GenCon Online Classes

Free Classes

Open Sew

Bring your Own Project and Sew!

Do you need access to a sewing machine & help while at GenCon? Or do you just want to hang out & sew for an hour? This is the event for you! Bring your own project & sew!

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 7-8pm
Saturday 10-11am

Learn to Use a Sewing Machine

Learn all of the basics of using a sewing machine by making a pincushion.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine? It’s easy and anyone can do it! We will start with the very basics and you will make a cute pincushion you can take with you.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 9-10am
Saturday 9-10am

Quiltoni Classes

English Paper Piece Your choice of Catan, Star Wars and More!

Intermediate English Paper Piecing a D20 or Einstein

 

Sew a Dice Tray with a Sewing Machine

Craftigurumi Classes

Cross Stitch: Novice and Beginner

Learn the first steps of how to cross stitch and start on a novice/beginner design.

This class is recommended for a complete novice to cross stitching. I will explain what tools and methods are used in cross stitching and why, and I will then teach the two basic stitches used in most cross stitching pattern, along with the how to start a piece. Participants will receive a practice pack to work with during class and a complete pattern kit of their choosing to work on during and after class. Kit designs can be viewed below and can be reserved ahead of time. Contact me via email if you need more info to decide if this class is for you or to reserve your preferred design.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 11am-1pm
Saturday 1-3pm

Cross Stitch: Beyond the Frame

Learn about finishes for cross stitch besides on fabric and learn to cross stitch on plastic canvas, vinyl, or one of the other alternative materials plus how to finish it.

This class is recommended for cross stitchers with some experience or higher, but I will go over the 4 most common basic stitches used in almost every cross stitch pattern, along with skills needed to work on rigid materials like plastic canvas. Participants will receive a practice pack to work with during class and a complete pattern kit of their choosing to work on during and after class. Several kit designs available and can be viewed below. Some experience is advised, but not necessarily required. Contact me if you need more info to decide if this class is for you.

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 5-7pm

Cross Stitch: Make a Dice Try

Pick your own tray and pattern to make a custom dice tray.

This class is recommended for cross stitchers with some experience or higher, but I will go over the 2 most common basic stitches used in almost every cross stitch pattern, along with skills needed to work on vinyl. Participants will a tray base and a pattern kit of their choosing to work on during and after class. Several kit designs are available and can be viewed ahead of time below. Some experience is advised, but not necessarily required. Contact me if you need more info to decide if this class is for you.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 2-4pm
Friday 10am-12pm

Cross-Stitch: Intermediate and Advanced Stitching

Learn to add beads, do a double running stitch, fractional stitching and other advanced techniques for cross-stitch before starting on an intermediate/advanced pattern.

This class is recommended for beginner+ or higher level stitchers. I will quickly discuss the 3 most common stitches before teaching how to do more advanced techniques such as adding beads, working a double running stitch, and doing fractional stitching. Time it takes to learn the listed stitches will determine how many other techniques get added on after. Participants will receive a practice pack to work with during class and a complete pattern kit of their choosing to work on during and after class. Several kit designs are available and can be viewed below. Some experience with cross stitching is strongly recommended for this class; be it previous experience or attending the beginner level class being offered.

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 1-3pm
Sunday 11am-1pm

Cross Stitch: Prepping for Framing

Lean the how’s and why of preparing your finished stitched pieces for framing. With hands on stretching and lacing practice.

This class is recommended for beginner+ or higher level stitchers. We will cover how to stretch and lace the back of your finished stitched piece for traditional framing, along with discussing the steps you should take before hand to get your piece ready. Materials will be provided to practice with, but if you would like to bring your own piece to mount and lace during class, please email me (nicole@craftigurumi.com) to make arrangements.

Class Times/Dates:
Saturday 3-5

Capes and Arrows Classes

Hand Embroidering On Paper

Learn how to use embroidery techniques on paper to make custom bookmarks and cards!

During this class you will learn basic embroidery sitiches and how they can be used to create images on paper instead of fabrics. We will learn how to prep the pattern, stitch, and finish your designs! You will have your choice of designs and colors but feel free to bring ideas. You will have access to plenty of materials to make multiple projects during class time. Please contact me before the class if you have questions on specific designs or would like more information!

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 3-5pm
Friday 11am-1pm
Saturday 11am-1pm

Machine Sewing A Witch Hat

Learn how to sew and decorate your own custom witch hat!

Learn how to sew and decorate your own custom witch hat! We will learn about the pattern, attaching decorations before and after the main body is sewn, fabric stiffners, and finishing off pieces to wear! You will have choices in fabrics and various decorations to add to your hat. No experience is required! Please contact me before the class if you have questions on specific fabrics or would like more information!

