"All the moms I know, except one, can't sew," DiGirolamo says. "They don't teach it in school anymore, which is too bad, because sewing and quilting can be enjoyable and rewarding."

After hearing quite a few comments from parents and kids interested in learning how to sew, she was inspired to create her own sewing and quilting classes. So this summer she started her own business, The Sewing Connection.

DiGirolamo is offering eight sewing and quilting classes out of her home, teaching people of all ages who are looking to learn or brush up on their skills.

"I really didn't know what to expect, but I've received a lot of positive feedback from the kids and their parents," she says.

DiGirolamo, who sewed for 10 years, quietly developed a reputation among her friends and acquaintances as the seamstress of the group. Most of the sewing she did was making costumes and clothes for her daughters, and occasionally she made bridesmaid's dresses.

Two years ago, she discovered quilting and reveled in making colorful quilts for herself after years of creating clothes for others.

"Quilting and sewing are quite different from each other," she says. "With sewing, you have a pattern and steps you go through. There are more curves to deal with and it is a lot of tedious work. With quilting, everything is done in a straight line."

DiGirolamo adds, "The biggest reward for me is after the kids have completed their quilt, I see them get excited about what they have accomplished."

Patience is a must with each child, and DiGirolamo takes them step by step through the quilting process. During the 2¹/2 hour class the students learn the fundamentals, including how to use a sewing machine. It will take three sessions before they finish their 30-inch-by-30-inch butterfly-patterned quilt. The students will learn to mix and match large and small patches of fabric, decide on the colors for their butterflies and background, and then sew the project together. Throughout the sessions DiGirolamo will diligently guide the students every step of the way.

"By the end of each session, my goal is for them to feel comfortable with the sewing machine and show them how relaxing sewing can be," she said.

Sara Kusumoto, a fourth-grader at Country Lane Elementary, took a sewing class from DiGirolamo earlier in the summer and liked it so much she decided to also take a quilting class.

"In Sara's first sewing class, she was a little intimidated in the beginning, but within five minutes she went right to it and had no fear," DiGirolamo says.

Corinne Jaques, a fourth-grader at St. Lucy Parish School in Campbell, had only taken one sewing class prior, and she plans to continue learning the craft because she enjoys sewing with her friends and grandmother.

"I'm making this quilt for my grandma's 50th wedding anniversary," says Corinne proudly. Jaques' little sister, Taylor, took a quilting class to make a quilt for her godmother.

With an initial positive response to her classes, DiGirolamo is considering teaching more classes during the school year and also offering private lessons.

"I'm just happy to see the kids are having fun and learning at the same time, DiGirolamo says. "I hope they will continue to sew and pass it on."

For more information about Kathy DiGirolamo's quilting and sewing classes, call 408.978.4895 or email digirolamo@sbcglobal.net. Private lessons are also available.