Being with others who have a passion for sewing is a great way to spend a weekend. Not only will you get to enjoy the companionship of other creative people, but also I can almost guarantee that you’ll walk away inspired and ready delve into sewing with renewed enthusiasm.

My retreats are designed to give you time to sew on your own as well as to work with me individually on whatever aspect of sewing, design, fit, and patternwork would be most beneficial to you. I’m there to help you in any way I can, so please come with plenty of questions and ready to pick my brain. I can help you with:

• sewing questions
• pressing techniques
• deciding what fabrics to use for specific patterns
• deciding what type of garments to make using certain fabric
• assisting you in creating interesting fabric combinations
• helping you develop flattering garment styles for your figure
• other design questions
• fitting mock-ups of potential garments
• changing your pattern to reflect how I’ve fit your mock-up
• other pattern questions
• how to alter a well-fitting pattern to get different looks
• and just about anything else you want to delve into!

If you would like to work on developing a pair of pants, I have muslins made up from several different pants patterns. You can try them on to see if one style is more flattering and comfortable than another, and to determine your size. Using these fitting pants often eliminates the first step or two of developing a pants pattern. Once we’ve decided which pattern you’re going to use, you can copy my master pattern.

I recommend bringing a variety of projects to work on. Sometimes you’ll be ready for me, but I’ll be tied up for a little bit working with someone else – so many people find it nice to also have a project that’s easy to work on for short bits of time.

CLASS INFORMATION

A table and chair will be provided for each person, and pressing equipment and cutting tables will be provided for all to share. You will need to bring your sewing machine and a light, as well as your sewing notions, pattern, fabric for mock-ups, etc. You will be sent a suggested supply list will be sent to you upon registration.

Retreat fees vary depending on the location they are held and the length of the retreat. Registration is always limited, so that I have plenty of time to work with each person individually.

Prior to class, I'm happy to talk with you about the mock-ups that you would like to work on. For more information and questions, please feel free to get in touch with me: