Hi all! Finally, here is the class schedule for February. There's one new class this month that I'm pretty excited about - Pattern Manipulation. I think of all the questions I'm asked at the shop, this one is the most frequent - How do I change a pattern? Come and learn how to change a straight skirt to an a-line skirt or how to add gathers or pleats to a garment. We'll learn about rotating darts and how all that cool pattern magic happens!

The Perfect Pencil Skirt Workshop Series – 4 sessions, $175

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 a package deal and they are fashioned for intermediate sewists. 

Drafting the Perfect Pencil Skirt – 2 hrs

Class Dates & Times: February 5 @ 4pm – 6pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

This class is the first in this series (see above). Do you lust after perfectly fitting pencil skirt patterns yet find them all to be lacking perfect fit? Fear no more! In this class, you’ll draft the perfect pencil skirt just for you, made from your measurements. From taking measurements to putting them on paper, we’ll go from start to perfectly fitting pencil skirt basic pattern in no time. For this class, participants will be supplied with drafting paper and drafting supplies and come away with one amazing pencil skirt sloper/basic pattern - the basis for building your own pencil skirt at home.

Instructor: Sunni

Materials Needed: all materials included

Fitting & Creating the Perfect Pencil Skirt – 2hrs

Class Dates & Times: February 12 @ 4pm – 6pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

This class is the second in this series (see above). In this class, you’ll learn how to achieve perfect fit from your pencil skirt sloper and a few basic patternmaking skills.  We’ll cover a muslin fitting session and from there, create a pencil skirt with a vent, lining, simple contoured waistband or petersham ribbon waistband. Please note that this class builds upon the basic pattern drafted in Drafting the Perfect Pencil Skirt. Drafting paper and drafting supplies included.

Instructor: Sunni

Materials to purchase or bring from your stash: 2 yards muslin, drafting materials included

Pencil Skirt Sew-Along – 2hrs, 2 class sessions

Class Dates & Times: February 19 & 26 @ 4pm – 6pm

Skill Level: Intermediate

This class is the third and fourth in this series (see above) and will take place during two separate class sessions. Now you have a beautifully fitting pencil skirt pattern, and you’re ready to tackle creating one that you can actually wear out of the house. In this class you’ll learn tips and tricks for constructing a pencil skirt that’s both wearable, comfortable yet chic and sophisticated and endures the test of time and wear. We’ll discuss and learn such things as how to pick the best zipper insertion option, how to stabilize seams properly, sew a vent and lining for your skirt and add unique touches to truly make the skirt your own. Each participant will be supplied with instructions for tips and techniques in addition to hands on instruction and will go home confident with a beautifully finished, easy to wear and pair, pencil skirt! Please note that this class requires that you have taken the class Fitting & Creating the Perfect Pencil Skirt.

Instructor: Sunni

Materials to purchase or bring from your stash: 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.

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Demystifying Fit – 2 hrs, 1 class session

Class Dates & Times: February 6 @ 4pm – 6pm

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 perfect 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 the perfect fit!

Instructor: Sunni

Cost: $50

Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes

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Pattern Manipulation - 2 hrs, 2 class sessions

Class Dates & Times: February 7 & 14 @ 4pm - 6pm

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! 

Instructor: Sunni

Cost: $85

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

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Sewing Machine Basics - 2 hrs, 1 class session

Class Dates & Times: February 13 @ 4pm - 6pm

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!

Instructor: Sunni

Cost: $50

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

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Copy Your Favorite Garment – 2hrs, 1 class session

Class Dates & Times: February 27 @ 4pm – 6pm

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!

Instructor: Sunni

Cost: $50

Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes

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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.