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My Classes

These are descriptions of classes that are currently offered or have been offered in the past. If you see a class that interests you and it is not on the calendar, please inquire for more information. These classes are offered on Saturdays in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Take a class in the morning and enjoy the rest of your day strolling, shopping and eating in historic downtown.

You can book new classes here.

CUTTING FABRIC THE COUTURE WAY

This is a hands on demonstration class. Students will get to learn step by the step how to prepare, lay, mark, and cut the fabric and pattern and what tools to use. This couture method is different from the fast and simple ways most of us were taught. It is the most important part of any sewing project and should be done with care. This class will ensure that you will be able to take your cut pieces to the machine with confidence and reduce the chance of seam ripping.

COUTURE BASICS and HAND SEWING

Learn some couture techniques that will elevate your sewing and give your garments a professional and heirloom quality finish. Students will practice the same hand sewing techniques applied in the ateliers of Paris. This class is for all levels and will prepare you for more advanced dressmaking and tailoring.

TRAPUNTO AND SCHIAPARELLI

Trapunto is an ancient Italian method of quilting. It is not just for quilts and is often seen in couture garments. Elsa Schiaparelli incorporated it into several of her designs. It is a unique way to add dimension and interest to a garment. Learn more about Schiaparelli and her contribution to haute couture and learn a new skill. You will learn how to apply this method by hand and by machine.

COUTURE SEAM FINISHES

Some seam finishes are convenient for ready-to-wear clothing, but they are not used in the world of couture. There are many elegant and preferred methods for finishing a seam. Practice some of the finest ways to finish your seams based on the garment and fabric.

BALENCIAGA INSPIRED ONE SEAM COAT

In 2017, the Victoria and Albert Museum presented a collection of Cristobal Balenciaga’s garments in an exhibit titled “Shaping Fashion”. The museum shared a pattern that showed how to create a Balenciaga-inspired one seam coat using an 8.5″ X 11″ sheet of paper. The simple origami-like cutting and shaping of the fabric is similar to a Japanese kimono. Japonism was a design movement that influenced many couturiers including Balenciaga. He created a variation of garments applying this one piece of cloth concept and is famous for his abstract and voluminous designs. Bring 1.75 – 2 yards of 52″ – 60″ wide fabric, or you can even bring an old blanket or quilt. There is not a pattern for this, you will just cut the cloth based on measurements with a ruler. The instructor will share the necessary calculations for marking and cutting the fabric. You will cut, fold and stitch a unique coat inspired by Balenciaga. No machine is needed. Bring a hand sewing needle and thread. Instructions on how to finish at home will be provided.

VIONNET ROSES

Madeleine Vionnet is famous for her complicated and stunning bias-cut designs. Come learn more about the designer and try your hand at a simple embellishment that she often used – bias silk roses. Other famous designers, such as Valentino, McQueen, and Prada, embellish with silk roses, and it is very fashionable right now. You will learn three different rose-making techniques that you can apply to your garments.

SHOULDER PADS AND PADSTITCHING

Learn how to make your own Couture shoulder pads for a softly tailored jacket. You will also learn the basics for interfacing a jacket front, and padstitching a collar.

BOUND BUTTONHOLES

Bound buttonholes are an elegant way to finish a closure on a garment. It gives the buttonhole dimension and makes the garment extra special. Bound buttonholes are frequently found on vintage and couture garments like the Balenciaga suit in this picture. Students will learn how to apply this technique to their own projects. No machine is needed, it is all done by hand. Beautiful!

DRAPING ON THE BIAS FOR FUN

Practice draping fabric on the bias on a dress from. This class is for fun and no experience is required. The purpose is to just experiment and get comfortable with manipulating fabric to get different design results. Instructor will cover draping a cowl and butterfly twist. There a plenty of dress forms at the store, no need to bring your own. Bring pins, chalk/erasable pen, thread and needle, and balanced weave fabric such as muslin, silk charmeuse, or rayon (nothing with stretch in it). Instructor will have some sample fabrics available as well.