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 5-7pm
Saturday 5-7pm
Sunday 9-11am

Hoop Embroidery Basics

Learn how to do basic embroidery stitches on linen to create a cute hoop decoration!

During this class, we will learn basic embroidery stitches such as back stitch, french knots, and stem stitch to make an image of your choice on linen fabric. We will also go over how to transfer designs and how to finish your piece when it is complete! You will be provided supplies for during and after the class to fully complete your project. Please contact me before the class if you have questions on specific designs or would like more information!

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 9-11am
Thursday 5-7pm
Friday 9-11am
Saturday 9-11am

Casey Renee Classes

Introduction to Embellishments Your choice of a heart, tropical bee, or dragonfly.

Have you ever dreamed of adding beadwork to your costumes? Well now is your chance to learn how to sew trim, beads, and sequins onto your costumes with award winning cosplayer, Casey Renee Cosplay.

In this class you will learn the basics of embellishing for costumes, clothes and even quilts. You will start by learning how to sew trim onto fabric. From there you will learn how to sew sequins and beads in a straight line, individually, and onto the trim that you previously stitched down. This class comes with a kit that you can choose including an anatomical heart, moth, tropical bee, or dragonfly.

Class Times/Dates:
Saturday 11am-1pm
Sunday 9-11am

Introduction to Smocking: Dragonscale, Lattice, and Flower Smocking

Do you want to add texture and depth to future sewing projects? Learn the basics of smocking from award winning cosplayer, Casey Renee Cosplay.

Learn how to do dragonscale, lattice and flower smocking in this class! You will get to learn these three smocking techniques plus take home stencils so that you can apply these techniques to future sewing projects.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 11am-1pm
Saturday 9-11am

Introduction to Tambour Embroidery Your choice of Tropical Bee, Heart, or Dragonfly

Have you ever wanted to learn an embroidery technique that is hundreds of years old?

Tambour embroidery is a couture sewing technique used to make detailed embroidered pieces of all sizes. It’s used to make costumes for tv, film and Broadway, as well as in couture fashion. This class will teach the chain stitch which is the foundation of Tambour and from there we will build upon that foundation with beads and sequins. Since this technique is so unique to itself there is no prior experience needed however dexterity and patience are highly recommended. The class includes hands-on practice with the technique as well as a project kit that can be taken home to further build the skill. I also include a digital version of this class that you get to take home and practice at your own pace. This class is suitable for students 16+ or 13-15 if a parent is present to assist with the student. 

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 9-11am
Friday 1-3pm

How to Sew Pain in the Butt Fabrics

Have you ever wanted to master difficult materials like chiffon, or velvet? Well this class will teach you everything you need to know to create a perfect stitch, every time with these difficult materials.

In this class you will learn about the different needles, thread, and sewing feet needed to sew with difficult fabrics like stretch vinyl, tulle, and more. This class also comes with cheat sheets you get to take home with you as well as a digital course you can refer to whenever you like. This class is suitable for students 16+ or 13-15 if a parent is present to assist with the student.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 4-6pm
Friday 9-11am

Cowbutt Crunchies Classes

Customizing Patterns for Cosplay

Learn how to alter and adapt commercial patterns to match any cosplay design. Walk through common methods for changing the style of garments no matter how outlandish your design might be.

In this class we will discuss how to take commercial patterns and alter them to better fit cosplay design. Learn how to choose the correct base pattern, how to determine what changes are needed, and the difference between “fit” alterations and “style” alternations. We will walk through a hands on demo of how to change the style of a sleeve, and how that technique can apply to many other garment pieces.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 12-2pm
Friday 11am-1pm

Draping: Cosplay Patterning without Math

Throw away your rulers! This workshop will walk participants through the basics of draping as a method of designing garments. Work in three dimensions to learn how patterns can be fitted directly on the body.

In this class, we will discuss the difference between draping and flat patterning, what situations call for what, and the fundamental concepts behind draping. We will then walk through the steps together on a miniature scale, including how to incorporate custom design elements while patterning on the form.

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 3-5pm

It’s a Cinch: Learning Corsetry Construction

Learn the fundamentals of how to construct your own corset, with an introduction to fabric choices, channel creation, and boning installation.

