Got Tape anyone?
I am very interested in custom-made dress forms of late. Most of my adult life, I would buy a pattern, add 5 inches to the pants length and 2 inches to the sleeves, and the clothing would fit fine. I have steadily been gaining weight over the last decade and can no longer do that. Who wants to make clothes that don’t fit? It’s a lot of work wasted if you do not take the time to do the fitting. But, to do this well, you need a good sewing friend to help you, or a dress form that fits your body.

So, I have been researching custom forms and experimenting with forms made of duct tape or paper packaging tape.

These are pictures of my daughter and her custom-made form of duct tape. I am hoping to schedule a class to share my findings with you, so that you can make a form that fits your body, too. The first date I am considering is coming up fast - Sunday, February 9, 2008 from 10am-4pm. (NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!)

I have spoken to my current students, and many of you would like to do this. So, I say, “Why wait?” I am thinking that we should limit the class to 10 students, working in pairs, or even better, trios. If there are more students than I can accommodate that day, I will set another date soon. I will post a small list of what you need to bring, shortly. By clicking on the links in the paragraph above the picture, you can get a preview of what we will be doing. In fact, if you do plan on taking the class, I encourage you to read up as much as you can so that you will be familiar with the process.

Threads Magazine has had articles over the years about dress forms. Click here to view the a summary of the 4 different ways they recommend to making your own forms. Their article also includes links to various websites which have more detailed instructions and pdf downloads.

The cost for the day is $90. We will have refreshments and lunch available. Duct tape is included. Plus most of the other materials needed. That way, you can eat when you are not being fit.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

So, after all of this, here is what you need to bring with you when you come to the workshop:

• Long T-shirt or close-fitting turtleneck, this will become part of the dress form, so it has to be one that you are willing to sacrifice to the cause! If the shirt doesn’t go past the hipline, we can extend it

• Leggings or tights to wear while being taped

• Undergarments like you wear under most of your clothes, so that the form will be shaped (conformed, constricted, or left to hang) like your body is on a daily basis.

• Breath mints, just kidding!

If you have been to the shop, or see the pictures on the site, you know that there are large windows across the front and on the door. All shades and curtains will be pulled closed and the door will be locked so that we won’t have any surprise visitors while we are holding this workshop. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, we will stop and cut the form off immediately.

I will walk everyone through the process and demonstrate the taping techniques. We may need to do some prep of your shirt, etc. and we will do that, too. I will supervise every form made so that you will be happy with the one you take home with you. No swapping!

I think that teams of 3 work really well. One person being taped by 2 others. One in front and one in back. I think it will go better that way and faster.

There are ways to make stands and fill the forms. I will present them to you and you can decide what you want to do. You will need to buy fiberfill, (polyester fill for pillows and stuffed animals) to fill and support your form. I have seen various options, included packing peanuts. I have seen it recommended that the bust be filled with raglan shoulder pads. Let’s see how it goes and I will answer any questions you have about finishing them. If need be, we may have a short follow-up class.

The final thing is that I can teach you how to use your form through the classes you take for sewing. If your body does change, you will know how to make the form. With help from a good friend, you can remake the form in short order and very little monetary outlay.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, March 16th!

In Massachusetts, the public schools have 3rd graders study Colonial times. Many schools have Colonial Days in which the students come to school for the day dressed in costumes like children would wear during that time in history.

I have a special interest in this since my daughter is in 3rd grade this year. She has an American Girl Doll “from” Colonial Williamsburg. Elizabeth is her name. The February vacation (2006) after she received the doll, we visited Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. I have a friend, Amy, who coaches the Fifes and Drums corps there and often plays music on flute and piano for events in Williamsburg historic area. The visitor center allows parents to rent costumes for the children to wear. They are simple white dresses and mop caps for girls. I have to admit that I cannot remember what they had for boys, other than 3 cornered hats. It was fun for my daughter to walk around wearing the dress and cap, carrying her doll, who was in her own costume, too.

I remember when Amy started working there over 10 years ago. She talked to me about how she had to make her own dress. It had to be out of certain materials and sewn all by hand!

Well, I am not so interested in being that authentic. Meaning, I plan to use a sewing machine for most of the construction. Luckily, McCall’s Pilgrim or McCall’s Fancier Colonial and Simplicity have issued patterns for different eras in American history. Unfortunately, these patterns are only available for girls. They offer no patterns of this era for boys. The following do have patterns for both. There is a company in Colorado, Patterns of Time, which offers many historic patterns. Sewing Central offers patterns and material. You may find Kannik’s Korner on the previous 2 sites, but they do offer a few patterns for girls and boys. Harper House offers many patterns from various eras. Their link takes you to the page for Children’s Colonial clothing. All of these linked names will take you as close as I can get you to pages for patterns for Children. You may find it fun to explore the sites. I have never used the patterns of these independent companies. They may be best suited to an experienced sewer.

The patterns vary in difficulty. Last year, I made costumes for my neighbor and her daughter. They were very simple, and we can use the patterns I drafted, too.

I have purchased the McCall’s and Simplicity patterns so that I can make samples for you to see. I may end up making the more elaborate dress while we are working on your projects. I will hang it near the front window so you you can observe the progress of the outfit. As soon as I finish the first dress, I will post it online here. I will find a pattern for a boy’s outfit, too. They can be easier to manufacture from their current wardrobe by altering pants and dressing with the right accessories.

