How to sew clothes (6 weeks – 2hrs/week): In this class students will learn the basics of garment construction. Each class will begin with a sewing tutorial and then students will work from their garment patterns with guidance from the instructor. You will learn sewing machine, tools & fabric basics, understand pattern symbols, how to fit and cut a paper pattern and fabric, how to sew basic stitches, use different seams, how to sew darts, gathering and pleats, how to place a set in sleeves, sew waistbands, pockets, collars and zippers, learn about facings, linings and finally hems and closures.

Creative Fashion Design (8 weeks – 2hrs/week): Students will learn the same process that professional fashion designers use to create beautiful garments for their collections.  Students will use mini-models and learn to hand sew. The beauty of mini-models is there’s no need to buy lots of expensive fabrics. Scraps, swatches or even repurposed old clothes can be used to bring your designs to life. You will learn the design process, research for design, color theory, design element concepts, how to make a mood and inspiration board, introduction to fashion sketching and hand sewing.

Get to know your sewing machine (2 weeks – 2hrs/week): Many creative people have been gifted or themselves bought a sewing machine that’s now sitting around forgotten. In this class I will help you get to grips with your sewing machine, no more intimidation, learn the basics of setting up, using and troubleshooting your machine so that you can finally undertake the projects you’ve been dreaming about! 

Make and Mend (2hr class): With the rise of cheaply manufactured clothes (fast fashion), the need to mend things occurs more frequently.  However, because of the price of the clothes, it’s almost always cheaper to buy another item than to pay to have it mended.  That is unless you know how to do it yourself!  Mending clothes to extend their life could be your contribution to reducing waste and preventing needless clothing manufacture. In this class you will learn

Sashiko Mending (2hr class):  Sashiko is a Japanese needle art similar to embroidery.  Its beginnings were purely functional. It was used to strengthen high impact and abrasion prone areas of clothing.  Later it was used decoratively and has become an art form in Japan.  Sashiko utilizes special thread that is similar to embroidery floss but less twisted, thicker and is not as ‘shiny’.  Sashiko needles have larger eyes to accommodate this thicker yarn.