INTRODUCING: Marisa Valentino – Sewing Instructor

Responsible for creating, leading and teaching our sewing classes since 2017, Marisa Valentino is the current instructor for our Sew Good- Sewing Classes.

She is also a regular volunteer at the Canning Show and is soon to one of the guest facilitator at the upcoming Fairbridge Craft Retreat (Get your tickets ASAP for the event on 11-13 September).

As part of our INTRODUCING series shining a light on the amazing people and organisations that play an important part in what goes on as part of Cannington Exhibition & Showgrounds, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) or and/or Canning Show operations, we had a chat to Marisa to give you an insight into her work with us and her passion for sewing.

Us: A moment that has stood out so far during your time at CAHRS:

Marisa: The way all the Staff can get the Show done and how it all goes like a well-oiled machine.  I love working with all the staff, they are always helpful and very happy….keep the good work up.

Favorite moment at a previous Canning Show:

– When all the Staff gets dressed up in the theme of the Show/Presentation Evening & Awards (looking forward to what they get up to this year).

– When I come into the hall and see if I have won a prize for my work.

– When I see that my students have entered their work and got a prize. I am so happy for them.

You’re the instructor of our CAHRS-led Sew Good sewing classes. Tell us more about your involvement and why you love sharing your sewing skills:

I run the sewing classes with a program I designed to help people with no sewing knowledge. To learn about their sewing machines and all the basics of sewing in the first 10 weeks. Then over the next 10 weeks we learn about patterns, how to cut fabrics so we can start to make clothing.  We will have 4 items made in 10 weeks.  By this time my students have most of the skills to go shopping and make whatever pattern they have chosen.

I love teaching people how to sew.  It makes me feel that I have given someone a skill for life.  It’s a way to create and show your personality in what you make .It’s good to know how to sew.  You can fix your clothing or make something special for a loved one “One of a Kind”.  There are so many good things about sewing that I can’t list them all!

What drew you to lending your skills to CAHRS/Canning Show/CECS:

I love to sew and I love to work with people.  I somehow have a gift in teaching people so I put 2 and 2 together and became a sewing teacher.  CAHRS had a need and I have a great time in doing teaching for them.

You were a large part of the inspiration for our upcoming Fairbridge Craft Retreat. Tell us about how it came about and who would enjoy/benefit from it?

I have been going to Fairbridge for over 8 years, when I got involved with the Pinjarra Quilters. I started going with the Liddelow Ladies in Kenwick and we each take turns to run the house. I started organising the retreat 5 years ago, it became my job to book the house and make all the arrangements.

Fairbridge is a lovely place for people who love crafting, sewing, knitting or crocheting. There are so many things to see and do, including walking around the beautiful grounds or seeing the wildflowers.

The retreat would be perfect for anyone wanting to express their creative flair or just relax in the gorgeous surrounds.

On the sewing front at Fairbridge, what can people expect to do or learn:

I will be coordinating 3 different projects/sessions…

– Learning to sew a tote bag.

– Creating a patchwork quilt block for Charity Quilts.

– Learning more about whatever project you’re working on

If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you take?

– A book on How to Survive on a Desert Island.

– Inspiration – To keep me from going mad.

– The Travel Destination book series – to forget where I am.

What else do you do in real life?

– I cook to a high standard. I love to make cakes and desserts.

– There are all the mundane things eg: washing, feeding animals, gardening, looking after Dad and, if there is any time left, I love to read.

– Keeping in touch and going out with my friends to dinner, the movies, markets or walking the dogs.

– Sewing, of course!!

Since COVID, what skill have you learned:

Gardening- how not to kill my plants.

What might you be entering in the coming Canning Show Exhibition?

– A cake or other baked goods.

– ‘Quilt-as-you-go’ Quilt

– Thread Point 3D Wall Quilt

What is the best way for people to contact you:

Mobile: 0449 128 289