Yellow Bird Fabrics

New arrivals

Silk charmeuse and crepe de chine 45" - 54" wide $24.95 - $29.95

Silk dupioni and shantung 45" - 54" wide $19.95 - $29.95

Battenburg lace trim 2" - 4" wide $1.95 - $4.95

New Cottons

Cotton 60" wide $9.95

Hey Everybody! Big Big News! Yellow Bird Fabrics is turning 4 this year! Come help us celebrate on May 3 & 4 by taking a whopping 40% off your total purchase! Thanks for being such wonderful customers and for helping keep us in business!

Please note that this discount can not be combined with any other discount or offer. Also be aware that special orders and class fees are not included in the birthday sale discount. The sale is for May 3 & 4, 2013 only, there will be no rainchecks or accommodations made for those who can not make it into the shop to participate in the sale on these particular days. First come first serve, so come in early for best dibs!

May Class Schedule

Hello Everyone! Here is the class schedule for May. Please sign up early as class sizes are limited.

The Pencil Skirt Workshop Series – 4 sessions, $175
Dates & Times: May 1, 8, 15 & 22 @ 5pm - 7pm
Skill Level: Intermediate

This is a series of four classes in which we’ll go from drafting a pencil skirt sloper made to your measurements, to drafting a stylish pencil skirt pattern, and finally constructing a truly fabulous skirt to last you for years to come. This series will give you the skills required to make endless pencil skirts at home! Please note that these classes are fashioned for intermediate sewists.

Materials to purchase or bring from your stash: 2 yards muslin, 1 - 1.5 yards 60” wide fashion fabric or 2 yards 45” wide fashion fabric prewashed and ready to cut; matching thread; 2 yards lining; matching 14 “– 16”invisible or traditional zipper. It’s highly recommended that you bring your own sewing machine for this class. Rare materials will be on hand to purchase if needed.

..............................................................................

Demystifying Fit – 2 hrs, 1 class session, $50
Class Dates & Times: May 2 @ 5pm – 7pm

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner – Intermediate

Do you wonder why sewing patterns don’t fit you right out of the envelope? In this class we’ll discuss fit on all scales, why patterns rarely fit anyone right out of the envelope and what you can do to achieve great fit. We’ll talk about measuring yourself correctly, pattern sizing vs. ready to wear sizing and pattern ease. You’ll learn basic adjustments and alterations that can be mixed and matched to help you get wonderful fit!

Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes

..............................................................................

Change Your Favorite Sewing Pattern - 4 hrs, 2 class sessions, $85

Class Dates & Times: May 16 & 23 @ 5pm - 7pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

In this class you'll learn how to take a basic pattern, or any pattern and add new design elements or change the ones that are already established in the pattern. You'll learn how to move or rotate a dart, how to create princess seams in a garment, add gathers or pleats, create pockets, create a fly front and other design elements so that you can use the same sewing pattern to create several different looks. Open the door to creating your own fresh designs from the sewing patterns you already have!

Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes; drafting materials and resources will be provided.

..............................................................................

Copy Your Favorite Garment – 2hrs, 1 class session, $50

Class Dates & Times: May 9 @ 5pm – 7pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

Do you have clothing in your closet that fits you perfectly? Are you dying to have 20 of that same garment because you love the fit or style? This class is all about how to do what’s referred to as a “rub-off” – taking a pre-existing garment and creating a paper pattern from it, all without harming the original garment. In this lecture style class you’ll learn techniques for how to create a paper pattern from your favorite garment. We’ll discuss construction order, how to add in elements like darts and gathers and ideas for creating different garments from one pattern. Please note that this class is geared towards intermediate sewists and is not for beginners!

Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes

..............................................................................

The Knit T-shirt! – 4 hrs, 2 class sessions, $85

Class Dates & Times: May 7 & 14 @ 5pm - 7pm

Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate

This class is all about conquering the knit! If you’re looking for a crash starter course on knitwear – this is the class for you! Knits are wonderful fabrics to work with and not scary at all. We’ll discuss and learn the pros of working with knits, how to handle them, how to sew them and how forgiving they are when it comes to fit. In addition, we’ll work together to sew the perfect knit t-shirt all on a basic sewing machine. Knits are fun – come and learn just how fun they can be!
Materials to bring: Sewaholic Renfrew T-shirt pattern (available at Yellow Bird); enough fabric for one of the versions of the t-shirt (please note that you can mix and match any of the sleeve lengths with the neckline versions – you pick the t-shirt you would like to make!); thread to match; stay tapes included in class fee.

..............................................................................

Sewing Machine Basics - 2 hrs, 1 class session, $50

Class Dates & Times: May 30 @ 5pm - 7pm

Skill Level: Beginner

Want to learn how to sew but don't know where to start? This is a great class to start with! Learning the ins and outs of your sewing machine is always much easier with someone to help you along. We'll cover everything from how to thread your machine, wind the bobbin, basic stitches and what they are used for and how to adjust tension on your machine. In addition, you'll be given a list of resources for how to do it at home, just in case you forget. Bring your sewing machine and let's play!

Materials to bring: Your sewing machine (its best to learn the ins and outs on your own machine); if possible, your sewing machine manual.

..............................................................................

Interested in taking any of these classes? Be sure to contact any of us at Yellow Bird Fabrics. We are available by phone, email or pop into the shop. Please note that all students receive a 20% discount off total purchase for anything in the shop the day of the class. Class fee excluded.

New arrivals

Ponte de Roma knit 60" wide $9.95

Pima cotton shirting 60" wide $9.95

Floral print cotton 45" wide $9.95

New Cottons

Liberty of London cotton lawn vintage print 60" wide $34.95

Cotton plaid 60" wide $9.95

Cotton print 45" wide $9.95

New Knits

Ponte de Roma knit 60" wide $9.95

Rayon knit 60" wide $9.95

New Laces

54" wide $49.95

62" wide $59.95

36" wide $59.95

Pattern Review

I haven't been doing a lot of sewing for myself lately. My body has been through a lot of changes this last year and it's been hard to feel motivated to sew clothing for myself. I am finally losing some of my baby weight and I want to start sewing again.

My most recent sewing venture was a New Look pattern #6094. Elizabeth let me borrow it last year and now I've finally made it. I made a few alterations, the most obvious of which is the princess seams that I continued from the bodice to the skirt. I added them so I could color block the sides in black. I also eliminated the waistline. I did both of these things hoping to make myself look slimmer. I don't know that it worked, but overall the pattern fit well. I didn't have to make any fit alterations except that it was a little on the big side, I had to take it in a bit. I enjoyed making it. It went together quickly and easily. I think I will try out it again in the future.