BIAS BINDING

Learn how to cut and apply bias strips to finish the armhole and necklines of a garment, when you do not want to use facings.

ELEGANT ZIPPERS

Learn how to insert a hand-picked zipper for an elegant and professional looking touch for a skirt or dress.

HEM FINISHES

Students will learn a few different ways to finish a hem based on the type of fabric and the style of a garment. As the hem is usually the last step in the construction of a garment, you really want to finish strong after all your hard work.

PATTERN MAGIC: APPLE PEEL

This is a beginner friendly, pattern drafting class. Using excerpts from the book Pattern Magic Stretch by Tomoko Nakamichi, students will learn about pattern-making principles in a fun and creative way. This is a great example of the principle of added fullness. Students will draft the pattern and then cut and sew a cute shrug.

PATTERN MAGIC and GIVENCHY.

Students will draft the pattern for the bow top in Tomoko Nakmichi’s book, Pattern Magic. Hubert de Givenchy designed a dress similar to this design, which was worn by his muse Audrey Hepburn. Learn about the couturier Givenchy and his contribution to haute couture and take your pattern-making skills to the next level.

PATTERN MAGIC and DIOR.

Using the creative Pattern Magic book by Tomoko Nakamichi, students will draft the “Deppari” accent top. Deppari means protruding in Japanese. Nakamichi uses deppari accents to create uncommon garment designs, some of which are reminiscent of Christian Dior’s “New Look” designs post World War II. Students will learn about Christian Dior and some of his designs, especially the Vol au Vent (“flying”) suit famously worn by Marlene Dietrich. Working from Pattern Magic I and inspiration from Dior, students will have the opportunity to draft their own deppari accents, while gaining an understanding of pattern making principles. Sloper will be provided, bring tracing paper, pencil and metric ruler.

PATTERN MAGIC and POIRET

Students will draft the pattern for a cute top, “Two Peas in a Pod” in the book Pattern Magic Stretch by Tomoko Nakmichi, while exploring the pattern-making principle of added fullness. This is a fun and beginner friendly way to learn about pattern making. The gathered sleeves of this top is reminiscent of a peignoir designed by Paul Poiret in the 1910s. Come make something new and modern inspired by the past!

TAKING MEASUREMENTS

Instructor will demonstrate for students how to take body measurements of one’s self or another person. Students will take home a completed full body measurement worksheet. This worksheet will be great reference for analyzing industry patterns or drafting a pattern.

DRAFTING A BODICE SLOPER

Have you ever wanted to create a pattern based on your own measurements? In this beginner pattern drafting class, students will draft the front and back of a bodice using their own measurements. Students must be comfortable reading and following directions on a diagram and measuring and drawing straight lines from a point using a ruler. The instructor will be there to guide and instruct students so they properly draft the pattern. Drafting/tracing paper, pencil, ruler and tape measure required. No machines required.

BIAS SILK TOP

Students will cut and sew a bias silk top with clear instructions and useful tools on how to successfully complete a bias garment. Students will choose from either a halter style or cowl draped neckline pattern.

SILK AND SEWING ON THE BIAS

In this hands on demonstration class, students will learn the special attributes of silk and how to prepare, cut and sew it on the bias. Detailed handout on bias sewing will also provided.

BIAS SEWING: FRENCH SEAMS AND SKINNY STRAPS.

Learn how to make elegant bias tubes that can be used for straps, button loops or garment hanging loops, as well how to sew French seams for a bias garment such as camisole.

DART MANIPULATION

This is a beginner-friendly pattern alterations class. Learn how to move darts on a pattern. Half-scale sample patterns and paper will be provided to allow easy manipulation and practice. Students will gain an understanding of basic pattern drafting principles and how to make their own style and fit changes to an industry pattern.

BEGINNER DRAPING

Learn the basics of draping fabric directly on a dress form to create a pattern. You can learn to drape a basic skirt, bodice, collars, and peplums . Instructor will provide dress forms in class. Student can practice more at home on their own personal form.