Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts

Monday, February 21, 2011

Zippy post

I'm getting ready for the sewing class I'm teaching on Wednesday evening: "Make a Zippered Bag."



I keep a stash of supplies on hand, so I have most of what I need. But this time I have seven people registered, so I may need to run to Jo-Ann tomorrow for a few final things.

My hubby was kind enough to let me use his iPad as I was cutting the fabric for the kits. I loaded the project sheet on it so that I'd have all the measurements at my fingertips. So handy!

And speaking of cutting, I was super duper careful working with my rotary cutter after hearing what happened to a friend of mine this weekend. She dropped her rotary cutter on her foot and had to go to the hospital for stitches. Can you imagine? Ouch! I've always had a fear of sewing over my finger, but I'd never so much as thought about this potential horror. She's doing okay now, so that's good.

Well, I'd better get all these bits and pieces cleared off the dining room table before it's time for bed. Take care!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Spring craft and sewing classes in Gainesville

Felted fortune cookies
*** NOTE: If you're looking for sewing classes in Gainesville and found this post through an Internet search, please check out my new studio, Sew Make Do, for the latest details on current classes that I'm teaching. Thanks! Kim ***


I'm excited to announce that I have several craft and sewing classes that I'll be teaching this spring in Gainesville. Here they are in order of when they happen. Just click on the links for a full description of each class.

Heartfelt Fortune Cookies -- FREE workshop
Millhopper Branch Library
Tuesday, Feb. 8 -- 6pm to 7:30pm

Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Saturday, Feb. 5 -- 9am to noon
only one spot left! register now if you're interested!

Sewing: Learn to Work with Patterns
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Saturday, Feb. 12 -- 1pm to 5pm
Sorry--this class is already full. Watch for it again in the summer.

Sewing: Make a Zippered Bag
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Wednesday, Feb. 23 -- 6pm to 9pm

Anyone is welcome at any of the classes, but be sure to register in advance for the sewing classes through the UF Leisure Course website.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Holiday shopping shortcut -- and FREE craft workshop in Gainesville!


Gift card holder
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter
Running out of time to shop this holiday season? Take a shortcut by buying gift cards and tucking them in cute little mini-stockings that you create out of recycled sweaters and scrap bits of trim.

Next year, the recipient can use the stocking as a Christmas ornament, or re-gift it to someone else with a fresh gift card inside. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Want to make your own? Join me for a FREE craft workshop at the Tower Road branch library this Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. I'll bring all the supplies that you need, but feel free to bring any scrap bits of trim that you might be saving for a special project.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page for the workshop.

Gift card holder or mini stocking ornament

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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.

Monday, March 01, 2010

New Etsy listings and workshops

I have a few updates to share with everyone. First, I'm no longer a contestant in "So You Think You're Crafty." Sadly, my UFO lamp didn't garner enough votes for me to make it through the "Retro" challenge.

It's been a lot of fun though. If you have the time, please keep tuning in and voting for your favorites. I know that the remaining crafters would definitely appreciate it. And speaking of appreciation, thanks so very much to all of YOU who voted for ME in the past few weeks!

As an eternal optimist, I'm trying to look at my elimination as a good thing. After all, not being in the contest any longer means that I have more time on my hands for other things. The first thing I tackled was taking some photos and adding new items to my Etsy shop. I added a few souvenir clocks, and I even listed the bib necklace that I created for the "Alabama Studio Style" contest (pictured here). It was a tough call because I literally spent hours sewing this thing. Here's a shot of me getting started on the project on the flight up to see my sister. (You might recognize that pin cushion from my audition round at SYTYC.)

Sewing on the plane

I received such a positive response from people on Facebook and Flickr (thanks, y'all!), that I figured I'd offer it for sale and see what happens with it.

Speaking of the "Alabama Studio Style" contest, if you're a BurdaStyle member then please consider voting for my project. I'd really appreciate it! The winners receive a host of cool prizes, including a weekend workshop at Natalie Chanin's studio. You can vote for it here. Thanks!

This week I'm also going to come up with some new workshop ideas to pitch to the Alachua County Library system. I try to do workshops that use cheap or free materials and that are suited for a range of age groups. Any suggestions for new workshops?

And speaking of workshops, I'm offering two free ones next week:
Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Refashion Your Wardrobe


Re-purposed top
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter
I'm offering yet another new class this spring through the UF Leisure Course Program. This one's a low- or no-sew class, so it's great for anyone who want to freshen up her wardrobe using a few crafty tricks.

Refashion Your Wardrobe
Wednesday, March 31 -- 6-9pm
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! The class is taught by Kim Taylor, aka “The Sassy Crafter” (http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com). 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.

Registration opens on January 11, and you can register online through the UF Leisure Course site.

