Sewing Class Complete!

Yesterday I finished my third and final course through Simple Sewing.  At the end of the class I got my certificate of completion.  Here is a photo of me with my WONDERFUL sewing teacher!

Sewing Class #19

I am having so much fun sewing clothes.  I really thought I wouldn't like it.  It's pretty easy once you know what you're doing.  I made this hoodie today in about 2 1/2 hours.  The color is off in the picture.  It looks purple, but is actually maroon.  I had one of my first graders try it on to check the size.  It fit him perfectly.  I'm going to ask his mom what size close he wears to see what US size it is.

Here is a picture of yesterday's jacket all finished.  Too cute!

Sewing Class #18

I was so glad to go to sewing class today.  I had to miss Wednesday because of parent-teacher conferences.  I made this adorable kids jacket.  It's not quite done.  I think it looks a little plain.  I'm thinking I may add a patch and some decorative stitching.  I LOVE the bear toggle clasp.  I think it's too cute!

Sewing Class #16 and #17

It took 2 classes to finish this bag.  I did all the cutting on Friday and all the sewing on Saturday.  I haven't put the handles on it yet because they are on order.  I needed handles that had a fabric strap and a leather base.  This bag is going to live in a place that gets very cold.  Sometimes leather straps crack in extreme cold.

Sewing Class #15

I FINALLY made it to the "Boston Bag."  I have been waiting months to make this bag.  It is wonderful, and not as hard as I thought it would be.  I think it would be a lot easier if I didn't do the piping and bias (inside).  I actually made the piping for the outside.  It wasn't hard at all.  It's so nice to have someone show me how to do everything, that way, when I get confused, I can ask questions.  I still have to add the handles.  I will do that tomorrow and add the pic.  I will definitely be making another one of these!

Sewing Class #13 and #14

I started this big bag on Friday, and continued it on Saturday.  I sewed some bias on the inside, but decided to rip it out because it didn't look very neat.  I still need to hand sew the bias and add the handles, but I really like the bag.  I have some extra fabric that I think I'll use for either a matching pouch or wallet.

Sewing Class #12

Ok, so my comment about the advanced sewing class not feeling "advanced" enough, I soooooo retract that statement.  I started this wallet yesterday.  It took a little over 2 hours to get this far.  I think my teacher had me sew the bias on the wrong side because when I was finished, she looked a little panicked and told me I should rip it out and hand stitch it the other way.  I'm going to sew the bias tonight and will add new pics when it is all done.

 Outside

Inside

Sewing Class #11

I had my first advanced sewing class on Saturday morning.  It didn't feel very advanced.  I made a pillow.  It was a pretty simple project, but I got to practice button holes, so that was good.  I love the little multicolored buttons she had.

 Front

 Back

Cute Button Close Up

Sewing Class #10

I finished the intermediate class today!  The last project was the precious little dress.  It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.  My friends need to start having some girls so I can make more of these.

Here is the project page for the advanced course.  I am starting the pillow tomorrow morning.

Here a picture of the bag that I have been DYING to make.  I have been waiting for months to learn how to make it.  I'll keep you all updated once I start it.

Sewing Class #9

I started out the class making these adorable little room shoes.  I don't know what size they are because the sizes are different in Korea, but I figure they will fit one of my 4 nephews.  LOL.

Since I finished the room shoes a little early, my teacher let me make an extra project.  This pouch was soooooooo easy!  And I think it turned out super cute!

I love the pleated corners!

Sewing Class #8

Class today went much better than yesterday.  The bag I made was more complex than yesterday's bag, but the teacher had more time to help me today.  The only thing I would change is the strap.  I think it is too dark for the fabric.  I chose this strap because I wanted an adjustable strap and the only color choices were brown and black.  I think this beauty will be my niece's Easter present.

Sewing Class #7

Today was the first day I struggled in sewing class.  I don't think the bag was that hard, it was the language barrier and lack of directions.  (I also didn't have time to eat lunch before I went)  I had to rip out 3 seams.  Even after all the struggling, I will make the bag again.  I just need to make sure I have the seam ripper next to me.  I still need to close up the lining from where I turned it, and I have some straps to pinch the sides.  I'll put new pics up tomorrow.

Sewing Class #6

I made a cute little apron at sewing class today.  My teacher really wanted me to make one for myself, but I can't see myself wearing this.  My school is having an auction to raise money for Japan.  I think that is a perfect place for this project.  Stay tuned for some other projects I'll be making over spring break for the auction.

Sewing Class #5

Well, on Tuesday my sewing teacher told me I could pick any project on the wall and she would teach me how to make it for free.  So I looked around and settled on a big shoulder bag.  It took a lot longer than any of my other class projects, but not too bad for only 2 hours.  I still need to put the handles on (I need some dark brown thread) and I need to sew up the lining from where I turned the bag.  I love it so far!

Sewing Class #4

I had my final beginning sewing class today.  I made a cute little zipper pouch.  I'll be starting the intermediate class on Friday.

My little pouch.

The projects for the intermediate class.

Sewing Class #3

I made the CUTEST little drawstring pouch in sewing class today.  It took about an hour and was super easy.

The lining is a printed adhesive fabric that you iron on.  I wish I could have bought some, but the store doesn't carry it.  I may have to look on line for some.

Sewing Class #2: Tote Bag

I went to my next sewing class today.  It was REALLY busy in the store.  I think there were 6 of us sewing.  No one (of course) spoke English.  I don't know that much Korean, but I know enough to know that they were talking about me.  Nothing bad.  It was along the lines of "Try to talk to her" "No, my English isn't very good."  "Look at her purse.  I think she made it."  "Why is she in the beginning sewing class then?  One of her friends must have made it." yak, yak, yak.  I tried to explain in my VERY broken Korean that yes, I did make my purse; no, I'm not a beginning sewer, my grama and mom taught me; yes, I know how to use an overlock (serger).  I was really shocked that they understood me.  Buy the end we were laughing and having a great time.  It's nice to get away from the KFS area once in a while.

The tote bag turned out great.  I love the pattern.  It's a bit different than other patterns.  You sew the sides wrong side together first, then turn it so the right sides are together.  This creates a nice, tidy seam on the outside and inside of the bag.  I was a little bummed after I took some pics of it.  I saw that the pocket was crooked.  The teacher pinned it.  I'm trying to decide if I want to rip it out and redo it.  What do you think?

My First Sewing Class

I started going to sewing class at a local store here in Gwangju.  Both the teacher and I were a little nervous because she knows about as much English as I know Korean.  All in all, I think it went really well.  Most sewing words in Korean are English words and luckily I am not really a beginner.  The first project was a binder cover for the class project binder.  I think it turned out LOVELY!  What do you think?

 I know, the lace is a bit crooked.  But, she was the one who glued it on.  I'm trying not to let it bother me, but the perfectionist inside is dying to rip it out and redo it.