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Course Description
What do you enjoy about clothing? The colors? The design? The fit?
What is the most difficult part about finding clothing that falls into all three of these categories? Right, the fit. Every human being has a body shape that is just a little bit different from the person next to you. Ready-to-wear clothing manufacturers use standards or "averages" to design and produce clothing that fits the "average" person. What happens when you aren't an "average" size? Your clothing might be well designed and sport the latest in color and fabric, but it just doesn't look good on you. How do you get around that? By learning how to sew!
Sewing your own garments is really not as difficult as it may sound. This course will take you through the very basic elements of fabric choice, how to decipher the pattern envelope and instructions inside, getting to know your sewing machine and how to begin expanding your wardrobe by sewing your own clothing, or clothing for your family.
Your first project will be to stitch together a set of pajamas where you will learn most of the basic elements of how you put a garment together. After that you will learn how to sew a jacket and a basic fitted skirt with a centered zipper. Then you will complete your wardrobe by learning the ins and outs of shirt/blouse construction that includes cuffs, collars, buttons, and buttonholes, ending with the creation of a pair of pants.
Once you finish this course, you will be able to fit patterns to your body, choose the correct size, and stitch together garments that you like and that fit you well.
So what are you waiting for? Let's get started now, because once you begin, you won't be able to stop. A pattern is just where you begin. Once you understand the basics of putting a garment together, you can change and embellish it to your heart's content. Did you see a ready-to-wear garment you like, but doesn't look good on you? Find a pattern that is similar, and create a one-of-a-kind design that fits you and only you. We'll teach you how!
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Course Lessons
Lesson One: Sewing Basics
In this lesson we will discuss how to: • Pins, Needles and Thread
• Scissors for cutting, clipping and other cutting tools
• The Importance of Pressing
• Staying Organized
Lesson Two: Your Sewing Machine
In this lesson we will discuss: • Types of Sewing Machines
• Anatomy of a Sewing Machine
• Bobbins and Their Problems
• Maintenance
Lesson Three: Fabric
In this lesson we will discuss: • Types of Fabric
• Warp, Weft, Nap, Right vs. Wrong Side
• Selvage
• Choosing Fabric for Your Garment
• Tricky Fabrics to Sew
Lesson Four: All About Patterns
In this lesson we will discuss: • Choosing a Pattern
• Deciphering the Pattern Envelope
• Fabric Plus the Extras
• Layout Deciphered
Lesson Five: Hand Sewing
In the lesson we will discuss: • Threading the needle
• Basting
• Hemming
• Buttons
• Decorative Touches
Lesson Six: Pattern Adjustments
In the lesson we will discuss: • Basic Pattern Fitting and Adjustments
• Adjusting Tops
• Adjusting Pants and Skirts
• Fitting a Pattern, Muslin Mockup
Lesson Seven: Pattern Layout
In this lesson we will discuss: • Pattern Preparation
• Choosing the right pieces
• What the markings mean
• Cutting out the pattern
Lesson Eight: Sewing Pajamas
In this lesson we will discuss: • Choosing Thread
• Seam Allowances/Finishes
• Sleeves, Gathered, or Straps
• Elastic
• Hems
Lesson Nine: Sewing an Unlined Jacket
In this lesson we will discuss: • Preparation
• Pattern Alterations
• Button Loop
• Collar/Lapel/Facing
• Button
• Hem
Lesson 10: Sewing a Skirt – Part 1
In the lesson we will discuss: • Fitting Skirts
• Pattern Layout
• Marking
• Darts
Lesson 11: Sewing a Skirt - Part II
In this lesson we will discuss: • Back Vent
• Center Zipper, Finishing
• Waistband Facing, Interfacing
• Hems Around Vents
Lesson 12: Sewing a Shirt or Blouse – Part I
In this lesson we will discuss: • Pattern Markings
• Interfacing
• Shoulder Seams
• Collar
• Cuffs
Lesson 13: Sewing a Shirt or Blouse– Part II
In this lesson we will discuss how to: • Cuffs
• Buttonholes
• Sleeves
• Hems
Lesson 14: Sewing Pants – Part I
In this lesson we will discuss how to: • Fitting Pants
• Pattern Marking
• Center Front
• Inner/Outer Leg Seams
• Lapped Zipper
Lesson 15: Sewing Pants – Part II
In this lesson we will discuss how to: • Lapped Zipper
• Waistband
• Hem – Machine Blindstitch
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