And on a related note, this top appears in the Jan/Feb issue of "Belle Armoire" magazine. Yay! That means that I met one of my crafty goals for the year, which was to have my work published in a national magazine. Okay, so technically the issue appears in 2010 but they mailed me my courtesy copy this week, so I feel like that's close enough.

"Belle Armoire" magazine feature

Friday, September 04, 2009

Sing!

I couldn't resist "singing" to you about how well the workshop went last week. We had a good crowd, including a few kids (always fun!) and a gal who attended the felted sweaters workshop and came back for more.

Everyone's bottlecaps turned out amazing. It was hard for me to give them back and not want to keep them for myself, especially this cute little birdie.

At any rate, I wanted to show them off to you. It's always so much fun to put the same pile of basic materials in front of people and see the unique things they each come up with.

Lauren's bottle caps

Resin bottlecap pendants


Luna and Inti's bottle caps

Resin bottlecap pendants


Nicole's bottle caps (your name was Nicole, right?)

Resin bottlecap pendants

I'll be offering new workshops through the Alachua County Library District in the spring. In the meantime, check out my sewing workshops through the UF Leisure Course Program.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Summer craft workshops in Gainesville

Join me for a second round of free craft workshops with the Alachua County Library District!

This time we'll work with recycled bottle caps and resin to create 3D mini-collages that can be used as necklaces, magnets, keychains, pet ID tags, zipper pulls, wine glass charms, or whatever else you can think of.

First we'll create mini-collages in the bottle caps using paper, foil, glitter, yarn, and small 3D elements. Then we'll fill the bottle caps with clear resin to seal the collages and add a dimensional effect.

Finished resin bottlecap pendants

I'll provide materials, though it would be helpful for you to bring a pair of scissors and any favorite collage papers or small charms, beads, or 3D elements.

You must be able to return to the library a few days after the workshop to pick up your finished pieces, since the resin needs several days to cure.

Hawthorne Branch
Saturday, July 11
2-4 p.m.
more details

Micanopy Branch
Sunday, July 26
2-4 p.m.
more details

Headquarters Branch
Tuesday, August 25
6-8 p.m
more details

Finished resin bottlecap pendants

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Free craft workshop Sunday at Downtown Library

This Sunday I'll be teaching the last felted sweater workshop through the library district. We'll transform felted sweaters and cool metallic threads from Kreinik into one of a kind flower pins that you can wear. Or if you're not into flower pins, then you can make a java jacket to keep your coffee hot and your hands cool.

As I said, the workshop is free. All you need to bring is your crafty self and a pair of sharp scissors.

Headquarters Library
Sunday, May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.


Felt workshop at Tower Road Library

Felt workshop at Tower Road Library

Felt workshop at Tower Road Library

All of the photos in this post are from the workshop that I taught a few weeks back at the Tower Road branch. 

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Free felted fun coming to a library near you!

Local blog readers listen up -- I'm teaching free, yes FREE, crafting workshops this spring through the Alachua County Library District. The first workshop takes place this Saturday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the High Springs Library.

We'll transform felted sweaters and cool metallic threads from Kreinik into one of a kind flower pins that you can wear. Or if you're not into flower pins, then you can make a java jacket to keep your coffee hot and your hands cool. All you need to bring is your sassy self and a pair of sharp scissors.

Here's the skinny on the other three upcoming workshops:

(Click on the links and scroll down to "Sewing Hip Accessories from Recycled Sweaters" for a full description)

Hawthorne Library
Saturday, March 28 @ 2 p.m.

Tower Road Library
Thursday, April 2 @ 6:30 p.m.

Headquarters Library
Sunday, May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.

In these tough economic times, how can you pass up the chance to craft for free? Hope to see you there!

Striped felted flower pin

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Felting Workshop for Gainesville Crafters

If you live in Gainesville and like to craft, check out the class I'm offering this fall through the UF Leisure Course program. Anyone can register, even if you're not a UF student.

Felted Fun: Hip Accessories from Recycled Sweaters
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
12 noon - 3 p.m.
Reitz Union 276 and 277

Learn how to take boring wool sweaters and turn them into one-of-a-kind accessories by using a few basic sewing skills and a technique commonly known as felting. We'll make one small project in class and you'll get pointers and inspiration for making other projects at home (purses, journal covers, iPod cozies, and others). Basic hand-sewing skills are helpful but not necessary. Materials and supplies will be provided by the instructor, in exchange for a $10 lab fee paid in cash at the beginning of class.

* Student Price: $10.00
* Alumni Price: $17.00
* Staff Price: $20.00
* General Public: $20.00
* Lab Fee: $10.00

I'm only allowing 10 students into the class, so spots are limited. Sign up now if you're interested!

Erika purse

turquoise and yellow cheerleader handbag

Cindy purse

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