Sewing Retreat • Sept 8-10

Practical Patternmaking • Oct 13-15

Fitting • Class Formation

Sewing Retreat • September 8-10, 2006

Friday, September 8 starting at 9:00 a.m. through Sunday, September 10 ending at 6:00 p.m.

On the last day of the June sewing retreat, several participants asked if I would hold another one in September. So here you go! If you weren't able to come to the June retreat, now is your chance to join a congenial group of creative sewers.

For those of you who have not attended one of my sewing retreats, let me take just a minute to explain how my retreats differ from most others. It's definitely a chance for you to work on whatever project(s) you want, but it's also an opportunity for you to hone your patternmaking skills while you learn about flattering styles, design lines, and fit. I work with each person one-on-one, but you'll also learn a lot from the projects others are working on. I think of this time as a "learning retreat" -- have fun sewing, but increase your understanding and knowledge of sewing and patternmaking as well.

Plus, each day I offer some sort of design exercise or sewing demonstration. At the September retreat, I'll demonstrate pressing skills and how to use different pressing equipment effectively.

I'll be "at your service" to:

  • do your muslin and garment fittings
  • help with pattern changes and development
  • be a sounding board in planning garments
  • assist you in creating interesting fabric combinations
  • help you develop flattering garment styles for your figure
  • help you select appropriate interfacings or determine how to structure a garment
  • troubleshoot any technical sewing questions

I'm also happy to make arrangements for a side trip to A Fabric Place, a wonderful local independent fabric store. Those who attended the June retreat will attest to how well owner Michael Bearman takes care of us with generous prices and hospitality. Just let me know if this would be interesting to you.

The retreat will be held in Hunt Valley's Hampton Inn at 11200 York Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 21030 (410-527-1500 or 800-426-7866). Note: you do NOT need to stay at the Hampton Inn to participate in the retreat. However, if you choose to stay at the Hampton Inn, Ron Lawton is extending a preferred customer room rate if you mention my name.

Retreat Fee: $240.00 for 2 days; $315.00 for all 3 days. The retreat is limited to 9 people. Reserve your spot by making a $75.00 deposit (or paying the entire fee) on the class registration page of my website.

Here are some things people had to say about the June retreat:

"Thank you for all your help and expertise! I learned so much -- I can't thank you enough. You have a great way of explaining the details on patternmaking and fit that I really have struggled trying to understand from books."

"I had a great time and came home very enthusiastic. Thanks for all your help and for being so gracious as well."

"What a great weekend! Can't wait to do it again!"

Practical Patternmaking • October 13-15, 2006

Are you frustrated with sewing because garment patterns don't seem to work for you? Do you wonder why the depiction of a garment on a pattern envelope often bears little resemblance to the way the sewn garment looks on you? Have you tried altering patterns but gotten mixed results?

During this three-day class, we will study and explore the basic principles of patternmaking using your mock-ups as our laboratory. In addition to fitting each class participant, I will teach you how to accurately change your pattern accordingly. You will develop good patternmaking skills as well as gain an understanding of how a pattern and fit are interrelated. Participants will have time to work on a number of different projects. This class will be held either in my home/studio or at the Hampton Inn, depending on enrollment. Class fee: $395.00. Please register on the class registration page of my website.

Fitting: Learning the Basics • Class Formation

A Fitting class is forming for next year in late February or March. If you are interested, please let me know what dates are good for you.

For many sewers, the success of a garment hinges on the way it fits. And unfortunately, as our ready-to-wear clothing has become more generic in the way it fits, pattern companies have followed suit. Although it takes years of experience to become a master at fitting, learning the basic concepts and first rules of fitting is possible for anyone who’s willing to spend the time.

During this four-day class, you will learn these basic concepts and rules of fitting through a combination of activities. Each day will begin with a short lecture. Since the first step in learning to fit is being able to “see” and assess what needs to be fitted, you will be given exercises designed to train your eye. I will also give fitting demonstrations on class participants’ muslins. Because practice is the best way to learn to fit, students will spend time every day fitting each other under my guidance and supervision. You will be asked to bring 3 or 4 prepared muslins to class. (Class fee: $495.00)

For more information about Sarah's classes, custom clothing, and writing, please visit her website, www.sarahveblen.com, or contact her directly via email: sarah@sarahveblen.com; phone: 410-472-9253; or mail: 15 Cross Falls Circle, Sparks, MD 21152.

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