December is upon us, after a busy Fall season.
Meg and I have been teaching Beginner and Advanced Beginner classes:
Guided Sew
Learn to Sew I and Learn to Sew II
Beginner / Advanced Beginner Quilt
Alterations
Upcycle Wool Sweaters Beanie / Earflap Hat
Upcycle Wool Sweaters - Christmas Stocking
Jane has taught the 9 week Classic Tailoring class to a group of advanced sewing enthusiasts. I’m sure some of the readers have taken it with us at MAS, or through the URI Master Seamstress program of days gone by. And some have taken this class more than once, as it drives home methods that create coats and jackets of the highest caliber in tailoring.
Photos coming soon, as we left Class 9 with short lists; okay maybe some are long lists of tasks required to fully complete the garments.
Sharpening our sewing skills is not all we do - we form bonds with our classmates, confer with each other, and learn from each other.
Coming up in January, Beginner / Advanced Beginner classes are posted. They include 2 different Quilting classes, an evening Guided Sew Class (take 1, 2, 3 , or 4 weeks)! And, we will continue Sat. AM Guided Sew sessions.
Also, 2 offerings at 2 weeks each, for 2 people / class: Learn to Use Your Sewing Machine
See the upcoming beginner classes here.
Intermediate / Advanced classes are posted from January - early June, and will be taught by Jane Headley, Master Seamstress, Threads Contributor.
Moto Jacket will run from Jan - mid March, with 2 separate weeks off for catching up.
Classic or Custom French Jacket will run from late March until early June, again with 2 weeks off sprinkled into the schedule.
See the intermediate / advanced classes here.
You can take the Intermediate / Advanced classes remotely or in person and will receive weekly instructional videos which support class teachings, as well as Zoom recordings of the classes, all posted on our unlisted Youtube channel.
Private Lessons and Gift cards are always available.
Please email for private lessons or questions:
Enter Season 5 of Master the Art of Sewing!
It’s hard to believe that we started classes in September of 2020, in the hunker down times of the COVID virus! We did 100% remote, 13 classes of various length, at various times, on various topics. We learned to use Zoom and to make and share videos, for added support. Wow. It was a lot of fun during such a trying time.
We now teach in person and remotely, we use some video instruction and share that content with class participants via an unlisted Youtube channel. We learn new skills. We build relationships and collaborate. We invite you to join in.
What’s on the schedule for Fall of 2024?
Tailoring a Coat or Jacket - Choose to follow a traditional path or to use a more streamlined approach. Jane Headley, Master Seamstress and Instructor. Please read the complete description and find registration here.
Learn To Sew I and II are back for September and October - and Guided Sew will also be in place - see the class page.
We also provide Private Lessons for Children, Teens, and Adults. Please email mastersewing2020@gmail for more information or to book a lesson.
I hope you enjoy the rest of summer, and that you are enjoying opportunities to create.
Please email mastersewing2020@gmail.com for information.
Season 4 Continued: Summer 2024
Intermediate and Advanced
Muslin Fitting
This past summer was the first time we have offered "Muslin Fitting" classes that were very busy and educational. As we know, proper FITTING is the key to success in garment sewing.
A few photos of garments that resulted from the fitting of muslins:
At Master the Art of Sewing, we have continued to offer a traditional and frequently requested class (Funk up the French Jacket), allowing for the making of the classic jacket, as well for a customized take off on the classic style. Customizations included bound buttonholes, collars, zippers, welt pockets, and fabrics other than the traditional boucle. This was a 9 week class, with a week off here and there, to help us keep up with each other.
The learning, collaboration and socialization with others who share this interest is priceless, and the garments are certainly all one-of-a-kind.
These photos depict the spirit of the Intermediate / Advanced level classes:
Beginner and Advanced Beginner
Novice and Advanced Novice classes provided to aspiring and inspired makers have included Guided Sew, Workshops (encouraging thrifting and upcycling) Private Lessons (for children, teens and adults), and Studio Access.
These jackets were made by Amanda and Kathryn, as they
Upcycled Quilts to Jacket and Sweatshirt.
Following our July classes, we will be breaking to actually do our summer sewing and enjoy the all too short season.
We’ll hope to “See you in September……..” when we plan to revisit Tailoring, adding a new twist: “Tailoring - Classic or Contemporary - You Choose”
Season 4 Continued: Spring 2024
Happy Spring (Soon)
You may have noticed a reorganization of the website content, with the newly posted classes categorized into skill level sections.
Please refer to those specific class pages for details on beginner friendly classes, as well as the more advanced opportunities to learn and collaborate in person or remotely. Feel free to send the info to people who might enjoy the instruction and interactions during these project based classes.