Eager to jump into the world of corsetry but don’t know where to start? In this hands-on workshop students will learn the fundamentals of constructing these complex garments, layer by layer. Discover how to choose between fabric and boning materials, assembling and layering them together. Students will also learn how to cut, tip, and install boning, as well as proper creation of boning channels. Corset-making is a very long process, and so instead of creating a finished garment, this class will focus on learning core construction techniques that can be applied to any future project or corset pattern. Over the course of this class we will assemble a single layered and boned pattern piece, which students may then take home to reference for their next corset-making project.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 2-4pm
Saturday 1-3pm

Goldwork! An introduction to Metal Thread Embroidery

Get started with your own goldwork project as we learn the basics of metal thread embroidery, including selecting threads, applying padding, and finishing your project.

This hands-on workshop serves as a beginner’s introduction to the world of goldwork hand embroidery – no prior experience necessary! Students will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a a variety of metal threads – learning where different materials might be applicable and which textures they like. We will also step through the fundamentals of beginner-friendly goldwork, including using padding, pearl purl, and bright check chipwork.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 12-2pm
Friday 3-5pm

Let’s Learn Resin: Create your Own Resin Jewelry and Gems

Learn about the world of resin as we create our own resin pendants using embedded flowers and tints!

Dive into the world of resin with this beginner’s intro course. We’ll learn the basics of how resin works, safety protocols, as well as the difference between various UV and Epoxy resins. Students will be able to put their skills to the test as they create their own resin pendants or gemstones, using their choice of embedded materials, flowers, and tints.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 2-4pm
Saturday 1-3pm

Organics, Textures, and Detailing: The Art of Foamwork

Level up your foamwork skills as we learn to transform flat cosplay foam into faux wood, leather, organics, and more!

Hungry to give your armor and foamwork projects a more detailed flare? Texturizing your cosplay foam is a fantastic way to breathe life into a flat material, and in this class we’ll touch on numerous different ways to add layers and textures to eva foam for a more complex look. Students will have the chance to try out woodburning tools, stamps, and molds, followed by a more organic approach as we learn the tricks to sculpting with foam clay.

Class Times/Dates:
Classes Pending

Wade Acuff Classes

Drawing robots with detail

Learn several methods for drawing robots with all of their glorious details!

In this class, you’ll learn how to draw all the big and little details for any of your sci-fi, sci-fantasy, steampunk, or gundam needs! Working with pencils, pen, and alcohol inks for this demo, you’ll have the option to start from provided reference or go on your own robotic drawing adventure. Materials will be provided. For an example, see below. Time may not allow for finished work, but the information and tools will allow you to complete the project on your own time.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 4-6pm
Friday 11am-1pm
Saturday 10am-12pm
Sunday 11am-1pm

Drawing horns on your characters

Learn the basics of drawing multiple types of horns for your characters while adding creative flair to make them even more unique.

This workshop focuses on learning the basics of drawing several horn types to get your characters to the next level. Materials will be provided. For an example, see below. Time may not allow for finished work, but the information and tools will allow you to complete the project on your own time.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 10-11am
Saturday 5-6pm

Perspective drawing: Sword in the Stone

Learn to draw the sword in the stone from Arthurian legend OR similar objects! With this workshop on perspective drawing, you’ll gain the skills to draw like a legend, even if it is in your own mind.

This workshop will provide instruction on drawing objects (in this case, one sword and one stone) in perspective using pencil and paper. Instruction will cover the basics of 2 and 3 point perspective, and allow you to create your own version of the sword in the stone from practically any angle. Materials will be provided. For examples, see below. Time may not allow for finished work, but the information and tools will allow you to complete the project on your own time.

Class Times/Dates:
Saturday 12-1pm

Imperial Classes

Bag Making Basics

Learn how to make your own custom bags from cosplay & convention backpacks

This class will walk you through bag making basics, including recommended machines, fabrics, hardware and assembly tips.

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 1-2pm
Thursday 4-5pm
Friday 9-10am
Saturday 5-6pm

Introduction to Bag Making with a Sewing Machine

Create a bag using materials provided during class

This class will use a pre-made pattern and talk about how a simple bag can be created out of cotton, highlight other methods that can be used, and teach skills that can help with more advanced bag making

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 10am-12pm
Saturday 11am-1pm
Sunday 11am-1pm

Introduction to Wallet Making

Learn how to sew your own wallet using a pre-made pattern

This class will use a pre-made pattern and talk about how a simple wallet can be created out of cotton, highlight other methods that can be used, and teach skills that can help with more advanced wallet making

Class Times/Dates:
Friday 3-5pm
Saturday 3-5pm

Advanced Bag Making Concepts

If you’ve already made a bag before, this class is for you!

This class will discuss and review advanced bag making techniques designed to level up your bag and wallet making skills, and ultimately make your creations more professional!

Class Times/Dates:
Thursday 5-6pm
Friday 12-1pm
Saturday 9-10am
Saturday 6-7pm