CONSTRUCTION CLASSES

MACHINE ART CLASSES

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Beginner and Kids
Construction
Fabric Fibers and Embellishments
Machine Arts and Creative
Appliqué

Beginner and Kids Sewing Classes

Adults Beginning Sewing with Wilma
If you’ve never sewn before or want to get reacquainted with sewing, this is the class for you!   Bring your machine or use one of ours.  After an introduction to the sewing machine and practice, we’ll make a tote bag the first week and flange pillow the second week.  You’ll be surprised what you can do!
Mondays, September 15 & 29 or October 6 & 13
Time:  5:30 – 8 pm
Cost:  $35

Kids & Teens Beginning Sewing with Wilma
This is a first sewing machine experience for Teens and Pre-Teens, 8 – 18 years old--and is limited to 6 students!  Design and sew a tote bag and flange pillow.  Choose your own fabrics to create something uniquely yours.  We’ll learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine and how to sew on woven fabrics.  Use your machine or one of ours.  One class fee if moms or grandmas work together with the student on the same project (limit one adult per student).  Use your own machine or one of ours.
Date:  Saturday, October 4 & 11
Time:  1:30 – 4pm
Cost:   $35.00

Kids Quilt with Wilma
We’ll make a 44” X 59” quilt in this class for beginning sewers from 8 – 18.  Uneven strips of contrasting fabrics pieced on a muslin square give this quilt a contemporary, updated look.  And the size is perfect for snuggling under during the cold winter months!  There will be homework—which is why the classes are scheduled 2 weeks apart!  Level--Advanced Beginner (Sewers should have sewn at least one item and know how to operate a sewing machine)
Oct. 1--We’ll cut the fabric strips and learn how to piece the squares.
Oct. 16--Using our completed squares, we’ll determine the best arrangement, sew them together and discuss borders.  
Oct. 30--We’ll make the quilt sandwich, start quilting or tying and learn how to sew on the binding.
Dates:   Thursday, October 2, 16 & 30
Time:   5- 7:30pm
Cost:    $55.00

Fat Quarter Boogie Bag with Wilma
These make great Christmas gifts!  With 2 fat quarters, a spool of thread and a sewing machine, we’ll make a small bag to hold almost anything—toys, cosmetics, Webkinz, I-Pod, or jewelry.  Beginning sewers of all ages are welcome. 
Date:  Saturday, December 13
Time:  1:30-3;30 pm
Cost:   $25.00 

Fiber Arts for Kids and Teens with Wilma
Kids and teens have a chance to explore fiber arts through this series of classes offered on the second Saturday of each month.  A different technique is taught in each class and is a starting point for further independent creativity. Since most projects can be completed either by hand or machine, previous sewing machine experience is not necessary.  Sign up for one or all of the classes.
    October 11--Make a 7” X 9” leaf quilt using a choice of fabric or real leaves. 
    November 8--Embellish-your-hand-print quilt block.  
    December 13--Create a collage out of painted fusible web and Christmas motifs.  
Date:  Saturday, October 11, and/or November 8 and/or December 13
Time:  10:30am – 1pm
Cost:   $30.00 per session, which includes kit fee

Pillowcases with Wilma
You only have to be able to sew a straight line to make a great pillowcase!  This is an excellent project for beginning sewers of all ages.  We’ll learn about the sewing machine, how to operate it, and a pillowcase using 2 coordinating fabrics.  If time allows, you'll be able to sew another one and learn how to add a third fabric.  Use your machine or one of ours. 
One Session
Date:  Saturday, Oct. 4
Time:  10:30 am – 1pm
Cost:    $25.00

Construction

Sewing Cafe' Join us in our Sewing Cafe' on Saturday, November 15 from 11am - 3pm.  Whether you bring your own sewing machine or test drive one of ours, we'll help you with that unfinished garment, clothing alterations, mending or any other sewing chores you'd like to tackle but are a bit unsure of.  Our spacious classroom with large cutting tables, irons and ironing boards is a great place to sew, learn, and share with fellow sewers.  The fee is $10.00 an hour with a $30.00 maximum and you'll get a 15% discount on the sewing supplies you purchase during that time.  High school students with a valid student I.D. will pay a maximum of $20.00.  Space is limited, so register right away! 

