CASEY GARRISON South Korea - Handmade diaper bags, blankets, and quilts are no longer a fantasy for the spouses who attended the sewing and quilting classes, which took place at USAG-Casey Pear Blossom Cottage Aug. 24. With the professional instructors who volunteer to teach, spouses are able to learn how to design and make their own woven goods and quilts.
"This sewing and quilting class is one part of the Arts and Crafts classes the PBC offers for spouses," said Tess Compton, USAG-Casey PBC manager. "The goals of these classes are to help spouses make their own quilts and other items for their children and husbands. We have four students in each class. Every three months we change the type of items we make. For this class it is making bags."
Instructor like Christiana Mensah, wife of Staff Sgt. Louis Mensah 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was a professional tailor in the United States. Mensah said she made up her mind to teach sewing when she found sewing machines in the PBC.
"When I found the machines, I wanted to teach those interested in learning to sew," Mensah said. "I am happy to teach them to make anything they want."
Classes take place in a room equipped with four sewing machines. The only items students need to bring are their materials for quilting and sewing. Sometimes, Compton said, the PBC offers a shopping trip to Dongdaemoon Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Korea. This is a place where students can buy inexpensive materials. Spouses can organize themselves to go to Dongdaemoon Market at other times as well.
"Someone might think it is difficult to design and sew their own clothes; even if you are a beginner, I can teach you to use a sewing machine, and I also can help you cut and sew fabrics of your own design," Mensah said. "Bring materials for what you want to make, and I will teach you how to make it."
Mensah said the class offers an opportunity to gather with friends and make things, which are useful and of good quality.
"The benefit of this class is one can gather with friends and make one's own clothing and other useful items like curtains or diaper bags your Family needs," she said. "It can also help save money in the Family budget."
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