Adjust a basic pattern to your personal measurements and use it as a template to adjust commercial patterns or as a sloper for your own designs. Some work outside of class required. Measurement charts and book are included in the class fee, a supply list will be sent upon registration.
Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner
Time: January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4 and 11 from 2 - 5 (full)
Cost: $216
Instructor: Maggy
DESIGN & PATTERNNMAKING LABS
Work out your patternmaking and design problems with the assistance of fashion design professional Kim Faith.
To be scheduled as interest is expressed
Flat Pattern is the key to creating your own designs or making that dress you saw in a magazine. Students will learn the basic principles of patternmaking, finishing techniques required to complete a pattern and the process of design analysis. A quarter scale sloper will be used for class work and a half scale sloper will be used to test a final design. Students will be required to do some work outside of class and to purchase the textbook Pattern Making by the Flat Pattern Method, 8th edition. A supply list including a link to the textbook publisher will be sent upon registration.
Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner
Time: January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4 and 11 from 10 - 1 (1 opening)
Cost: $216
Instructor: Kim Faith
Skirts are the easiest of all patterns to make and a custom pattern guarantees a great fit. In the first class students will get measured, then draft a pencil skirt to their specifications. Between classes they'll sew up a test which we'll fit at the second session. Students will then learn how to transfer fitting changes to their paper pattern as well as some basics in using their straight skirt pattern to design other types of skirts.
Minimum Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner
Time: February 25 and March 3 from 10 - 1 (4 openings)
Cost: $72
Instructor: Maggy
Learn the parts and functions of your sewing machine. You'll be introduced to commercial patterns and we'll shop for supplies as a class at my neighborhood fabric store Treadle Yard Goods.
The whole purpose of these sessions is to learn basic sewing skills as you complete something simple and undaunting. Plan on challenging yourself with future projects.
Skill Level: Beginner
Times: January 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 - 1 (1 opening)
or January 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6 - 9 (full)
Cost: $144
Instructor: Maggy
You know how to operate a machine but are still very much a beginner so we'll shop for supplies as a class. If you are new to commercial patterns plan to keep it simple; students who were Extreme Beginners will be given more latitude in choosing their project.
Skill Level: Beginner Plus
Times: February 6 from 6 - 8, February 13, 20 and 27 from 6 - 9 (full) or
February 3 from 10 - noon, February 10, 17 and 24 from 10 - 1 (2 openings)
Cost: $132
Instructor: Maggy
You are gaining confidence in your sewing abilities, are ready to take on some new challenges and either remain perplexed by pattern instructions or just want help with sewing your project. Students will come to the first class with their pattern and fabric and get right to work.
Times: March 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 10 - 1 (1 openings) or
March 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6 - 9 (3 openings)
Cost: $144
Instructor: Maggy
I learned how to approach knits while working for a designer back in the late 80's and was amazed at how a few simple tricks transformed a stretchy nightmare into fast and fun sewing! We'll discuss types of knits, machines (you can use your regular sewing machine), needles and presser feet, then delve into cutting and constructing a simple knit garment. A list of suggested patterns and supplies will be sent upon registration.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 25, March 3 and 10 from 10 - 1 (1 opening)
Cost: $108
Instructor: Maggy
If you have never operated a sewing machine, your skills are rusty beyond belief or you've just switched from a mechanical to a computerized machine this may be the class for you. Learn the parts and functions of your machine and become confident in your ability to operate it. You will leave class with your first project, a lined drawstring pouch. If you don't have a machine you can use one of mine at no extra charge. Fee includes supplies.
Skill Level: Beginner
Times: From noon - 4 on February 18 (2 openings) or March 17 (6 openings)
Cost: $53
Instructor: Maggy
Nothing says "I love you" to that special guy in your life more than a pair of Valentine boxers! Plus you'll learn how to make flat felled seams, so smooth and comfortable next to your skin, waistband casements and an ingenious method for joining elastic without an overlap producing a completely flat waistband that is strong yet minimal in bulk. A list of required supplies and advance preparation instructions will be provided when you register. Whether you choose a whimsical cotton print or luxurious silk you'll receive a 10% class discount at Treadle Yard Goods.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 2 from 10 - 1 (2 openings)
Cost: $36
Instructor: Steve Pauling
This is my sewing circle, always an interesting and eclectic mix of skill levels and schemes. You choose the project, then select dates that work with your schedule. The Thursday evening Gathering is a great time to reserve the Lounge for your group or custom class.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Times: every Tuesday morning from 10 - 1 or
every Thursday evening from 6 - 9
4 openings per session • check The Calendar for availability
Cost: $36 per session
Instructor: Maggy
Stop by during Open Sewing with your sewing questions. If they are simple and I can answer them in 15 minutes or less there is never a charge. You can also sign in, pay an hourly rate of $10 and sew in the workroom with full use of all tools and machines. I'll offer guidance when it is needed but expect to be more independent than at a Gathering. Check The Calendar for dates and times.
