There’s nothing like swinging into a room wearing a truly one-of-a-kind jacket that fits well and looks stunning. And for many of us the best way to get one: make it yourself!
But – every woman has a unique body shape that possess unique fitting challenges. In this workshop you will make a muslin to fit your own shape so you can adapt patterns properly, using the versatile and easy Tabula Rasa Jacket by Fit for Art patterns.
The phrase 'Tabula Rasa' translates from latin to clean slate; an absence of preconceived ideas, and what a perfect place to start for a fitting workshop! This classic jacket is hip length with a natural shoulder line, square armholes, and a kimono-style band finish; sizes range from XS-3XL with two bust size options (if required, we can work to make it smaller or bigger!). It was designed as a pattern that can be modified in many ways to create many garments from one starting place.
Sewing your own clothes can be one of life’s most rewarding activities. It’s especially rewarding if you don’t usually fit the industry-standard sizes available in most “off the rack” stores. Even patterns are made to industry standard sizes, and often require adaptation. And who doesn't like clothes that are unique as well as decently made – the best way to own some clothes like that is to make them yourself!
Please note, the focus of this workshop is learning to adjust a pattern and make a muslin. As such, we will complete only the properly fitted muslin in this workshop, as it is key for future success.
By the end of the workshop you will understand the basic principles of using a pattern to sew clothes, and have gained enough confidence to get started on making more things for yourself! In the process we will also look at how home sewing relates to the environmental issues in “fast fashion,” and how trends in the cloth market impact home sewists.
IN THIS WORKSHOP YOU WILL:
- Work with a commercial sewing pattern for clothes. You will learn to decode the back of the pattern, understand the instruction booklet, measure your body, determine your size and make adjustments, ensure ease and identify individual pattern pieces.
- Assess the pros and cons of different lay-out options and the function of the different pattern markings.
- Pin patterns to fabric and transfer various markings from pattern to cloth (and figure out when maybe not to bother).
- Cut the pattern out, as well as interfacing and (partial) lining.
- Construct a mockup from muslin to make sure the pattern fits; adjust the mockup and then the pattern as required.
- Practice the sewing involved in making garments: seam allowances and seam finishes, bust darts, clipping curves, installing (a partial) lining, buttonholes (if possible), collar, hems.
WHEN:
- Saturday October 26th 10-4pm
SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN:
- Reading sewing patterns and size charts.
- Understanding important measurements for fit accuracy.
- Fabric choice for best drape and dress style. We'll look at various fabric options and look at how the weave and fiber content will affect the look of the finished garment.
- Laying out and cutting sewing patterns.
- Sewing a basic garment, including how to gather.
- Professional finishes to make your garments look great and sustain being cared for.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: We'll provide each participant with the pattern, the muslin fabric, lining, interfacing and thread. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for fabric, patterns and notions purchased in store during the workshop.
WHAT'S NOT: Participants will need to bring their sewing machines and accessories (don't forget your manual, power cord, pins and extra machine needles!). Please bring all you personal sewing tools (seam ripper, snips, tape measure, etc). You'll also need some marking tools for marking and fitting the muslin; black sharpie, washable marker, pencil & eraser, or any other marking tools.
OTHER INFO: Sewists must be comfortable threading and operating a sewing machine and have spent some time using their machine for simple projects. This class is suited for any sewist with a little experience under their belt!
Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum class size is 8 participants.
Please ensure your sewing machine is in good working order. We request that you bring all your machine accessories and manual.
*If you are coming from out of town and would like to make arrangements to use one of our machines, please contact us at formerandlatterfabrics@gmail.com
Key Information
Hermina Joldersma is a Fibre Artist and Costumiere who has been teaching sewing, repairing, mending, altering, and beyond for decades. You may have met her at the U of A Clothing Repair Café, or watched her work onstage at The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Sherwood Park Festival Place 2023) or All My Sons (Walterdale Theatre 2023).
We are very excited to welcome Hermina to our studio to share her unique skills and expertise!
Payment in full is required to book a spot in our workshop and due to the limited number of spaces available registration is non-refundable. Discounts cannot be applied to classes. Up to two weeks in advance of the workshop, participation can be transferred to another sewist.
All participants will be contacted by email one to two weeks prior to the workshop with all the necessary details for the workshop.
The workshop is located in our Brick and Mortar retail store and we ask all participants to be respectful of the space, equipment, other participants and shoppers.
The workshop will require the use of sewing machines, pins, needles, irons, cutting tools (scissors and rotary cutters), etc. By your participation in any class, workshop, lesson, or workspace usage, you agree to release and hold harmless Former and Latter Fabrics, it’s instructors, and employees from any and all claims and liability related to any accident that may arise as a result.