The Sewing Workshop

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Upcoming Classes: Click on a class for details, times, and photos. To see an instructor's biography and individual class list, click on his or her name in the details section.

March 2010
09 - Seams
11 - Pillows Two
13 - Little Black Dress
14 - Hatstravaganza!
15 - Hand Sewing 1
18 - Pattern Making 1
22 - Hand Sewing 2
23 - Fit Clinic
29 - Alterations
30 - Moulage
April
05 - Begin Sewing
07 - Rescued and Re-Vamp
10 - Flora

April
11 - Flora
12 - Begin Sewing (days)
17 - Roman Shades
22 - Elegant Jacket
27 - Fit Clinic
May
08 - Tea Cozy
11 - Camisole/Tank Top
June
04 - Maynard Master Class
15 - Boy Shorts/Panties
19 - Vintage Re-dux
July
10 - Couture Sewing 6 days

Little Black Cocktail Dress (3 days) with Jarred Garza
$260.00
Saturdays, March 13, 20, 27, 10:00-4:00

Do you have a great fitting dress that you would like to create in a special fabric? Do you have a great dress pattern, fabric, or trim you're dying to use? Have you ever wanted to make a dress for those very special occasions? Jarred Garza's Cocktail Dress class could be what you need to finally make that special dress you've always wanted. This 3 day, 5 hour workshop will help you dream and create the perfect Cocktail dress for you or a loved one. In this class you will create your perfect “Cocktail dress” from cutting and fitting the sample, sewing, and trimming! In the 3 days of class we will discuss creative, intelligent and crafty ways to make you or your loved one look their best. There are patterns available if needed, but you are encouraged to come to class with a vintage or new pattern, possible fabric and lining ideas for your creation. Basic sewing skills are suggested for this class as well as a creative mind and fabulous taste. Cheers!

Hand Sewing One with Cheryl Swanson
$50.00, materials cost $7.00
Monday, March 15, 6:30-9:30

Long before the sewing machine was invented, everyone sewed by hand. While the sewing machine is a marvelous invention, it can't do everything. There is great pleasure and art in hand sewing, not to mention portability. In beginning hand sewing, students learn about factors that go into decision making for a successful sewing project. Needle and thread selection is discussed, as well as how to stock a sewing basket. The techniques for a number of different stitches are demonstrated. Students work on a small project to practice their new skills. Exquisite examples are shown for inspiration and students learn how hand sewing is used in garment embellishment. Come and enjoy an evening of relaxed sewing and open yourself to a new creative venture.

Pattern Making 1 with Jarred Garza
$325.00
Thursdays, March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 6:30-9:30

Do you have basic sewing skills and are looking to be challenged and create new garments from scratch? Have you ever bought a pattern and wanted to change the collar, sleeve, or the whole thing. Pattern making 1 is just what you need to turn your already existing patterns into something new and unique. Instructor Jarred Garza will show you the basic principles of the flat pattern and through the course you will create your very own garment and watch it materialize as you construct and manipulate a basic fitted dress. This 7 week night 3 hour workshop will cover dart manipulation, style lines, sleeves, collars, and grading. You must have beginners sewing or have basic sewing knowledge as a pre-requisite for the class. Basic Pattern blocks will be produced in the first few classes and there will be a list of required materials for the class.

Flora with Lynda Albiero
$90.00, materials cost $70.00
Saturday, April 10, 10:00-5:00

Salute the Roman goddess of flowers, Flora, this April with a luscious 26 petal flower resting on a lavender filled sachet. The full blown flower is suggestive of those with rolled petals found in floral sprays of the 1930's. It lends itself to millinery work, weddings, home decor and as a personal embellishment. The ottoman shaped sachet is wrapped with a double tier of tassel fringe. A ribbon tied box filled with lavender, dyed silk organza in soft pastels, vintage pieces to build the stamens, velvet leaves, 2 lengths of fringe, button molds, needles and thread plus silk doupioni awaits you. Hand tinted instructions complete with an address book for supplies are included in the materials fee. You will also learn how to tint the velvet leaves during the workshop. Set aside a day in April to celebrate Spring, indulge in a complimentary seasonal dessert and cup of fine tea plus connect with your "sisters of the sachet." Both beginning students of sewing and those with multiple skills will find FLORA a pleasure to create. Please note there is a choice of a Saturday or Sunday class. Lynda asks that enrollment be complete a week prior to the workshops as each set of silk organza petals is custom dyed.