Winter projects included the making of Susan Khalje’s Parisian Jacket pattern, with a remote fitting session with Susan. This sporty jacket was an interesting make with cut-on sleeves and underarm gussets.
Some Learning to Sew Projects:
Children’s Lessons: Asher made a Beanie (and 2 more for his siblings)!
Learn to Sew Second Project:
Starter Quilting Class
Signing off - feel free to email me with any questions.
Barbara
mastersewing2020@gmail.com
Learn to Sew First Lesson Project: Fabric Gift Bag
Guided Sew: Individual Project - Surfer Poncho by Alyssa
Season 4 Continued
Winter into Spring 2024
What did you sew this past fall?
What do you want to sew in the coming year? After we moved into a cozy studio space which is fully equipped for your sewing skill development, we opened this studio to customers in September.
3 Acorn Studios @ 3 Acorn St., in Providence.
We provide private sewing lessons, sewing classes, and sewing
workshops for children and adults.
Gift cards are available! If someone wants to know what you want - surely that would be a last minute shopper…..you can send them this link to gift cards:
https://mastertheartofsewing.com/classes/p/gift25
Some early 2024 classes are posted at this time, with more to come; you may want to take note that Pam Leggett will return in March for a 2 day workshop: “All Things Jeans” - description is available on the “Shop Classes” page.
Sewing events held this past fall include :
Jen Stern of jsterndesigns kicked us off with a 3 evening remote class, using her pattern. We made “The Shirt Jacket,” and someone on my list will receive the product I made in this class as a Christmas gift, so I will show you Sue’s shirt jacket:
Pamela Legett of Pamels’s Patterns taught a 2 day workshop - Fitting Fashion Patterns for the Upper Body - held at Apple Annie Fabrics in Swansea to accommodate the larger group size. Participants left day 2 with a well fitting blouse that was well on its way to completion.
Jane Headley is teaching “The Parisian Jacket”, to a group of inspired seamstresses. Participants are using Susan Khlaje’s pattern and enjoyed a private visit / fitting session by Susan. This class will conclude in January. This class is meets at Jerilyn’s Sewing School in Cranston, RI.
Workshops included:
Beanie and Earflap Hats:
Upcycled Sweater Stocking and Quilted Stocking:
Make Your Own Labels:
And, there were more…..of the Hem your Own Clothes workshop, Lena said: “I feel like I gained a super power!”
With that, I will sign off at this very busy time of year.
I wish you holiday joy, and hope we will see you in 2024!
Barbara
Entering Season 4
Master the Art of Sewing is 3 years old and it’s time to put together Season 4.
Please enjoy our update on the spring makes in our Couture classes, Learn to Sew Classes and Private lessons.
Look for upcoming Season 4 classes on our Classes Page, as it will be updated as classes are added:
Jen Stern: The Shirt Jacket - Remote, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 5:30 to 7:30PM
Pamela Leggett: Fit Fashion Patterns - Upper Body Fitting - In person, 2 day workshop, Oct 3rd and Oct. 17th, full day
Jane Headley: A Couture Jacket (See class description for recommended patterns) - 9 week class, Weds. 11:30 - 2PM, begins 11/08, built in breaks for holidays, ends Jan. 24
News for you before the review:
We are relocating and will be in Providence, with some classes to be held in Cranston.
We are actively working to be ready for business in September.
Planning of classes, workshops, and lessons is underway, not yet finalized.
We will be offering Guided Sew sessions, which will provide active coaching / teaching / learning as you choose your own projects at your developing skill level.
Over the course of the past 3 seasons, we have enjoyed:
Camaraderie among accomplished sewists who wish to join in opportunities to renew and update their high level practices, collaborate on patterns and redesign them, choose preferred fabrics, learn new methods, and enjoy sessions with others who are of similar minds.
Inspiring joy as aspiring sewists begin their sewing journeys.
Great fun with teens and children as they learn to sew, eager and expressive. I always feel younger after their sessions.
Review of Winter to Spring 2023 Classes:
Classic Tailoring…Jane Headley at the helm, thankfully, because who else demonstrates the skills, flexibility, curiosity and interest?!
Jane has also adopted a method of teaching that stems from our needs during the pandemic days, not so long ago, when we were not able to meet in person. She has made many informative instructional videos, along with written class guides, all shared with class participants. Videos are uploaded to a private Youtube channel for class participants.
Jane’s classes continue to be hybrid for those who want to participate from a distance and for those who cannot attend in person on any given day.
Given the investments of time and money that are put into these classes, there is much thought and deliberation over patterns, fabric, length of garment, sleeve and pocket types, embellishments, etc.