•All classes will be held at Sewing Lounge. The maximum class size ranges from three to six students so everyone gets lots of individual attention.
•If you don’t see what you are looking for or the time a class is offered doesn't work with your schedule inquire about private lessons for yourself or your group.
•Skill level indicates the minimum skill required to take a class and are as follows:
Beginner - you are a clean slate.
Beginner Plus - you can operate a machine but need to build confidence using a commercial pattern.
Advanced Beginner - you can operate a sewing machine, know some basic terms like grain line and seam allowance and can sort of navigate pattern instructions and yardage information.
Intermediate Beginner - you can operate a sewing machine, are familiar with sewing terms and yardage information, can cut out patterns but still need help interpreting those pesky instructions.
Intermediate - You are a self-sufficient stitcher and can handle greater complexity in construction.
•Class fees cover the times a class is scheduled. If you miss a class and would like to make it up you can schedule a private lesson with the instructor which will be subject to their rates.
Registration Information and Policies
Check out the Sewing Lounge Teachers
Experience the joy of fearless stitching at Sewing Lounge, your home for sewing support in Saint Paul.
Open sewing, private lessons, camps and classes for all ages and all skill levels
Say goodbye to the frustration caused by unwanted thread loops, stitches so tight the fabric puckers and nasty nests of knotted thread. This class will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to master that oh-so-important adjustment on your sewing machine, the tension dial. Students will identify the various factors affecting tension and learn how to compensate for them. By the end of class expect to have a good understanding of machine tension enabling you to investigate creative sewing applications as well as confidently tackle more complex stitching projects. This is a hands-on workshop; bring your sewing machine (in good working condition) along with your favorite sewing thread. A supply list will be sent upon registration.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time:
February 9 from 10 - 1 (6 openings)
Cost: $36
Instructor: Steve Pauling
Specialty threads (metallics, woolies, stretch, embroidery, top stitching, perl, monofilament, invisible. yarn, upholstery, etc.) offer a whole new world of creativity and expression for textile artists. Learn the technical skill in how to use them and which ones work better than others as well as specialty needles and their applications. This is a hands-on workshop so bring your machine (in good working condition). Please note: you MUST have a good understanding of machine tension and be comfortable adjusting both top and bottom tensions on your machine. If you need more instruction in adjusting your machine consider taking Mastering Machine Tension as a primer before this class. A materials list will be sent when you register. There is also a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 16 from 10 - 1 (6 openings)
Cost: $36
Instructor: Steve Pauling
Ever wonder what all those gadgets are that came with your sewing machine? Is there life beyond the universal zig-zag foot? Steve "Bobbin Doctor" Pauling will bring his vast selection of specialty presser feet for a lecture and demonstration of as many feet as possible during this 3 hour class. You will learn tips on selecting quality presser feet, tricks on using them for professional looking results and alternate uses for various feet. Students will determine which specialty feet will be discussed and demonstrated. Bring all your mysterious sewing machine attachments and learn what they are used for. Students may also bring their machines for a hands-on experience.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 23 from 10 - 1 (4 openings)
Cost: $36
Instructor: Steve Pauling
At some point every stitcher is called upon to employ some type of hand sewing. Learn basic stitches, when to use them and strategies for neatly and efficiently attaching buttons. All supplies plus a hand stitching guide are included in the class fee.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: March 10 from 2 - 5 (4 openings)
Cost: $44
Instructor: Maggy
This is my favorite class to teach because I get to reveal sewing secrets not found in pattern instructions or sewing books. Whether you sew apparel or home dec these techniques will give you professional results, making you feel on top of the world! Students will learn how to deal with 3 types of pivot points, sew an easy rolled hem, expertly attach a facing, install a side seam pocket with the entire seam pressed towards the back and machine sew two circular edges such as a sleeve lining to an outer sleeve without a twist. Bring your machine and a few spools of thread, all other supplies are included in the class fee.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: March 24 from noon - 5 (6 openings)
Cost: $70
Instructor: Maggy
A mechanical slide fastener first introduced in the 1920s, zippers are considered to be one of the neatest closures for all types of garments and accessories. Students will learn the parameters of their machine's zipper feet and needle adjustments, take zippers apart and reassemble them as they sew a little zippered pouch and complete samples of a real fly zipper as well as invisible, centered and lapped applications. Fee includes supplies and complete written instructions.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: March 31 from noon - 4 (6 openings)
Cost: $58
Instructor: Maggy