I have been trying to find a time in my class schedule that would work for us to meet as a group on this topic of sewing. I would like to propose Wednesday evenings. Or, it may be possible to do a Thursday 11am-2pm time slot. If those times do not work for you, join any class. My classes allow you to work on what you want at your own pace, so it would be fine to come at a class time that is convenient. Though, I think that working together on these outfits together can be helpful, inspiring and a lot of fun.

A new sewing machine can be both an exciting and scary prospect. It is very easy to be discouraged when you try to figure out how to use it on your own. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure that you have success when using your machine. But, the manuals aren’t always clear on what to do.

Here at Laura’s Sewing School, we LOVE to teach beginners. We love all of our students, but we are happy to open the fun world of sewing to new enthusiasts. I have yet to meet a machine I couldn’t figure out. And, I will be able to demystify its workings for you. We can make some fun projects right from the beginning.

There are still spaces left in the classes starting in January 2008. So, give us a call or send an email. We are happy to answer any of your questions and if you want, sign you up for a class.

A long title, I know. But, this happens often. You decide that you want to take a sewing class, find my website, but the classes just started, or they start tomorrow and you cannot free up your schedule until next week. If we have the space in the class you want, we can take late registrations and charge you a pro-rated fee. So, don’t be afraid to contact us when this happens. If you are a beginner, or any other level, you won’t have missed anything, because everyone works on their own projects, at their own pace.

Over the summer, we offered week-long, sewing classes for kids & teens. The kids would meet in the morning and the teens in the afternoon. It’s is amazing what they accomplished in 5 days. Almost all of them were beginners. The youngest was 8 and the oldest 18.

Usually, I start beginners off with a simple apron. It is a project that is finished rather quickly and gives us a chance to talk about many of the basics about sewing: the grain of the fabric, pinning, cutting, prepping with the iron, how a sewing machine works and how you go about sewing a straight line of stitching. Also, it gives me a chance to determine how each student learns, so that I can give them the instruction they need.

After the apron, the most popular projects were; tote bags; fabric-tied, flip flops; pajama pants; quilted triangle bags, ribbon bulletin boards and several other items. Here are some examples of the work the kids did. Truly inspiring!

Click on image to enlarge it. Then use the back button of your browser to return to this page.

We are excited to offer our new schedule of classes for the summer. Fun items to make are summer clothing, beach bags, hats, quilts, and projects to brighten the home or gifts for friends and family.

Classes for young people will take place during the day, Monday through Friday. Adults may sign up for evening classes on Mondays or Wednesdays. Beginners are welcome!
As in past years, I will be teaching 6-hour workshops on Saturdays. Summer lends itself to this format for weekends. You can sign up for one workshop or as many as you want. You need basic sewing experience to attend. With everyone’s varying schedules for vacation, a single class can be a great opportunity to hone skills, make a quick project, get help finishing a partially made item, or just come and have some fun.

The shop is air-conditioned and easily accessible by bus or car. We look forward to seeing you this Summer!

EVENING CLASSES

Monday Evening:
July 2-August 6, 2007 Sorry, this class is full!
7-10pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $210 for 6 weekly, 3 hour classes

Wednesday Evening:
June 27-August 8, 2007 (no class on July 4th)
7-10pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $210 for 6 weekly, 3 hour classes

SATURDAY One Day Workshops:

These classes are for adults and young people. You can work on any topic, at your own level and pace. Sign up for any 3 and save $30.

Summer Saturdays
9:30am-3:30pm
June 30, July 14, 28, August 11 & 25
Limit of 5, basic sewing experience required
Cost: $80 per 6 hour class
Sign up for any 3 sessions and pay $210, a savings of $30.

SUMMER MORNING CLASSES FOR KIDS

Session I
Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday
July 2-6, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $150 for 4 daily, 3 hour classes

Session II
Monday-Friday
July 9-13, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session III
Monday-Friday
July 16-20, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session IV
Monday-Friday
July 23-27, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session V
Monday-Friday
July 30-August 3, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session VI
Monday-Friday
August 6-10, 2007
9:30am-12:30pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

SUMMER AFTERNOON CLASSES FOR TEENS

Session I
Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday
July 2-6, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $150 for 4 daily, 3 hour classes

Session II
Monday-Friday
July 9-13, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session III
Monday-Friday
July 16-20, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session IV
Monday-Friday
July 23-27, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session V
Monday-Friday
July 30-August 3, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Session VI
Monday-Friday
August 6-10, 2007
2-5 pm
Limit of 5, no sewing experience required
Cost: $175 for 5 daily, 3 hour classes

Classes started Saturday, January 6th. It reached 72 degrees that day! It was a lot of fun teaching in the new space. The sun was shining and we had the door open. People stop by to check us out. Fresh flowers, homebaked banana bread, and some sewing, (oops), made it a great day!

I am pleased to announce that we will be offering a class on pattern fitting starting in January.  It will be meeting Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm.  The teacher is Vicki Massaro.  She has a certificate from the School of Fashion Design in Boston, MA.  Vicki has done many bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses.  She always has a solution to fitting and construction problems.

Vicki has worked on contract for Wirkkala Designs for many years.  She has been a great sounding board for me.  She embodies the teaching philosophy I have.  She is flexible and encouraging and positive.  Don’t miss this chance to get some great insight on how to make your patterns fit you beautifully!

Begins January 9, 2007.  Cost is $210 for 6 weekly, 3 hour classes.  You must be an experienced seamstress to take this class.  Working with a commercial pattern, of your choice, you will be making a “muslin” of it to learn how to adjust to your body and transfer those markings and knowledge to your pattern.  Feel free to contact us for more details.