A few of this past spring’s productions:
I love this jacket and will say it is definitely in the top 3 favorite garments I have ever made. This jacket is made with a previously used pattern - Butterick 6103. However, the first time it was used resulted in a very different garment (felted wool plaid, coat length), quite different than the new tailored linen jacket.
The 100% linen fabric is from Britex in San Francisco, CA. Lining is a panel of silk charmeuse from Mood, NYC. Buttons from Apple Annie Fabrics in Swansea, MA. Silk piping (on the inside) made from a necktie, sourced from Savers.
Another beauty produced in Classic Tailoring 2023, made by Sue Hall.
Sue was excited to go through the process of making this custom short swing coat. The coat is made of alpaca wool and silk charmeuse from a visit to Elliott Berman Textiles in NYC last year. Vintage buttons were sourced from Amy’s Fabric Treasures Consignment in Westport, MA. The pattern is Simplicity 8509, 1950’s vintage with a shawl collar, welt pockets and wide cuffs.
A classic coat produced in Classic Tailoring 2023, made by Edie Journer Grittner, and a “Pretty in Pink” coat, made by Cindy Wilson
And then, we had the option of a 1 or 2 part Couture Skirt class, participant’s option.
Part 1: 3-week Muslin Skirt Fitting class, in preparation for:
Part 2: 4-week Couture Skirt Construction
Couture Skirt (by Sue Hall): Cotton print from L’Etoffe Fabrics in LA. Kaufman silk / cotton lining, (my version of a fancy jean skirt). The lower panel was cut on the crossgrain, using the fabric design to add interest to the skirt.
Pattern: Burda 6699
French (Chanel) Skirt: Wool boucle from Linton Tweeds and a silk charmeuse lining from my stash (perhaps Apple Annie Fabrics). I loved making this skirt using the same techniques we learned in the French (Chanel) Jacket class. I added selvage fringe to the hem to give it a little something extra.
Regarding these photos, I was so fortunate to have enough of the blue boucle fabric that I actually purchased in 2020 at Apple Annie Fabrics, and made the French Jacket to this suit in our 2021 French Jacket (remote) class, and added the skirt in June of 2023, as the result of our Couture Skirt class. Muslin Fitting classes included remaking the pattern (mine was Vogue 1004) to include princess seams, eliminating the darts. The skirt fashion fabric is quilted to the lining, just like the jacket.
Linings for the jacket and both skirts pictured below were also from Apple Annie Fabrics and trim - from Etsy! It came as a flat cotton embroidered ribbon which I gathered to give it some prominence..
Private Lessons with Children
Sisters Grace and Annabelle worked for weeks to complete their quilts which we expect they will own for many years to come. This was a great project to reinforce basic sewing skills, along with working on a large project, adding batting, and bagging the quilt to back it. Sweet Dreams, Grace and Annabelle!
Isla models her Noodlehead Buckthorn Backpack, complete with interior and exterior pockets, zipper and hardware.
Bella worked for a number of weeks on this project. She is pictured “ready for the dance”. Bella enjoys adding her own fashion flare to patterns , e.g, the slit in the wide legged pants.
Bella hoped to make a dress similar to one that she had previously worn (many times) and so a pattern was made from the dress that needed to be retired. As you can see, it worked out great for her, as our “practice dress” (the gray one) for fitting the pattern was just perfect also! SEW fun!
Private Lessons 2023 / 2024
Private Sewing Lessons for children (8 years of age and older), teens, and adults are available with Barbara and Meg, and should be arranged via email to:
mastersewing2020@gmail.com
Thank you!
Zara used fabric markers to embellish her own t-shirt and design fabric from which to make her favorite stuffed animal a matching t-shirt
Learn to Sew
4-week Classes / Workshops for Adults
Tamatha - pajama pants as her 3rd project in the 4 week “Learn to Sew” class.
Barbara Hendricks and Meg Goulart taught sections of 4 week “Learn to Sew” classes. Classes were capped at 4 participants. This is a 4 week curriculum for students to learn and build upon basic sewing skills. Participants were pleased with their project outcomes, and many asked for additional structured classes to continue their achievements.
Barbara, Meg and Lily Bell taught Hemming and Alterations workshops, allowing for practical applications of skills learned.
Jen examines her remade vest in “Alterations” workshop
Anna Taylor and Ben Greslick from 3dprintme.com were once again available to do some body scans and 3-D printing of some custom dress forms, which took place for 6 of us in June. Feedback from customers is excellent. We are in agreement that the measurements of the forms and the likenesses match our bodies. The forms come complete with stands, and the owners are left to cover them with batting, 4-way stretch fabric and line them with draping tape. I’m looking forward to using my new form to assist in fitting each new garment.
Custom Forms 2023
We will be in touch - send questions to mastersewing2020@gmail.com