BASIC SEWING 101: USING STRAIGHT STITCHES & APPLIQUES TO CREATE A PILLOW
basic sewing: using straight stitches & appliqués to create a pillow
so you ended up with aunt edna's sewing machine and it's been gathering dust in the garage or you’ve forgotten your home ec. basics from junior high. this is the perfect class for people who’ve never sewn or need a refresher. we’ll go over how to thread your machine, load and change the bobbin, back tack, draft a simple pattern, cut, a bit about fabric, what supplies you need and simple sewing stitches. we’ll also focus on perfecting the sewing on appliqués with the zig-zag stitch, so you’ll be ready to embellish just about anything. then you’ll use your new skills to create an adorable pillow accented with an applique.

saturday june 2nd* 3-6pm @ WORKSHOP in san francisco (this session we make a sock monster & drink cozy instead of a pillow)

saturday june 23rd* 11-2pm @ STITCHCRAFT in petaluma

SEWING AN A-LINE SKIRT
maybe you picked up a cool vintage floral tablecloth at the flea market, or saw a bold striped cotton print you couldn’t resist at the fabric store…now the “someday i’ll do something with this stuff” pile of fabric is spilling out of its box. bring that fabric down and we’ll turn it into an a-line skirt. you’ll learn how to draft your own simple skirt pattern from your measurements, use elastic for the waistband, hem and even adorn your new skirt with an as we give you a mini lesson in appliqués or screenprinting too! the a-line shape is forgiving for just about everyone. after class you can bring your pattern home and create a whole army of skirts.

SEWING VINTAGE INSPIRED APRONS
next time you’re in the kitchen look super stylish in your vintage inspired apron. we’ll work with a pattern, design, cut and sew a full or a half apron with pockets in this class. your new skills will include how to work with and create a simple pattern, construct a project from multiple pieces, create custom fabric covered buttons, techniques for creating ties, straps and pockets and creating and using bias tape for trim. you’ll leave with your new apron and all the know-how to make more aprons at home.

saturday june 16th* 3-6pm @ WORKSHOP in san francisco

HANDBAGS, TOTES & PURSES
design, draft a pattern and sew your own handbag, totes or purse. we’ll look at some examples of different shapes and styles of simple bags and use them inspiration to sew our own unique creation complete with pockets and embellishments. you’ll learn how to construct a project putting together multiple pieces and how to work with magnetic snaps and other closures.

VINYL WALLETS, BILLFOLDS & CHECKBOOK COVERS
create your own custom vinyl wallets, billfolds or checkbook covers in this class so you can finally say goodbye to that plain old blue plastic checkbook cover that came with your checks or the wallet you just can’t get rid of even though it’s held together with safety pins and tape. you’ll design your new wallet, create a pattern and then cut and sew your creation. you’ll learn how to work with vinyl and clear plastic using a teflon foot on the sewing machine, install metal snaps, create custom fabric covered buttons and how to construct a project from multiple pieces.

SEWING LAPTOP, IPAD, KINDLE & OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE BAGS
why can’t laptops look as cool as vintage typewriters? maybe this class can’t give your computer a make-over but it will make the sleeve that keeps your laptop safe from spills and being knocked around as unique as the photos, writing and music your computer holds. in this workshop we’ll create a custom pattern to fit your laptop, kindle, ipad or other electronic device. then we’ll cut, sew and put together your ultra safe and durable sleeve with or without a strap so you can tote it around or slip it into another bag. you’ll also learn how to work with foam padding and how to install metal snaps. we’ll also give you a mini-screenprinting and appliqué workshop so you can add images and designs to your new bag. you’ll leave with at least one finished sleeve and possibly two depending on your sewing experience and the complexity of your design.

DIY HOME SPA
creating your own natural bath products is easier than you’d imagine and way cheaper than blowing your money on buying them. in this class not only will you make 2 sets of your own salt and sugar scrubs, soy candles, soaps, bath salt sachets, moisturizing lip balms, essential oil spritzers and lip glosses but you’ll also get all the recipes and learn the resources for ingredients and packaging. we’ll focus on organic, natural and easy to find ingredients. your new products will be fancy enough to display in your bathroom or give as gifts when we get creative with packaging using vintage and modern papers and collage materials.

SILKSCREENING & STENCIL PRINT WORKSHOP
demystify the art of printing and learn the basics of printing using a silkscreen. you’ll design and print your own stencil image as well as be able to print with a selection of images from our pre-made screens. we’ll explore design, composition, water-based inks, drying methods, layered printing, fabric and paper mediums. you’ll take home a complete resource list for supplies, instruction book, squeegee, ink sample and your own screen so you can keep printing at home. after this class you’ll be able to print everything from your own stationary, paper goods or frameable artwork to t-shirts and clothing.

saturday june 2nd * 11-2pm @ WORKSHOP in san francisco (this session is screenprinting for kids!)

saturday june 23rd* 3:30-6:30pm @ STITCHCRAFT in petaluma

TRANSFORMING YOUR TEES
is that hand me down original rolling stones shirt from your pops too big? or maybe your favorite t-shirt from summer camp is now a half-shirt? or perhaps that tee you “borrowed” from your best friend had an unlucky incident with a spiked kool aid and bbq sauce last summer? bring it on! this workshop is your chance to reincarnate those old tees into edgy tops that actually fit! so clean out your closet or head to thrift store and pick up those once unwanted tees. we’ll reconstruct and refashion your tees through unique techniques in cutting, sewing, appliqué, ruching, stitching, embellishing, stenciling and screenprinting. after the class you can take your new skills to keep on turning your tee duds into studs.
the best part is you don’t need previous crafting or sewing experience.

