my Make Your Own Dress workshop has become kind of the core of my teaching repertoire. it’s probably the class i teach most often, and i’d say if you can only take one class with me, it’s probably the one i’d suggest. this is because you’ll learn how to draft a pattern for a shift dress with a set-in sleeve, how to fit it, and how to make this pattern into a myriad of different garments. it can become a blouse, jacket, tank, slip, button-down shirt, T-shirt, hoodie…. i like to say it can become anything except pants!
the photos above are from my 5-day handmade wardrobe class at Harrisville Designs last summer. i’m teaching my 2-day dress class there next month, but i’m afraid it’s sold out. however, i’m also teaching it as a weekly class (2-hour sessions over four weeks) at my studio in Kerhonkson.
to register, or if you have any questions, email me at cal@calpatch.com. all classes will require payment in advance (by check or Paypal), and a minimum number of students to run. the exact address will be provided when you register. deadline to register is one week before start of class. please read my class policies; by registering for a class you agree to honor them.
make your own dress
4 mondays: 10/21, 10/28, 11/4 + 11/11 from 6-8pm, $180
In this four-part class, you’ll learn how to draft a pattern (using your own measurements) for your own custom shift dress with sleeves, make a muslin to test the fit, alter the pattern, and then sew a real dress! Skills covered will include invisible zippers, hemming, bias tape facings and more. This classic and versatile style can also become a blouse or tunic, with infinite sleeve variations. Students must have some sewing experience and be comfortable using a sewing machine.
Supplies:
For the pattern:
- Paper: at least 5 sheets of 18 x 24″ paper, or a roll at least 14″ wide (newsprint or drawing paper)
- Notebook
- Pencil, sharpener, eraser
- See-through 18″ ruler
- Tape measure
- Scissors (for cutting paper)
- Clear tape
- Optional: Hip curve or French cruve
For the muslin and dress:
- Sewing machine
- 2-3 yards medium-weight cotton or other woven fabric* (depending on desired dress + sleeve lengths)
- 2-3 yards muslin
- Thread to match dress fabric
- Optional: 12″ or longer invisible zipper to match (if you want a more fitted dress that doesn’t pull over)
- Optional: Invisible zipper foot for your machine (needed if using an invisible zipper)
- 1 package single-fold bias tape to match (1/2″ wide), or make your own, 1-2 yards
- Basic sewing kit: scissors, pins & cushion, tape measure, seam ripper, tailor’s chalk
*Fabric should ideally be pre-washed and dried (as you will want to wash your handmade garment) to reduce or eliminate shrinkage.
