It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of summer vacation time.  Sorry to bring it up.  But, we are now in our new space and it is wonderful!  You can read more about it below this article.

We have doubled the number of classes we offer and will be adding to our schedule in the next couple of weeks.  Wonderful teachers to share their knowledge and love of anything to do with fabric and fibers.  I will continue teaching 10 classes each week, mornings, after-school and evening.  Denise will be adding to her schedule of teaching clothing.  Mickey Hudson will be back sharing her knowledge as an Islander Systems instructor.  Jan Bickford returns to help us understand and explore working with a serger.  She will be teaching an evening class, too.  So, if you would like to try a serger, to see if you like it, we can provide one for you to learn on (for a small fee.)  Carol Pietravalle will be joining us in September to teach fitting, couture techniques, pattern making and general sewing help.  She is a wiz at Home Dec and knows how to copy a garment from just a photograph!  Vicki Massaro will be returning on Tuesday evenings with her pattern fitting class.  You take a commercial pattern and learn how to fit it to YOUR body, in a flattering way.  Liane Weber will be back teaching yarn skills, knitting, crochet to kids, teens and adults.  We will be having a drop-in night for adults on Wednesday evenings, read more below. Beth McKay, who has a shop on Etsy, will be teaching fabric dyeing and batiking.  There are so many ways to create your own beautiful fabrics, and she will show you how.  Our new space has the perfect spot for these classes, downstairs, where getting messy is not a problem.  (last updated 8/28/10)

Here are the classes we now have scheduled to begin the week of September 13, 2010:

Daytime Adult Classes:
All classes meet for 3 hrs/wk for 6 weeks.
Cost is $270 unless otherwise noted.
Limit 5 students per class.

Monday Morning Sewing Class with Laura
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Monday Mid-day Clothing Class with Denise
11am-2pm
Any experience level.

Tuesday Morning Sewing Class with Laura  FULL!
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Tuesday Afternoon Galaxy of Islander Techniques
with Mickey
This class begins on October 5, 2010
3-5pm  Cost: $270
Clothing Sewing Experience Required!

Wednesday Morning Sewing Class with Laura FULL!
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Wednesday Mid-day Clothing Class with Carol
11am-2pm
For experienced sewers who want to learn fitting, couture and designing techniques

Thursday Morning Serger/Knits Class with Jan
9:30am-12:30pm Cost: $270
Any experience level, sergers available if you need one ($30/6wks)

Thursday Mid-day Sewing Class with Laura
11am-2pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Friday Morning Sewing Class with Laura
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

After School Classes for Kids & Teens:
All classes meet for 3 hrs/wk for 6 weeks
Cost is $195 unless otherwise noted

Monday After-School Teens Clothing with Denise
3-5pm
Any experience level

Tuesday After-School Kids/Teens Sewing with Laura FULL!
3:30-5:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Wednesday After-School Kids/Teens Knitting with Liane
3-5pm
Any experience level

Wednesday After-School Teens Clothing Design with Carol
3-5pm
Any experience level

Thursday After-School Teens Clothing with Denise
3-5pm
Any experience level

Friday After-School Kids/Teens Sewing with Laura FULL!
3-5pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Evening Classes:
All classes meet for 3 hrs/wk for 6 weeks.
Cost is $270 unless otherwise noted.
Limit 5 students per class.

Monday Evening Sewing Class with Laura FULL!
7-10pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Monday Evening Sewing Class with Teacher to be chosen
7-10pm

Tuesday Evening Pattern Fitting Class with Vicki
7-10pm  8 weeks Cost: $360
Clothing Sewing Experience required!

Tuesday Evening Galaxy of Islander Techniques
with Mickey
This class begins on October 5, 2010
6:30-9:30pm  Cost: $270
Clothing Sewing Experience Required!

Wednesday Evening Sewing Class with Laura
7-10pm
Any experience level, any sewing project.

Wednesday Evening Serger/Knits Class with Jan
6:30-9:30pm Cost: $270
Any experience level, sergers available if you need one ($30/6wks)

Wednesday Evening Knitting/Crochet Drop-In with Liane
7-9pm  Cost: $30 single class/$150 for 6 punch card
Limit 8 attendees
Any experience level, any project.

