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Columbus, GA, United States
Hi, my name is Sue Simoncini. I am the Sewing Instructor for Columbus State University Continuing Education. I teach over 20 adult classes ranging from beginning to advanced techniques. I also teach many children's classes. I am also the Alterations Specialist at Daphne's Bridal and Designs here in Columbus. For over 25 years I utilized my formal background in Fashion Design to own and run a Bridal business in Florida, where I designed and made custom bridal gowns and costumes. I am also responsible for the design and sewing of over 250 costumes for the Columbus Ballet Nutcracker Performances. About ten years ago I rededicated my life to the art of teaching sewing. Feel free to contact my through this blog or through my email-sewingwithsue@yahoo.com. You can Register for any of my classes by going to: http://continuinged.columbusstate.edu/programs.php

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Week Four -Activ8 Camp

WOW!! We had a blast this week!!
Our week was filled with Lizards, Dragons,
Mustaches, and Kitties with mustaches!! What fun!!!



Everyone loves their creations.

Isn't this guy "sew" cute?

 

Little Kitty Purses with mustaches-a girl's dream come true.

 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Thanks to a few special people!!!

Once in a great while a few people shine! I would like to thank three of these shining stars for helping me thus far during our Activ8 Summer.

THANK YOU "SEW"MUCH!!! FOR ALL YOU DO.



To my two wonderful Program Aides-Caitlyn and Lydia.
You are the greatest!!!

To my dear friend Donna Duncan , for all her prep help.

THANK YOU!

Week 3 -Activ8 Summer Camp

"Sew-For-Myself Camp"

was a huge success!!





The kids did everything. They started by taking measurements,  figuring out their size pattern,







Figured out how much material to use, and how to layout their patterns.  Then they cut out the pattern themselves.


They did all the sewing to make adorable polka dot robes.


Here are the girls modeling their final product...their robes!!

...then they got goofy!!!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Week Two of Activ8 Summer Camp-

During week 2 of Activ8 Summer Camp the girls made Sports clothes for their American Girl Dolls. They had a blast.

Check out more pictures of Activ8 2013 by selecting "2013 Activ8 Summer Camp" in the Menu to the left.

This is the soccer outfit they made. The girls sewed a shirt, shorts, and even socks for their dolls.

 
 
 
 
This is Molly. She is my doll.


 
These are the Cheerleader Outfits they made.


We all had a great time, especially me!

Monday, May 27, 2013

NEW MINI-CLASSES

Mini-Classes were designed for an intermediate level or higher sewer that wants to try out different techniques. These are offered as an introduction to many great skills and techniques.

During class the techniques will be demonstrated then the student will sew a sample of the techniques.

Titles will change each semester to offer a wide variety of subjects.
Simple Heirloom Sewing
Those offered this semester are:
  • Simple Heirloom Sewing-      Thursday, October 32  from 10 till  Traditionally, the artistry of heirloom Sewing was generally done by painstaking hand sewing. But in this MINI-CLASS, you will learn how to sew many of the beautiful techniques on your sewing machine or serger!. Create a beautiful sampler while learning techniques such as: inserting entredeau and laces into seams, making delicate ruffling, pin tucking, and much more.

  • Sewing Sleeves-     Thursday, October 17 from 10 till 1- Putting sleeves into a dress or top doesn't have to be a daunting job. Learn many tricks and tips on how to insert a set-in and a raglan sleeve properly. You will sew a sample of each type sleeve

  • Hems-       Monday, November 18 from 6:30 till 9:30  Almost everyone needs to adjust a hem length from time to time. This is a great class to start you in the right direction. Learn how to measure and correctly prepare a hem. You will make samples of several types of hems including how to hem jeans.

  • Applique     Wednesday, October 23 from 6:30 till 9:30  Applique is a creative way to embellish any type of garment or home dec item by sewing fabric cut-outs onto another item using decorative stitches. A great example of applique is in children's clothing. Learn the techniques to get you started in this creative way to sew. Sew a sample using several different techniques of applique.

  • Beautiful Seam Finishes      Monday, October 7 from 6:30 till 9:30  In this intermediate class, make the insides of your garment just as beautiful as the outside. Serger seams are great but now it is time to learn the "other" ways to finish your seams such as: French seams, flat fell seams, bound seams, Hong Kong seams, and more. Sew samples of each for future reference.
 
 
Other Mini-Classes to come:
 
Knowing Your Sewing Machine
Making A Thread Catcher
Pillows
Zippers
Putting In Pockets
Tips and Tricks
Easy Paper-Pieced Quilting
 


            

ALTERING READY-TO-WEAR CLOTHES

Tuesday, October 1, 8 ,15, and 22   from 10 till 1


This class is for intermediate to advanced sewers who want to learn how to alter clothing. This class will practically pay for itself as you acquire the skills you need to get an expert fit for yourself and those you sew for.


During the first class I will demonstrate proper alteration techniques for determining how to get the best fit.
Alterations such as taking in and letting out:
  • Shoulders
  • Sides
  • Waists
  • Hips
  • Sleeves
  • and of course, hems
Then learn the best sewing methods of alteration to use to make these changes.

Sewing/ Practice time will be provided to try these techniques on samples or on your own clothing.

Discussions will also include how to make this into a money-making business.

No materials are needed for the first class.


Sewing With Stretch Knit Fabrics


Tuesday, October 29, November 5, 12, and 19   from 10 till 1

 
 
This is an Intermediate level class.
 
Knit fabrics are easy to sew and comfortable to wear. However, you do have to utilize different, but easy sewing techniques to do so.
 
Some of the skills you will be learning in this class will be:
  • How to purchase fabric and patterns for knit fabrics
  • Choosing the right notions to use
  • How to seam many different type seams
  • How to sew knits on the serger
  • How to finish necklines and hems
  • and much more
During this class you will be making a basic T-shirt with ribbed neckline and pants or shorts.
Then we will take the basics a few steps further and learn how to use knits creatively.
 
Bring to the first class:
     your sewing machine and basic notions
     a ball point sewing machine needle-size 10 or 11
 
Requirements for the classes following will be discussed during the first class.