I'm happy to be able to offer several classes in the upcoming months! They will all be held at the Hampton Inn in Hunt Valley (11200 York Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 21030; telephone: 410-527-1500 and 800-426-7866). Note: you do not need to stay at the Hampton Inn to participate in the classes. I have arranged to have a spacious meeting room, and each participant will have their own work area. More details on what will be supplied and what you need to bring will be sent out several weeks before each class. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Sewers of all skill levels are welcomed.

I have had such fun in the last few months being with quite a number of you at sewing retreats and during private instruction. I'm hoping that some of these classes will fit into your schedule so we'll have the chance to work together and you can enjoy the company of other sewing enthusiasts.

Getting Comfortable With Knits • June 22-24, 2007

A three-day program that takes an in-depth look at knits. Topics covered will include: learning to recognize different knit fabrics and knit structures; how to accurately assess the stretch and recovery factors of knits; how to select patterns when working with knit fabrics; how to gauge what size pattern to use; guidelines on choosing a knit fabric for a specific project; tips on sewing with knits; and neckline finishing techniques. Class participants will be fitted for both a non-stretch knit T-shirt and a stretch bodysuit (or close-fitting camisole) during class and will leave with fine-tuned patterns. The class will be held at the Hampton Inn in Hunt Valley. Please visit my website to register. (Class fee: $395.00)

Practical Patternmaking • July 27-29, 2007

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. The class will be held at the Hampton Inn in Hunt Valley. Please visit my website to register. (Class fee: $395.00)

Sewing Retreat with Sarah Veblen • August 17-19, 2007

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 utilize my experience in fitting, pattern making, design, and fabric usage. Some people like to concentrate on developing mock-ups (I do the fitting and assist in making the pattern changes) so they have fine-tuned patterns that are ready for sewing when they go home. Others like to be sewing on garments and have me make the in-the-fabric fit perfect as well as help with technical sewing questions, including which interfacings to use, button and buttonhole placement, types of seams and seam finishes, and just about anything else you can think of. This latter approach works really well if you're working on a complicated garment.

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, fitting, and patternmaking. There is something really invigorating about these sewing retreats. It's a great way to get back into sewing or to get your creative juices flowing! The retreat is limited to 9 people so I can give everyone individual attention. Reserve your spot today with a $75 deposit. Please visit my website to register. (Retreat fee: $350.00 for 3 days; $275 for 2 days; contact Sarah directly about the possibility of attending for 1 day only)

Fitting: Learning the Basics • September 27-30, 2007

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.

Both sewing hobbyists and professional custom clothiers will find this class valuable, and sewing hobbyists of all skill levels are welcome. Although it is commonly said that you can't fit yourself, this class will teach you that in fact there are some aspects of fit that you can accomplish on your own. If you have a dress form that's close to your body shape, I encourage you to bring your dress form and do your practice exercises on it. Also, this class is ideal for those of you who have a sewing buddy -- learn to fit each other! The class will be held at the Hampton Inn in Hunt Valley. Please visit my website to register. (Class fee: $495.00)

Silk Knit Jersey

Silk knit jersey in 41 different colors has been added to my webstore. This is some of the most lightweight, high-quality silk knit jersey I have ever found. Please visit the silks page in the Store section of my website to order yardage, or for more information. Color cards are also available for purchase, or you may borrow one. There are images of the color cards on that page to give you an idea of the range of colors it is available in.

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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