sewing 201: sewing intensive skill builder

This five-week sewing intensive is a great way to expand your sewing skills. Perfect for intermediate sewists or those who have completed our sewing 101 six- week intensive or our garment 101 series.

Over the five weeks our instructor will guide you through step-by-step instructions on how to make three very different sewing projects: the beechwood bag, the completer and a piped pillow.

Skills taught during this course include:

• Garment pattern adjustment
• Sewing with different weight fabrics
• Using an overlocker
• Inserting an invisible zipper
• How to make and insert a piped edge

We will start with making The Beechwood Bag by Studio M Squared. This is a cute, simple and unique bamboo handle bag- it is all about the blousy bottom and the fun bamboo handle. The pattern is available in two sizes, the mini size is a gorgeous evening accessory or the large as a stylish shopping bag or even large enough for a towel, book and suncream to lounge at the pool.

We will then move on to make The Completer by Studio M Squared. The Completer is a simple but elegant garment that, when thrown over basics like jeans and a tee, “completes” your outfit. Sew it up in a pretty floral or animal print and then wear it over shorts and a tank top, or choose a more sheer fabric for a flowy beach cover up. The Completer works as an outfit-finisher for so many occasions. Features wide sleeves, a rounded front, and the perfect length for covering your ‘assets’!
Pattern includes three sizes, small/petite, regular, and large/xl (which fits up to a 54" bust measurement). 

Whilst making The Completer, students will learn how to make alterations to a garment pattern to suit their figure, gain experience in sewing with a light-weight fabric such as rayon and how to use an overlocker to achieve those professional looking seams. 

The final project in the series will be The Essential Pillow by Studio M Squared. Pick out your favorite fabric and make an 18" pillow to match your home decor. This project teaches students how to sew a piped edge as well as how to insert an invisible zipper.

Please arrive on time for class with your materials.  Only the Beechwood bag materials will be needed for the first class.  If shopping for materials on the day of class, please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Material Requirements for the beechwood bag: 

• The Beechwood Bag - pattern by Studio M Squared
• exterior fabric:  for large size 5/8 yds , 1/2 yd for mini (we recommend quilting cotton)
• lining fabric: for large 5/8 yds, 1/2 yd for mini  (we recommend quilting cotton)
• fusible interfacing for large 1 1/4 yds, 7/8 yd for mini (we recommend Pellon 911F)
• bamboo handle, large 7" and mini size 5" available here 
• (1) spool of coordinating thread

We have both large and small fabric kits available here. Kits include all materials needed to make the bag, pattern must be bought separately.

Required Materials for the completer:

• The Completer - pattern by Studio M Squared. 
• Fabric:  3 yds of 44" wide fabric OR 2 yds of 50" wide fabric (or wider). Recommended Fabrics: Lightweight woven fabrics with good drape such as rayon, linen and linen blends, cotton lawn, crepe.
• (1) spool of coordinating thread

Required Materials for the Essential Piped Pillow:

• The Essential Pillow - pattern by Studio M Squared
• 5/8 yd fabric for pillow body: medium weight fabric such as quilting cotton, canvas, linen.
• 1/8 yd fabric for piping: quilting cotton or similar weight fabric
• 2-1/2 yds of 1/8" cording, available here
• 22" invisible zipper, available here
• 18" pillow form
• Fabric glue pen, we recommend the Sue Daley Sew Smart fabric glue pen, available here.
• (2) spools of thread, one to coordinate with the piping fabric and one to coordinate with the pillow fabric. 

Required tools

- Fabric scissors
- Pins or clips
- Frixion pen or chalk

Cancellation Policy:

 If you are unable to attend the class, a refund will only be provided if you notify us 72 hrs in advance in writing by email, there is a waitlist for the class, and we are able to fill your spot.  Otherwise, a credit for a future class will be issued.

 No refunds or credits will be provided if you notify us less than 72 hrs in advance. By registering for the class, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.