Progressive Sewing classes

The Basics: the machine, notions, patterns, fabrics, layouts, pinning and cutting. Project: Elastic Waistband Skirt

Some skills that you will learn are:

• How to take your measurements
  
• How to choose the correct pattern sizes
  
• How to choose the correct fabrics and notions
  
• How to layout your pattern
  
• How to cut your pattern

• What the proper tools are for the task. 

• How to run the machine and how to iron and prep the material.
  

If you have no sewing experience or need a refresher, then this is the Course for you! A comprehensive guide for the beginning seamstress.   

Course 1 starts at the beginning with learning about the different sewing supplies, understanding and becoming comfortable with your machine and ending with the finishing touches on your garment. Your first project will be a simple elastic waistband skirt. You will learn about different fabric types, how to select the right fabric for the garment, how to read a pattern envelope to determine the amount of material required, layout your fabric & pattern, and how to cut your pattern.  Lastly, you will also learn how to interpret the pattern directions and sew each piece together.

You won't believe how easy it is.  

Don't own a machine??? That's OK, you don't need one for your homework with this Course so all your work will be done in our studio where you can use our machines.   

Own a Machine?  Great!! Bring your own machine so that our instructor can help you.  No machine is perfect and even with the manual you will encounter problems.  Several of our students own machines and didn't know how to use them.  If you bring your own machine, we can help you get comfortable with it. 

 The Skirt:  Darts, pleats,  zippers, waistbands, slits, snaps, buttons, hooks &
eyes, straps, and hook and loop fasteners.

Some skills you will learn are:

• How to mark darts
  
• How to insert a zipper
  
• How to fit a waistband
  
• How to customize your skirt to fit your body
  

In Course 2, you will build on the skills you learned in Course 1, plus learn a  
variety of new techniques. In this Course, you will make a skirt with a zipper,
back slit, darts and waistband.  Course 2 will make it easy to understand the
special features of print fabrics with one-way designs. Course 2 also includes the
beginning of a  "sewing skills" tote bag,  which you will cover with samples of
basic sewing techniques. The samples serve as a reference when you have
questions. These skills include how to sew on a patch, make straps, apply hook and
loop fastener strips, sew on buttons, and hooks and applying snaps.  With each
progressive Course you will add on to this bag.  When you complete all seven
Courses you will have a wonderful tote bag to hold all your project supplies 

 The Top:  Facings, simple sleeves, simple collars, ruffle collars, front closures,
ruffles, lace, trims, pockets, and special seams.

Some skills you will learn are:

• French hems
  
• Hand Rolled Hems
  
• Sleeves
  
• Facings
  

In this Course we will teach you to take accurate measurements, make pattern
adjustments, work with sheer fabrics, and much more. Whether you're sewing a
basic garment or adding a little creative interest, Course 3 has something for
you.  Some other techniques you will learn are:

• How to fit a sleeve cap
  
• Hem plain or ruffled sleeves
  
• How to apply front closures
  
• Sew patch pockets
  
• Hem your finished garment
  

Do you want to learn how to add a few decorative touches to your garment?
Course 3 will teach you how to make simple round collars with inserted lace and
gathering ruffles. What? You don't want to make a blouse with ruffles, add them
to your Tote Bag instead. 

 The Jumper:  Stripes, plaids, bindings, piping, bias tape, and stitched elastic.

Some skills you will learn are:

• Matching striped fabric
  
• Lining up a pocket on a plaid or stripe
  
• Inserting a zipper with a striped fabric
  
• Using bias tape
  

In Course 4 you will take a trip to the fabric store and choose a stylish jumper
pattern and some striped or plaid fabric.  We will guide you as you sew along and
you learn the complete construction process.   You will learn how to easily lay out
the pattern so that your plaids and stripes match at the seam lines, and how to
identify different types of stripes and plaids, and the special features
associated with them.  This Course is packed with special considerations when
working with darts, pleats, and gathers with the stripes in your fabric.   

 The Pants:  Cuffs, lapped zippers, pockets, belt loops, invisible zippers, eyelets,
and special seams.

Some skills you will learn are:

• How to handle fabric with nap, like velour
  
• Lapped zippers
  
• Welt Seams
  
• Invisible zippers
  

This is the one you have all been waiting for!  You are ready for the most popular
sewn garments, PANTS.  In this Course you will learn everything you have ever
wanted to know about pants.  Build your skills.  We'll teach you all about working
with napped fabrics such as how to do layouts, the special sewing, and handling of
napped fabrics.  You will also learn some new seam constructions which are
especially designed for pants.  Lastly, you will learn how to construct lapped &
invisible zippers, pockets, belt loops, cuffs, and eyelets. 

 The Blouse:  Buttonholes, collars, sleeves, plackets, button cuffs, and special
closures.

Some skills you will learn are:

• Set in sleeves
  
• Pointed collars
  
• Neck bands
  
• Fabric loops
  
• Thread loops
  
• Frogs
  

It is time to fine tune and perfect your sewing and alteration skills. In this
Course you will learn everything about buttonholes, such as; where to place them,
how to adjust them for your personal measurements, and how to sew them.  

Other topics will include:

•  How to insert and fit a set in sleeve with a smooth cap
  
•  How to sew and insert pointed collars and collar bands
  
•  How to construct professional looking sleeve plackets and cuffs
  
•  How to use other types of closures such as loops, frogs, ball buttons
  

Lastly, you will learn how to finish off your garments with easy tricks like a
machine blind hem. 

 The Blazer:  Tailoring, bound buttonholes, welt pockets, notched collars, and
linings.

Some skills you will learn are:

• Tailoring
  
• Bound buttonholes
  
• Linings
  

Take your sewing to the professional level.  In this Course you will learn
everything about tailored jackets, such as; the importance of a perfect fit, what
determines a perfect fit, and how to achieve it.  Learn easy up to date
techniques for welt pockets, bound buttonholes, and a truly perfect notched
collar.  You will also learn all there is to know about interfacing, such as; the
different types, when, where, and how.  Lastly, learn how to add linings to
jackets and other garments, along with some great short cuts for attaching
linings.