in customizing the lessons to best fit each individual child’s learning style. We make sure to teach a variety of skills, such as how to properly operate a sewing machine, how to select fabrics and patterns, as well as hand sewing techniques. With our program, children gain a range of useful skills that will stay with them for many years.
For the past decade I have had the privilege of teaching art to children from kindergarten through fifth grade in after-school programs and community education classes. My longest tenure was at the Cabot After School Program in Newtonville, where I taught for seven years. Following that I was the lead art teacher at the Thompson After School Program in Arlington, where I developed art curriculum for elementary school-aged children. Additionally, I have taught arts and crafts to children through the Newton Community Education’s (NCE) summer program and at Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) for three years. I have also taught silk painting and Nuno felting to adults in both of these community education programs. When I'm not teaching art classes, I enjoy creating unique one-of-a-kind silk scarves, clothing, and fine art with dyes that I have been painting on silk with for over fifteen years. My artwork can be found at juried art festivals in the Boston area, the Cambridge Artists Cooperative, and my Etsy shop. You can view my hand painted silks on my website Silkendreams.com. It has been a rewarding experience to merge my teaching and art experiences to share with both children and adults.