Thursday Evening Clothing with Denise
6:30-9:30pm
Any experience level

Saturday Classes:
All classes meet for 3 hrs/wk for 6 weeks.
Cost is $270 unless otherwise noted.
Limit 5 students per class.

Saturday Morning Clothing with Denise
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level

Saturday Morning Sewing with Carol
9:30am-12:30pm
Any experience level, any sewing project

Saturday Morning Fabric Dyeing with Beth
10am-1pm, Cost $240 + materials (this is an introductory rate)
Any experience level, Ages 15 and up, Limit 6 students

Saturday Afternoon Clothing with Denise
1:30-4:30pm
Any experience level

Saturday Afternoon Sewing with Carol
1:30-4:30pm
Clothing fitting and design

Beth McKay’s Fabric Dyeing class will be taking place on Saturdays 10am-1pm.   If there is interest in a weekday class, let us know and we will see about arranging one.  Due to the nature of the class, it is open to ages 15 to adult.  We have now finalized times and topics.  Classes are already filling up.  So, do not wait too long to reserve your space.  If you should have any questions about the classes or teachers, etc., please feel free to contact me by phone or email.  I look forward to seeing you soon.

Laura

Mickey Hudson

What will Mickey be teaching in this 4 week, “Hands On” Class?

Mickey gave us a free demonstration of the Islander techniques (read more about the Islander system below) on Monday evening May 24th.  16 people attended and enjoyed seeing new ways to sew.  Following consensus of the attendees’ surveys, we have formulated what Mickey will be teaching this 4 week session.  There is a kit fee ($20 total paid to Mickey at the first meeting) for the Zippers and Industrial Shortcuts, so you do not need to bring any fabric for those 2 parts of the class. You will need your machine and sewing kit for the whole 4 weeks.  YES, YOU WILL BE SEWING!  THIS IS NOT A DEMONSTRATION, IT IS A “TRY IT FOR YOURSELF” Class.  For the Shirt-making part, you will receive a supplies list once you are registered/paid for the class.  You do not need to have attended the Free Demonstration we hosted, in order to attend Mickey’s class.  Though, you will get the most out of it if you have already sewn garments.

Mickey will share several of the industrial techniques used in ready-to-wear garments, including:

• cutting
• pattern preparation
• handling fabric without pins, and more.
• Learn secrets for handling curves
• crossing seams
• special methods for pockets
• hems
• flat felled seams

You will learn how to do a variety of Zipper insertions:

• Slotted Zipper (centered)
• Lapped Zipper
• Invisible Zipper
• Placket (mock fly front) Zipper
• Fly front (like jeans with a fly shield)

Shirts Etc!    Shirts made easy.

Mickey reveals industrial sewing secrets and techniques that yield professional-looking, top quality shirts for men and women.  All the techniques you’ll learn will work just as well on other sewing projects:

• Pockets
• Yokes
• 2-piece collar and stand
• Sleeve setting
• Cuffs
• Pressing and much, much more.
• All with NO pins, NO basting, NO trimming.

Whether you sew for fashion or for fun, embellishments or embroidery, wearable art or quilting, a classic shirt goes a long way for all things.

Mickey will also be teaching this Summer on Tuesday evenings.  Mickey will be teaching a Galaxy of Islander techniques, (more about that in the next few weeks.)  Plus, she will be working with some of the youth camps.  In the Fall, Mickey will be working on Pants Pattern drafting and sewing techniques.We are lucky to have her available right now.  Usually, she is on the road, sharing her love of sewing with people across the US and Canada.  Mickey is taking a break from her travels to work on her pattern line and hone the new set of classes she will be offering when she is on the road again.

Margaret Islander, founder of the Islander Sewing System

So What is the Islander System?

This is what Mickey says about it:

Margaret Islander promotes a sewing method based on industrial shortcuts adapted for the home machine. Although many of the techniques are based on factory methods, Margaret is quick to point out that her aim is to make sewing a joyful experience. She believes “Sewing is an art form. If you look at it as just practical, you will miss the joy.”