MOSS TERRARIUMS
create your own little eco system in a mason jar in our terrariums class. learn a bit about the history of terrariums and what you need to create your own in any sort of glass container. we'll also sculpt tiny clay figures to fill our mini-gardens. use moss, dirt, rocks and more to make your very own self-sustaining plants housed in various bottles.

saturday june 16th * 11-1pm @ WORKSHOP in san francisco (this session is terrariums for kids!)

HIP HANDMADE ACCESSORIES
create one of a kind headbands, necklaces, brooches or hairclips with felt and fabric. we’ll review samples for inspiration and you’ll be guided in composition and design elements as you fabricate your accessories with textiles and embellishments. we’ll show you how to make retro fabric yo-yo’s and a few types of felt rosette flowers. you’ll use these skills and techniques to compose and assemble your wearable works of art.

SOY CANDLES 101
create your own incredibly scented container candles and votives using soy wax – a great alternative to paraffin for a cleaner longer burning candle that doesn’t release carcinogens. your finished candles will be gift ready when you decorate the jars and pair them with a decoupaged matchbox. you’ll also find out where to get all the supplies to keep making more candles at home. you’ll leave with 3-5 candles depending on container size.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATING HANDMADE PAPER

learn all the basics of simple diy papermaking in this workshop. you’ll build your own papermaking mold and screen frame to use in class and take home. a variety of fibers and textures are explored as we discover the art of papermaking. we’ll learn how to reuse and recycle things (like milk cartons & shredded mail) into paper as well as get creative with embedding things like thread, dried flowers, seeds, color etc into our paper. use your new skills to create one of kind business cards, greeting cards, wrapping paper, art projects, handmade books… the possibilities are endless after your master these simple techniques.

SHRINK PLASTIC JEWELRY

remember shrinky dinks and the way they boggled your elementary school senses as they curled and hardened in the oven? in this workshop we use classic shrink paper to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keychains & more, but we take it a step further using not only hand drawn designs but printed designs & photographs for professional looking jewelry that's one of a kind.

COLLAGE PENDANT JEWELRY
explore collage and simple jewelry making techniques as you create personalized necklaces, pins, earrings, rings and more using vintage game (like scrabble, dominos & rummikub) tiles, photos and decoupage papers. we’ll guide you through design, composition, color and how to put it all together as you skillfully craft several one of a kind artsy jewelry pieces protected by resin that reflect your sense of style.

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RECONSTRUCT YOUR WARDROBE

are there pieces in your closet that you still love but don't love to wear anymore? a skirt or pair of jeans with a hole, that ragged tee you 'stole' from your ex, the sweater nana knit for you, the dress that a bit too snug or (lucky you) a bit too big... bring in these items and you'll give them new life as you learn some basic sewing, applique, ruching, screenprinting and more. explore design & composition as you reconstruct outdated duds and old stand-bys you just can't stand behind anymore into new favorites.

COCKTAIL HATS & FASCINATORS
in the spirit of spring weddings, garden and cocktail parties and summer dresses this workshop teaches you the ins and outs of creating your own fascinator or cocktail hat. utilize random nicole's personal collection of hat making supplies like vintage and modern fabrics, delicate netting, felt, lovely feathers, flowers, moss, trees and tons of other various doo-dads to make your fascinator the perfect accent for your outfit. from over the top (think the royal wedding) to classic and understated your fascinator will reflect your personal style. we'll explore creating covered buttons and fabric flower rosettes, hand-stitching and basic millinery techniques as nicole guides you and helps you sketch, compose and execute the perfect top-off to your dress.

HEY HEY APPLIQUE

applique techniques give new life to clothes that have found their way to the back of your closet because they have a little hole, stain or are just plain boring. appliqueing is also a lovely way to embellish a new project. in this class we'll learn and perfect applique techniques like machine-sewn applique, reverse applique and hand-sewn applique. the elusive zig-zag stitch will be old hat and you'll explore interfacing. we'll also create our own bias strips perfect for trimming neck or hem lines and learn how to sew them onto garments. you'll leave with all the skills you need to transform a boring tee, tote, jacket, dress or skirt into a one of a kind object d'art reflecting your personal style.
please bring: a few garments that need some spicing up. suggestions: tees, totes, jackets, skirts etc...