Welcome Cal Patch!
Series of three 2-hour classes on Mar 16, 23 and 30
Sewing on a machine is quick and practical, but for many it’s difficult to find the dedicated time and space required to make it a regular habit. Moving your sewing practice into the realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery) means you can stitch up garments whenever (and wherever) you have a few spare minutes, or on the couch at night while watching a movie, and carry a project with you so you always have it. Amazingly, you might find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one!
Cal will teach you how to work with a pattern (see supply list below for options) for a simple, boxy top and learn how to sew seams, finish necklines and hem edges with only your hands and a needle and thread. Several methods for each type of seam will be shown, so you may also create a sampler of extra techniques.
Both decorative and functional stitching techniques will take your slow-fashion wardrobe to the next level, and add an element of meditative calm to your sewing. On future projects you can use your new skills in combination with machine sewing, or entirely on their own.
No prerequisite skills, though an understanding of basic sewing principles will be helpful. You will need to have your pieces (front and back only, skip any facings) cut out before start of class.
Please bring shirt pattern and the supplies below:
- Pattern* for simple top (see list below)
- Fabric: light-to-medium weight woven cotton, linen or blend. Quantity as indicated for your size** on pattern, but 2 yards is probably sufficient for most. Solid fabric is best to see your stitches, but print is ok too.
- Front and Back pieces ALREADY CUT OUT of your fabric (no need for any facings included in pattern). Please use simplest version with no added seams or sleeves!
- Fat quarter or approximately 12-18” square of similar or same fabric (could be a scrap left over after cutting) for sampler
- Bias tape, 1 yard of ½” single-fold, can be self-made or packaged
- All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching and/or size 8 Perle Cotton
- Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes, or your favorite size
- Pins
- Scissors
- Marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil) and ruler
-Optional: Thimble
*Please use one of the following patterns, or similar top:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website (NOTE: please just do the simple version without the seam and pocket)
Lou Box Top https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-pdf-pattern
All Well Box Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Maya Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
Shirt No. 1 https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern
**These are loose-fitting tops, so you should be fine to choose the size called for according to your measurements. But if you are very concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first to confirm size.Teacher: Cal Patch
Class Size: min 3 and max 5
Class Fee: $180 for the series of three 2-hour classes
Regrets, no makeups for missed classes.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund less credit card processing fee (effective 4/11/23) is provided for any cancellation up to one week before the class date. Credit towards another class is provided for any cancellation made from six days through the day before the class date. No credit or refunds issued after this time, including no-shows on the day-of. If the class is cancelled by us because we have not met the stated minimum number of students, you will receive a full refund.