The Islander Sewing System emphasizes that the key to creativity is total awareness of materials and machines. The techniques are so deceptively simple that they become second nature. This means that you can quickly turn your ideas into reality without having to resort to complicated and cumbersome methods.

Margaret’s 35-year background of training and experience cover garment production comprehensively (in addition to her prior background in textiles, couture, fitting and tailoring). As a technician at a Los Angeles training center for garment industry workers, she mastered every aspect of production, including speed systems, production sewing, cutting, pattern drafting and pattern grading. Based on this training, she developed her first “Industrial Shortcuts for Home Sewing” course in the early 1970′s. As the demand for her expertise grew, she founded the Islander School of Fashion Arts.

*********************************************

Mickey modeling one of her shirts

About Mickey, in her own words:

Like many young girls, I learned how to sew from my mother, who did not really enjoy sewing nor was she very good at it.  Despite the lack of encouragement and formal instruction, I continued sewing for myself and family members. My early projects were all variety of monstrosity, but I had fallen in love with the art of sewing.  Determined to learn correctly, I signed up for a beginner-sewing course.  This class was a turning point for me. The instructor had taught me what the grain line was and how to sew a straight seam.  All those years of sewing and figuring things out for myself had paid off.  When I finished the course, the instructor hired me as a teacher.  I started with my own beginner-sewing course. I was on a new career path, and have been teaching and working in the sewing world ever since. I started with beginners and now teach all skill levels.

I am also a Certified Islander Sewing Systems instructor. I am known far and wide as the “Shortcut Queen”.  Those who see my work are amazed at how little time it takes me to get such professional results.  The Islander Sewing System uses the same professional techniques used in the garment industry. No pins, no basting, no kidding!

My greatest reward is watching my students’ excitement and confidence grow as their sewing skills develop and improve.

Liz White, Mickey Hudson and Laura showing 2 of the 3 shirts Laura made, using the techniques learned in Mickey's Shirt, etc. class.

Liz and I have been taking Mickey’s classes together. Liz, being a pin-a-holic, amazingly sewed 2 shirts of her own without pins!  A miracle witnessed by me.  I made the red shirt first.  After having cut it out, I spent under 3 hours sewing everything except attaching the cuffs and working the buttonholes.  The colorful dotted shirt I made a couple days later.  It has princess seams, 3/4 length sleeves with turnback cuffs and stacked buttons.  Both of these shirts were made without pins, and using the Islander Sewing System.

Walter in 3rd of 3 shirts made by Laura

Walter is wearing the 3rd shirt I made in 6 days.  Again, I used the Islander techniques.  Walter and I bought the fabric for this shirt at Portsmouth Fabric Co, Portsmouth, NH, while we were on vacation in February.  I matched the pattern across the front opening.  You cannot see it in the picture above, but Walter chose some really cool buttons.  They are made of Mother of Pearl.  The background is black and there are Asian characters on each button.

Here is a closeup:

Close up of Walter's Japanese Shirt

Flexible design curve

Variform Curve

French Curve

C-Thru Ruler (2" x 18")

The following are the extra items needed for the Pattern Fitting Class.  I am still having problems loading pictures with the new website software, so please be patient with me.  You can contact me and I will send you an attachment, which has this list with all of the accompanying photos.

Most rulers can be found at an art store. Also, look online at various tailor supply houses: Atlanta Thread, Clotilde, Staples, Playtime, Sew True.  Some of the Tailoring sources offer a whole patternmaking kit.  If you are serious about fitting patterns, altering styles of patterns, knocking off garments (copying), or actual patternmaking, you may want to go ahead an buy one.  They usually come in a large zippered portfolio, which makes it easy to store.  They usually run $95+.  For this class, you don’t need all of that.  What you do need are the following:

Variform Curved Ruler

French curve (clear plastic in this case)

Measured Design curve.  You can bend it to take whatever shape you need it to.  Great for copying curves.

C-thru ruler, clear plastic, 18” x 2”

Various colors of marking pens

Commercial Clothing pattern, you know, McCall’s, Vogue, Simplicity, Burda, etc.  Find one which is fitted, rather than loose.  Choose one garment, pants, or blouse or jacket.

