Summer sewing and craft classes in Gainesville

Reversible apron

I finally have the full schedule of sewing and craft workshops that I'll be teaching this summer in Gainesville. I'm excited to say that I'm offering several brand new classes, including a few with a special summer twist. Scroll down for all of the details.

Sewing classes
These classes are offered through UF but anyone in the community can register for them. If you're interested in a class, you'll need to register in advance via the UF Leisure Course website.

Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine
one three-hour class; offered twice this semester
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 5 from 9am-noon (Course #8750)
OR
Saturday, July 10 from 9am-noon (Course #8752)
This crash course will take the mystery out of sewing and get you comfortable with using a sewing machine. I'll teach you the basics of threading a machine, winding a bobbin, straight stitching, back stitching, zig-zag stitching and other key topics. You'll even leave with a finished project! Bring your own sewing machine, manual, and bobbins, as well as a pair of sharp scissors. Don’t own a sewing machine? Use one of mine for an additional lab fee of $15. You MUST email me in advance if you wish to reserve a machine (sassycrafter@gmail.com). All students will pay a lab fee of $10 in cash to cover the cost of handouts and materials. For information about additional course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Learn to Work with Patterns
one 4-hour class; offered twice this semester
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 5 from 1-5pm (Course #8751)
OR
Saturday, July 10 from 1-5pm (Course #8753)
Know how to use a sewing machine but still want to learn how to work with patterns? This class will teach you the basics of working with commercial patterns, whether you want to make clothes, crafts, or other fun things. I'll guide you through making a pair of simple pajama pants. Bring a sewing machine, manual, and an extra bobbin. Or if you don’t own a machine, use one mine for an additional lab fee of $15. You MUST email me in advance if you wish to reserve a machine (sassycrafter@gmail.com). All students must bring a pair of sharp scissors and pay a lab fee of $25 in cash to the instructor (cost of pattern, fabric, elastic, and coordinating thread). For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site. Can be taken back-to-back with "Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine."

Sewing: Make a Zippered Bag
one 3-hour course
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 12, 9am-noon (Course #8755)
In this class, we'll learn how to use a zipper foot to create a zippered bag that's perfect for holding pencils, makeup, sewing supplies, or other small items. These bags also make great gifts! Students should understand the basics of using a sewing machine and bring their sewing machine, manual, zipper foot, and bobbins, as well as a pair of sharp scissors. All students will pay a lab fee of $10 in cash to the instructor to cover the cost of handouts, all materials, and the use of irons in class. For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Refashion Your Wardrobe
one 3-hour class
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 12, 1-4pm (Course #8756)
Tired of what’s in your closet? In this class, we’ll take a basic top from your existing wardrobe and transform it using fabric paint, trim, embroidery, beadwork, and other effects (example: http://bit.ly/4zIEbt). The final product will make you look like you stepped out of the pages of a designer fashion catalog! Students must bring a top (long or short-sleeved, preferably a knit pullover style) and $10 lab fee payable in cash to the instructor to cover the cost of materials. For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Make an Apron  new!
two 3-hour classes
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, July 17 and Saturday, July 24 from 9am-noon (Course #8757)

In this class, we'll sew a reversible apron that will flatter any figure, thanks to its gathered bodice and fit-to-flare skirt. We'll be using the "Pretty Ditty Apron" pattern from Jamie Christina (example: http://bit.ly/aZPhRo). All students will pay a lab fee of $15 in cash to the instructor at the first class to cover the cost of patterns, elastic thread, handouts, and the use of irons. In the first class, we'll cut out patterns and discuss materials, so all you need to bring is a pair of scissors suitable for cutting paper. Then in the second class, we'll sew the aprons. Students must bring their own fabric, thread, and sewing machine to the second class. All students should already understand how to use a sewing machine. For information on course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Make a Shirred Summer Dress new!
three 3-hour classes
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, July 17, Saturday, July 24, and Saturday, July 31 from 1pm-4pm (Course #8756)
In this class, we'll make a shirred, A-line sundress that's perfect for the beach or the first Gator gameday. We'll be working with the "Honey Girl Dress" pattern from Jamie Christina (example: http://bit.ly/b9KQBj) and will learn how to use elastic thread to create a shirred elastic bodice that will fit any body type. All students will pay a lab fee of $15 in cash to the instructor at the first class to cover the cost of patterns, elastic thread, handouts, and the use of irons. In the first class, we'll cut out patterns, discuss materials, and wind elastic thread onto bobbins. Students should bring a pair of paper-cutting scissors and three empty bobbins to the first class. Then in the second and third classes, we'll construct the dress. Students must bring their own sewing machine, fabric, and thread to the second and third classes. All students should already understand the basics of using a sewing machine. For information on fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Craft workshops
I offer these workshops through the Alachua County Library District, and they're all free and open to the public. Usually we have plenty of space for everyone who shows up, but occasionally workshops are limited to a certain number of people. If there's a particular workshop you want to attend, you can call the library for more information or just show up a little early to guarantee yourself a spot.

Make a Splash!: Flotsam Bottle Cap Pendants
one 1-hour class
Tower Road Branch Library
Saturday, June 26 from 11am-noon
Don't throw away those metal bottle caps, repurpose them! First we'll create mini-collages in the bottle caps using seashells, paper, foil, glitter, yarn, and small 3D elements. Then I'll take the bottle caps home and fill them with clear resin to seal the collages and add a dimensional effect. All materials will be provided, but you may also want to bring your own beachcombed objects. The finished bottle caps will be ready to pick up at the library a few days after the program is over. Examples: http://bit.ly/9nGQOZ

Making Mini-Notebooks Using Recycled Materials
Millhopper Branch Library on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:30-8:30pm
OR
Micanopy Branch Library on Sunday, July 25 from 2pm-3pm
In this workshop, we'll use discarded product packaging and recycled paper to create fun mini-notebooks (example: http://bit.ly/bDS1L2. These notebooks are the perfect place to write down your favorite memories from a summer trip to the beach. Or just use them to keep track of what's next on your to-do list. I'll provide all materials, though it would be helpful to bring your own pair of scissors and any favorite collage papers.

The Decorated Page
one 2-hour class
Tower Road Branch Library, Thursday, August 5 from 6:30-8:30pm
In this program, we'll recycle old books and make something new. Refurbish pages and covers with cool artwork and paper to make a journal, scrapbook, or day planner of your choice. I'll bring scissors, glue, old books and collage paper, but feel free to bring your own collage papers and old books for altering.