Adults & Teens Lounge Pants with Wilma
For adult and teen beginning sewers with little or no sewing experience!  Make a pair of comfy lounge pants for the cold winter evenings.  After reviewing the basics of operating a sewing machine, we’ll adjust a purchased pattern to fit you, cut out your fabric, and learn the steps involved to sew a terrific pair of lounge/sleep pants.  To insure individual attention, this class is limited to 6 students.
Date:  Monday, November 3 & 10
Time:  5:30-8pm
Cost:  $35.00

Deconstruct: Reconstruct with Margie
Is your closet filled with old favorites you can’t part with, yet, you know they’re out of style.  Now, we can use those old favorites and make them into something new and fun!  This class will take apart old suits; men’s are great, or yours and make a cute little handbag.
    Do you like to go “junking” at yard sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army or other consignment stores but don’t know how to update treasured finds?  Now, you can take those favorites and make a fun skirt from one basic pattern.   You’ll be able to tweak that pattern in a million ways so you’ll end up with your own fun, unique skirt
   
To go with your new skirt collection, you’ll need a jacket or two.  And, in Michigan with cool, starry evenings and air-conditioned restaurants, we all need a jacket or two.  Again, we’ll create from old, treasured garments a fun jacket that will be your own personal signature.
PURSE
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 21, 28
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: 45.00
SKIRT
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: 45.00
JACKET
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 9 16 & 23
Time: 6-8pm
Cost:
45.00 

Designing American Girl Doll Clothes with Wilma
Originally for young gals with dolls, this class is now open to moms and grandmas, too.  Design and sew outfits for your favorite 18” doll.   Starting with Kwik Sew 3091, we’ll alter the skirt to make a reversible one.  Then you’re free to design and sew additional clothes.   Students must be comfortable using the sewing machine and sewing ¼” seams.  You pay one class fee if one adult and one gal work together on the same sewing machine. Kwik Sew patterns are available at Smith Owen.
Date:  Tuesday, November 18 & 25
Time:  5 - 7:30pm
Cost:   $35.00

Easy Fit Shirt with Wilma
For sewers ages 16 and up who would like to increase their repertoire of sewing skills!  In this class you’ll make a camp/Hawaiian shirt as you learn a variety of seam finishes, how to make a collar, facings, buttonholes and set in sleeves. You must be comfortable threading your machine, winding bobbins and know how to stitch a 5/8” seam.  Using a purchased pattern, we’ll take it step-by-step and there will be some homework!  By the end of class you’ll be able to make shirts for the whole family!
Date:  Monday, December 1 & 8
Time:  5-8:30pm
Cost:  $35.00

Embellished Jacket with Carolyn Eary
Turn a plain ordinary sweatshirt into a jacket that no one will even realize it was once a sweatshirt. You will learn how to couch trims to your jacket by machine, twin needle work and learn a fun way to add embellishments to plain buttons so you will have the perfect match to your jacket. Note: If you would like to make a jacket from scratch instead of sweatshirt you may choose this option also.  
Advanced Beginner
Date:  Tuesday, October 14 & 28
Time:  9:30am – 1:30pm
Cost:   $35.00

Fleece-lined Wool Mittens with Kathi
With 2 felted wool sweaters and 1/2 yard of polar fleece, you can make a pair of the warmest mittens ever!  So easy and so quick--and great for Christmas gifts!
Date: Tuesday, November 25
Time:  7:00 - 9:00pm
Cost:  $20.00

Recycled Denim Wave Purse/Tote with Carolyn Eary
Turn your jeans into a fun purse or tote. Add your favorite color for accents and you will be ready to take it anywhere. This tote can be made all from fabric just by substituting your favorite fabric instead of the denim. Whatever fabric combination you choose it will make a great gift or purse/tote for yourself. 
Advanced Beginner
Date:   November 20 and December 4
Time:  9:30am – 1:30pm
Cost:   $35

Wool Purse with Kathi
We will begin with the Madison Bag pattern by Amy Butler and modify it by changing the front flap design and using wool appliqué (I did mine by machine but you may choose to do yours by hand) to make a stunning winter purse.
Date:  Friday, November 28
Time: 10am -2pm
Cost:   $35


Private sewing classes with Wilma 

Private sewing classes for sewers of all ages can now be scheduled at your convenience! If you’d like to further develop your expertise in fashion sewing, home decorating or accessories, this is for you. You choose the project or technique you would like to work on. Because you are the only one in the class, it is tailor-made for you, focusing on your individual sewing needs. Available in blocks of 2 hours, the cost is $15.00 per hour. Contact Smith Owen and ask for Wilma to set up a time that works for you.