Purchase twice the muslin or other inexpensive fabric you need to make the garment.

Contrasting threads

Tape measure (you will be given one at the first class)
All the basic sewing tools. The list of which can be found on my website at: www.laurassewingschool.com/category/sewing-tools-supplies

All the rage here at Laura’s Sewing School, we are having such fun and interest in making Amy Butler’s gumdrop pillows that I have scheduled a one day workshop for us to go wild and make them together.  I will order the stuffing and patterns and you will purchase the fabric of your choice.  You can see the details (dimensions, materials list) about the pattern on Amy Butler’s website.
These cushions are made of drapery weight fabric.  You can find that weight of fabric here in Arlington, at Fabric Corner, at Freddy Farkel’s in Watertown (also known as Fabric Showplace) and online.  Fabric Corner just ordered a large selection of Amy Butler home dec fabrics and they have received 12 of them! They will go fast, especially because they will be posting them for online sale, too. So, you may want to get there as soon as you can to pick up the fabric.  If the weight is fine, it can be any brand of fabric.  You just don’t want a fabric which is too loosely woven, or unravels easily.  Fabric.com has a nice selection of Amy Butler printed twills if you want to use her fabric designs.  There are 8 panels, all the same, which are sewn together like sections of an orange.  They are packed with a LOT of stuffing.  I found hand sewing the first one, Amy Lou actually did that work since it was her project, rather tedious.  So, when I made MY first one, I used an invisible zipper to close the pillow once it was stuff.  Much easier and quicker.

Kids absolutely love this pillow. They have found it as a great place to sit and bounce and roll on or off.  Adults do find it useful as a footrest.   You can make them with one fabric or two.  If you cut it from one fabric, you fussy cut it, making sure that it is cut in the very same place on the fabric, for all the pieces.  This makes interesting, kaleidoscopic patterns, especially if the fabric has symmetry.  You can see this on both of Amy’s pillows.  Even though I used 2 fabrics in the pillows for my nieces, I did cut all of the large-scale, patterned fabric in the same place.  There is an octagonal patch on the top of the cushion.  I fussy cut that, centering it on a flower or pattern.

I propose that the workshop be on Sunday, March 15th.  From 10am-4pm.  That should give us plenty of time to work and eat and stuff and finish one gumdrop cushion.  The next one, you will be able to do on your own and much faster.  I will provide the stuffing and the pattern. You provide the fabric, thread (good quality polyester like Gutermann or Mettler) and an invisible zipper in a matching color.  The only part of the zipper to show will be the tab.  Buy a 12-14″ zipper or longer.  It will work for either size pillow.  And, if you have to buy a longer zipper to get a color match, it is very easy to shorten.  Better too long than too short!  The Fabric Corner sells invisible zippers and the presser foot to apply it to your project.  I just talked to them about ordering enough for all of you.  The presser foot is adaptable to most sewing machines and can be used over and over again.  It is reasonably priced and worth buying.

I will have to price out the patterns and stuffing.  So, I will have to get back to you on the price for the class.  I think that we can have 5, possibly 6 students for the day.  Let me know if you want to take the class and I will let you know the price.  If the 22nd of March is better than the 15th, let me know.  I am flexible about the date.  If you are available during the day, M-F, I could possibly meet with you for a workshop on a Thursday.  I am excited about this project.

Hi, this is very appropriate topic for today (Jan 28, 2009.)  We are having a snowstorm which is supposed to turn into freezing rain.  I have rescheduled today’s classes.  If the schools are closed due to weather, my school will probably be closed.  I will leave a voice message on the Laura’s Sewing School line (781-646-2463) as early in the day as possible, saying whether or not we will have class.  I will then try to contact everyone, effected by a class cancellation, directly.  I will offer a makeup class.  If you cannot make that class time, I will do my best to find another time for you to attend.  For example, I have been able to reschedule both this morning’s and evening’s classes for tomorrow.  Yet, one of the evening students couldn’t make it, so he is coming to another class time next week.

Keep warm and safe and cozy and we will see each other soon.

Laura

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.