Flora with Lynda Albiero
$90.00, materials cost $70.00
Sunday, April 11, 10:00-5:00

Inside, Outside and Everything In Between: The Simply Elegant Jacket (4 days) with Nancy Shriber
$375.00
Thursday through Sunday, April 22, 23, 24, 25, 10:00-5:00

Join us for four exciting days devoted to the design and construction of your next “best” artful garment! The class will focus on designing and working with two suggested patterns: Vogue 8399, a Marcy Tilton Wearable Art pattern and the Nikko Jacket, a Sewing Workshop pattern. During the course of this class you will review your selected pattern and fabrics, develop a timeline in which to work, and construct a lined jacket. In addition, Nancy will lead a discussion and demonstration on a variety of basic construction techniques, elegant embellishment options and appropriate finishing details. And, of course, you are always welcome to work with a favorite garment pattern of your own.

Vintage Re-dux (two days) with Jarred Garza
$170.00
Saturdays, June 19, 26, 10:00-4:00

Do you scrounge though thrift shops looking for gems that need a little tweaking? Are you stumped on how to fix, fit or jazz up a vintage piece you know you can breathe new life into? Are you a clothing junkie and have garments that need a special something? Vintage Redux is a creative workshop where you can fit, fix and remake vintage and newer garments to look and fit there best. Instructor Jarred Garza has been making and selling one of a kind clothing made from vintage garments and fabric for 5 years. In class you will learn unique, interesting and intelligent ways to properly reconstruct forgotten garments. In class you could learn how to make a dress into a top, a skirt from some vintage fabrics, how to fit that loose garment or even take out that dress you loved. Whether it be the fabric, buttons, placket, pocket, top or bottom, we can cut, stitch, and manipulate a special garment just for you. Beginner sewing skills are required for this class and we hope to see you soon.

Couture Sewing School with Susan Khalje
$995.00
Saturday through Thursday, July 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 9:30-6:00

Learn the fine art of couture sewing from couturiere Susan Khalje. Six intensive days are devoted to creating your own one-of-a-kind couture garment, which can be evening wear, sophisticated day wear or even a wedding gown. During your session, you plan, buy the fabric for and sew your creation. You incorporate into your project the couture techniques and details that go into Susan's exquisite gowns. Special attention is given to hand-sewing techniques and the inner structure and engineering that are the essential components of fine garments. One evening will be devoted to a discussion of business practices. Professional dressmakers and others with solid sewing skills benefit from this excellent course and from the interaction and camaraderie of working with fellow skilled sewers. The class will be small to allow for individual attention. Thirty-day cancellation policy.

All classes are held in the San Francisco Bay Area. We strongly advise advance registration for classes, not only to ensure your space in the class but also to ensure that the class happens! If we don't meet the minimum of six students for a class a week prior to the class start date, we must cancel the event.

Registration: We now offer Paypal signup for all classes. You can also register for a class by , or by calling us at (800) 875-8824 or (415) 221-7397. Payments may be made by check or credit card. If you're registering for a Beginning Sewing class, we also need your size in order to send you the proper pattern.

Gift Certificates: Gift certificates are available for purchase. They are valid for one year from date-of-issue.

Studio Hours & Private Lessons: Need to finish a project but don't have the space or proper tools? The Sewing Workshop offers their well-equipped, large workroom for your private use. Call ahead to reserve time and a machine for a few hours or a day during our office hours. Studio hours are $15 per hour for the first hour, and $10 per hour thereafter. Private lessons are $50 per hour. Times can be arranged to fit your schedule. For more information on private lessons, please contact us for more information.

Class Fee Policy: All classes with a fee of $90.00 or less require full payment at the time of registration. Classes require at least $90 or 50% deposit, whichever is greater, at time of registration. The balance is due on the first day of the class. Partial payment is not available when paying with Paypal. Unless you cancel within the allowed period, full payment is required. Materials fees are made payable to the instructor on the day of class.

Cancellation/Transfer Policy: A $10.00 transaction fee applies to all class cancellations and transfers. Sorry, no refunds for missed classes. To receive a refund for a cancelled registration, notification must be given one full week prior to the class start date. (Of course, more time is always appreciated.) Retreat cancellations require 30 days notice or as noted in the description. If we must cancel a class, you will receive a full refund, or you may apply the fee to another class.

Calendar | Classes | Instructors | FAQ | About Us