April 13-17, 2026: Exploring Fashion Design - Level One - near Hunt Valley, MD - CLASS FULL - waiting list available
April 13-17, 2026: Exploring Fashion Design - Level One - near Hunt Valley, MD - CLASS FULL - waiting list available
What’s the difference between an ensemble that is just alright and one that is really great? Why do some garments – despite beautiful fabric, proper fit, and good sewing techniques – fall short of being what we reach for in our wardrobe? Why do some women look overpowered and stiff in their clothes while others look comfortable and relaxed? What is really going on that puts clothing into that "wonderful" category?
This five-day workshop explores the elements of design in relation to fashion, clothing, and building a wardrobe suited for you as a particular individual. No prior sewing, design, or drawing knowledge is required.
Mornings are devoted to lecture, discussion, and exercises that explore the design process.
There will be afternoon exercises and time to work on creating your own garment concepts, during which Sarah will work with each student individually.
See “Additional Info” below to learn more about the workshop, including a schedule of what we will focus on each day.
By the end of the week, participants will have a number of interesting garment concepts that work for their figure and lifestyle. Students will discover that they can “push” their ideas into new territory and are able to explore styles and fabrics they have never considered before.
Payments:
For a cash/check discount, please register via mail.
If you pay a deposit, the remaining balance will be due one month before the class start date.
Credit - Pay In Full: $1640
Credit - Deposit: $640
Additional Info:
Class Focus:
In addition to concentrating on the design process and developing garment concepts with interesting design details, we will also explore how to implement a design in terms of pattern development. While Sarah is happy to work with you on finding flattering necklines, or talk about flattering garment lengths, the focus of this workshop is on becoming familiar with and using the elements of design, not on fitting.
Registration is limited to 8 so that each person gets lots of individual attention from Sarah.
Sketching:
Many potential students balk at the idea of sketching. This is not a fashion illustration class. However, sketches – think of them as working drawings – are an invaluable tool that allow you to visualize and test design ideas. I promise you, it’s easy to learn to do this, and I will guide you through the process.
Class Preparation:
About two months before the class begins, registrants will receive: (1) a detailed supply list; and (2) easy-to-follow instructions on how to develop a croquis of yourself – a croquis is an outline silhouette used as a template for sketching garment concepts.
Following is the focus of each day:
Day 1: Evolution of personal style. Begin the process of defining your style, explore design elements, discuss our fashion croquis and perceptions we have of our own body, and learn the basics of sketching on a croquis.
Day 2: Design and the creative process. Explore the creative process itself, continue to study design elements, and sketch garment ideas.
Day 3: Fabrication and color. Study fabrics and colors, including how to manipulate them so that they “work” for you (or someone else).
Day 4: Exploration of fabrics. Trip to a local fabric store (A Fabric Place) to work on fabric exercises and to collect swatches, followed by group discussion and exploring everyone’s swatches.
Day 5: Fabrication and design. Explore the power of trims and embellishments, combining fabrics and colors for a design concept, and wardrobe planning.
Location and Accomodations:
This workshop is held at a house about 8 minutes north of the Hunt Valley, MD area and near where Sarah lives. There are a number of hotels in the Hunt Valley area, and it’s easy to find information about them with a google search; there are also Air BnB types of accommodations in the area. We will gather at 9:00 am each day, and we’ll finish up around 5:00 or 5:30 pm. There will be coffee, tea, fruit, and a breakfast goodie supplied each day. Lunch is on your own, except on Thursday / Day 4, when you will be Sarah’s guest for a lunch near the fabric store.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Sarah: sarah@sarahveblen.com
What former students are saying about this class…
“I am hopeless when drawing with paper and pencil. So I didn’t think I could use a croquis. No problem! Sarah showed us how to make our croquis without drawing freehand. “Dressing” my croquis freed me from sewing garments solely based on images on the pattern envelope. Sarah’s class guided me through necklines, style lines, texture and so much more. I now sew garments that complement my shape, bring attention to my face, and define my style.”
“I have been fortunate to study with Sarah through a mentorship, online classes, and in the Design 1 workshop. Her lectures and exercises provided the guided opportunity to apply design theory to my own body. I have been able to analyze proportion, scale, and line in my fitting and design work, resulting in more satisfying and pleasing garments, that feel good on my body. Learning with Sarah is always fun and the rewards are repeated every time a garment is worn. I highly recommend this workshop.”
“Sarah’s class is unique. She taught me how to look at a garment and understand what is going on. What’s your eye being drawn to? How is the design doing that? How do the component pieces of the garment relate to each other? How do the different elements of the garment — fabric weight, texture, drapiness, color, scale of any print or design, style lines, seaming, embellishment — relate to each other? It might not be the happiest relationship. What could you do to improve it? For example, Sarah showed us how texture can “read” as pattern. Is there coherence of style? If there’s a particular element of the design that you really like, is there a way to make it work for you? (Spoiler alert: Yes. Sarah teaches you how to think this through; you’d be amazed at how you really can personalize a design element you like.)
Most importantly, though, is that Sarah is just as wonderful a teacher and communicator as she is a designer and sewist. She meets you where you are, no matter your skill level or your learning style. I am just as grateful for her remarkable pedagogic skills as I am in awe of her designing and sewing talent.”