Fabric, Fibers and Embellishments

Not creative you say. You will be hard pressed to convince your family and friends of that after taking one of these classes. Learn and use fabric and fibers in wonderfully interesting ways. 

Deconstruct: Reconstruct with Margie
Is your closet filled with old favorites you can’t part with, yet, you know they’re out of style.  Now, we can use those old favorites and make them into something new and fun!  This class will take apart old suits; men’s are great, or yours and make a cute little handbag.

Do you like to go “junking” at yard sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army or other consignment stores but don’t know how to update treasured finds?  Now, you can take those favorites and make a fun skirt from one basic pattern.   You’ll be able to tweak that pattern in a million ways so you’ll end up with your own fun, unique skirt

To go with your new skirt collection, you’ll need a jacket or two.  And, in Michigan with cool, starry evenings and air-conditioned restaurants, we all need a jacket or two.  Again, we’ll create from old, treasured garments a fun jacket that will be your own personal signature.

PURSE
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 21, 28
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: 45.00

SKIRT
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Cost: 45.00

JACKET
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 9 16 & 23
Time: 6-8pm
Cost:
45.00 

Felting Machines with Pam
We have been getting together and having some great felting frenzy.  Each month we brain storm ideas and try out new textures.  Smith Owen has wool fabric, hand dyed wool roving, yarns, Angelina fibers and silk scarves, all for your felting creativity.  It has been great fun exploring the felting machines.  If you are curious about what felting and the felting machines are all about, come join us.  You may observe or if available, we can set one up for you to try.  Each date is an individual class.
Date:   October 10, November 12 and/or December 12
Time:  9:30 – 11:30am
Cost:   $10 each session

 

Technique Classes with Carolyn Eary. 
Have you ever wondered just how do they do that? Carolyn will be offering 3 different classes that will focus on different techniques. You may choose to take just 1 or 2 of the techniques or all 3. Each class will focus on a particular technique and will also include ideas of what to do with that technique. She will also be offering a class where you can make a directed project with the technique(s) you have learned. The class fee is set up so you can do an individual class or you can take all of the technique classes and the project class.  Class fee is $15 each for any of the individual technique classes or the project class. However, if you take all three of the different technique classes, the project class is free!

Couching & Twin Needle Technique Class
In this class you will learn how to attach different kinds of yarns, trims and other embellishments. You will learn about the many different sizes of twin needles and how and where to use them. Come join the fun! Machines with basic stitches can do these techniques.
Date:  Tuesday,   October 28, 9:30am – 12:30pm or NOTE: RESCHEDULED DATE
            Thursday, October 9, 6-9pm
Cost:   $15.00

Piping, Bias Trim & Tubes Technique Class
In this class you will learn how to make these different accent trims and how to attach them.
Date:  Tuesday, October 21, 9:30am – 12:30pm or
            Thursday, October 23, 6-9pm
Cost:  $15.00

Manipulating Fabric Technique Class
Fabric manipulation is when you alter the original look of the fabric. In this class you will learn different ways to manipulate fabric to give your fabric a look that will leave everyone wondering how you did that.
Date:   Tuesday, November 4, 9:30am – 12:30pm or
             Thursday, November 11, 6-9pm
Cost:  $15.00

Project Technique Class
This is the class to actually make a project using one or more of the techniques you have learned in the above classes. You will have had to take the technique class that you want to use for your project because this class will focus on how to put a project such as jacket, vest, pillow, or purse together not a particular technique.
Date:  Monday, November 24, 9:30am – 12:30pm  or
            Wednesday, December 3, 6-9pm
Cost: $15.00

Machine Arts and Creative Classes

Amy Butler Bags with Wilma
Have you seen Amy Butler’s new tote patterns this season?  You can make one—or one that she’s had in her collection for several years—for a fraction of the cost of those in the store!   It would be a great Christmas gift for someone special.  Smith Owen has the area’s largest selection of her fabrics and patterns.   The teacher, who has sewn many, will share her tips and shortcuts as you construct your bag.  Because Amy Butler has made changes in her patterns that might not yet be published, please schedule a time to meet with the teacher get the pattern updates and choose your fabrics--before Nov. 6.
Date:  Thursday, November 6 &13
Time:  5:30-8pm
Cost:   $35.00
 

