Dear Fellow Sewer,

My classes have been developed to offer both home sewers and sewing professionals the opportunity to take a comprehensive and in-depth look into particular aspects of sewing and design. Each session has been carefully planned to provide you with hands-on experience, lectures and demonstrations, and lots of individual attention. You will undoubtedly also learn from your fellow classmates and their projects, and you will certainly enjoy – and benefit from – being with others who share your passion.

Although I've previously used my home/studio for classes/retreats, I now hold many sessions in a comfortable conference room at the Hampton Inn in nearby Hunt Valley. You do not need to stay at the Hampton Inn to attend a class being held there. For classes/retreats held at the Hampton Inn, we will use a spacious ground-floor conference room, and there is plenty of free parking. I am usually there teaching and working with students individually from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 or so in the evening. The room will be available to students at any time, and you may safely leave your sewing equipment in the room overnight (it will be locked; plus the front desk is just across the hall).

I also offer classes online in conjunction with Pattern Review. I have had many people say that they would love to take one of my classes, but they can't take the time off work, be away from their family, or travel easily to Maryland. Online classes allow you to study with me from the comfort of your own home. These classes consist of daily lessons, a message board where you can always ask me questions, and live chat sessions where you can benefit from class discussion and my input.

Detailed class descriptions, information on accommodations, and the class registration form are available from me and on my website. Please visit the newsletter page for information on how to add your name to my mailing list. Also, photos of general class activities and photos from past classes are available on the website. And please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me regarding any questions you may have about my classes.

I hope you’ll join me for a class so that you can integrate new information and experiences with the skills you’ve already mastered – it’s a wonderful way to spark your creativity.

March 8-13, 2009

DEFINE YOUR STYLE: DESIGNING SOFTLY STRUCTURED GARMENTS FOR WOMEN (DESIGN I) -- What's the difference between an ensemble that is appealing and one that is stunning? Why do some women look overpowered and stiff in their clothes while others look comfortable and graceful? What is it that really happens to push clothing into that “absolutely exquisite” category?

This six-day class will give you an opportunity to explore and understand the many facets of design and soft tailoring for women. We will study the elements of design and their interrelationship, including visualization and the value of sketching, flat pattern manipulation, draping, fabrication, engineering, fitting, and construction techniques as they pertain to soft tailoring. This class will be held at my home/studio, and enrollment is limited. (Class fee: $735.00)

August 9-10, 2008

OVERNIGHT SEWING PAJAMA PARTY -- Arrive any time after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 9 and sew to your heart’s content until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10.

Work on whatever suits your fancy. I will be available to help you with fittings, fabric and interfacing questions, pattern work, garment design, and anything else you need. Bring your sewing machine, a sewing light, your notions and fabric, your sewing chair if you’d like – and, of course, your PJ’s!

Sew all night if you like. Or get a few hours of shut-eye: I four double/queen beds, a big couch, and plenty of floor space. Bring a sewing buddy and bunk in with her!

I will provide supper (BYOB), and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning. Other meals are on your own; you’re welcome to bring food items to put in my fridge. (Retreat fee, including supper and breakfast: $195.00)

August 1-3, 2008

DESIGNING WITH KNITS -- There's no question that knit fabrics have a proven and secure place in fashion today. And sewers have increasing access to all kinds of interesting knits, which are being produced in an ever-expanding array of fiber contents. But what do you do with all of these fascinating knit fabrics?

Matching the appropriate knit fabric with a garment type or specific design is key, and this will be discussed in conjunction with the elements that make knit garments successful. We'll also explore how to easily develop details that will make your knit garments look fabulous. Participants will compile a variety of sketches and design ideas as well as work on one or two muslins of their choice.

Please note that this is an intermediate class in knits. As a prerequisite, I strongly recommend moderate to extensive experience in working with knits, or my class "Getting Comfortable with Knits." (Class fee: $395.00)

June 27-29, 2008 *FULL*

PRACTICAL PATTERNMAKING -- 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. (Class fee: $395.00)

May 3-5 & May 30-June 1, 2008 *NEW CLASS*

CREATING YOUR OWN PERFECT LITTLE "BLACK" DRESS -- How many times have you gotten an invitation and wished you had just the right dress already hanging in your closet? You know . . . a dress that fits well, is timelessly in fashion, suits you to a “T,” is the perfect neutral tone or color for you, can be dressed up or down, and oh-so-easy just to slip on and go. If you’ve found yourself wishing for such a dress, then this class is for you!

During the first weekend, I’ll help you design and fit a dress that’s classically suited for you, yet has a flair that reflects your personality. After two days of muslin making, fitting, and pattern work, we’ll go to New York on a day trip to select fabric and/or notions and trims.

During the second weekend, I’ll help you finalize any pattern work, and then you’re on your way to making the dress. Chances are good that you’ll leave with that perfect dress finished, on a hanger, and ready to wear. If you work slowly, perhaps you’ll have a bit more to do at home. And if you work quickly, I’ll encourage you to start another version of the same dress in a casual fabric – yet another boon to the wardrobe.

This two-part class will be held in my home/studio, so enrollment is limited. (Class fee for 6-days, including round-trip bus fare between Baltimore and New York: $750.00)

March 24-29, 2008

DEFINE YOUR STYLE: DESIGNING SOFTLY STRUCTURED GARMENTS FOR WOMEN (DESIGN I) -- What's the difference between an ensemble that is appealing and one that is stunning? Why do some women look overpowered and stiff in their clothes while others look comfortable and graceful? What is it that really happens to push clothing into that “absolutely exquisite” category?

This six-day class will give you an opportunity to explore and understand the many facets of design and soft tailoring for women. We will study the elements of design and their interrelationship, including visualization and the value of sketching, flat pattern manipulation, draping, fabrication, engineering, fitting, and construction techniques as they pertain to soft tailoring. This class will be held in my home/studio, so enrollment is limited. (Class fee: $695.00)