Charm Party Tote with Wilma
This great tote bag is made out of 5" squares.  Measuring about 11" x 14" and is 4" deep, it is fully lined, with two roomy pockets on the inside and a pocket on the outside for keys.  Because 35 squares make up the outside of the bag, inner, and outer pockets, this is a great way to use up a charm packet or your fabric stash!  An additional yard of fabric for the lining and handles is needed and iron-on fleece adds firmness to the tote.  To save time, please come with your squares already cut!
Date:  Monday, October 6 & 13
Time:  2:30pm -5pm
Cost:   $35.00

Crafts/Techniques  with Pam and Kathi 
During our technique class we will focus on a “craft” that not only will be teaching different techniques for our machines but having you leave with a nice project that will be great for ones self or gift giving.  Projects are most often completed in the three-hour class time.  Each date is an individual class.
Date:    Wednesday, November 12    Quilt Smart Christmas Stocking
              Friday, December 12     Grommet Tote Bag
Time:    12:30 – 3:30pm
Cost:    $15 each session

Fashion Drawing for Beginners with Wilma 
You don’t have to be an artist to sketch fashion designs!  This class is for all ages.  Using the same techniques the experts use for their design portfolios (you’ll be surprised how they do it), we’ll learn how to make schematic drawings and fashion illustrations.  No experience required!!  We’ll also observe how styles have evolved since 1900.  All tools and papers are provided and included in the class fee.
One Session
Date:  Wednesday, October 15
Time:  10am – noon
Cost:   $25.00

Flip Pillow with Wilma
You can make a Flip Pillow or a Wowie Zowie Flip Pillow!  One uses 3 fabrics and the other uses 17.  Can you guess which is which? For each pillow you’ll get 3 or more looks!  This easy pillow is for beginning sewers of all ages who know how to operate a sewing machine.
Date:  Saturday, November 8
Time:  1:30 – 4pm
Cost:   $25.00 

Wrapped Clothesline Purse
Using clothesline and strips of fabric, we’ll learn how to wrap the clothesline with the fabric strips, secure it and shape it into a purse.  The finished shape is a bit unpredictable but that’s the fun of it!  Whether you use coordinating fabrics or fabric scraps, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind fashion accessory!  Payment for this popular class is due at sign up.
Each class consists of 2 sessions
Date:  Thursday, November 20 and Dec. 4
Time: 5:30 - 8pm
Cost:  $35.00
or

Date:  Wednesday, December 3 & 10
Time: 10:30am – 1pm
Cost:   $35 

Night Out with Carolyn Eary 
Join us for a night of fun whether you chose to work on the project or just bring those UFOs. The project this time will be making fabric postcards to send to the troops. These are so much fun to make and it will help to cheer up our soldiers when they receive this handmade card. You may enjoy it so much you will want to make some to send out for the holidays. Sign up today for a night of food and fun. 
Advanced Beginner
1 session
Date:  Friday, October 17 
Time: 6 pm-12 am

Cost:   $15.00

Day Out! with Carolyn Eary
Join us for a day of fun with the same format as NIGHT OUT.
Advanced Beginner
One session
Date:  Thursday, Nov 6
Time:  9:30am – 3pm
Cost:   $15.00

Appliqué

 

Class Policies

To Register
Sign up in store, or call 361-5484 or click on Sign Up button
CLASS FEE IS REQUIRED AT TIME OF SIGN-UP.
We accept Mastercard, Visa, check or cash.
Register Early
As most classes fill quickly, please sign up early. If we cancel a class your money will be refunded or a credit will be given for a future class.
BRING:
Your MACHINE AND BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES  to all classes except lecture type classes or hand sewing classes.

PURCHASE:
PURCHASE SUPPLIES IN ADVANCE SO THAT CLASSES MAY BEGIN ON TIME 
 We take pride in the quality of classes we offer, and the reasonable fees we charge .  
In return, we would appreciate it if our students would purchase supplies from Smith-Owen Sewing & Quilting Centers.

 

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Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

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