Button-Up; Fundamentals of Garment Making

About this experience

When you've been sewing for a bit and want to get into the nitty gritty of construction details, this is the class for you! Please read the entire description to ensure it's the right challenge and you know what you're getting into!

 In developing this class, we wanted to choose a project that would allow you to try a lot of new construction techniques over 5-8 weeks (longer classes in the fewer weeks session); a project that will give you the confidence to build a good portion of your handmade wardrobe with transferable skills, where the fit would be comfortable and generous, the pattern is gender neutral and inclusive in size range, and that everyone can use in the wardrobe!

Enter: The Cameron Button Up, by Helen's Closet!

This wardrobe staple was made by a local pattern designer and is perfect for life on the coast! The fit is comfortable and generous, the pattern is gender neutral and inclusive in size range. 

Prerequisites: Fundamentals 1 or equivalent experience (you know how to use the machine, have made a garment or two and are looking for more skills). Folks who've made several garments and have the confidence to do some homework will have the greatest success in this class. We work on the shirt in class, but you'll have to work at home a bit too (ie, we do our placket and cuff in class, you do the second one at home)

Materials included: Printed pattern & instructions, muslin fabric, interfacing, buttons and thread. As a bonus, the pattern files will be sent to you to use in the future.

The Class also includes high quality cotton muslin to make your first version, which you can keep as is, or even write on as a learning guide- or you can dye it cool colours!

Having the pattern and all materials included means you can show up stress free, dedicate your energy to learning and not worry about making mistakes on fancy fabric.

You will learn

• Reading size charts and taking detailed measurements


• How to download and print PDF patterns 


• Lessons on Interfacing


• Cutting out on grain


• Sewing plackets (and what the heck is a placket)


• Cuffs, Collars and Buttonholes


• Using the burrito method (like the tote bag!)


• Flat-felled seams, sergers, and french seams!


• simple fit adjustments-this is not a fitted shirt, so we will not be aiming for the perfect tailored business button up, our focus is construction!
  

Of course, as always the classes will be peppered with wisdom, encouragement and too many tips to list here.

When you are done, you'll feel more confident in sewing your woven wardrobe- after all, sewing a cuff is similar to a waistband (but smaller), buttonholes can be used as drawstring holes etc- you know we are all about the transferable skills!

*Also note: This truly is a learning journey, with a teacher guiding each of you towards your sewing goals. It's a small group class, and people work at their own pace. Students who prefer to take a little more time, or who miss a class may need to work on homework between classes, or book in for Open Sew time. We do our best to encourage and support you in finishing your project, but make no guarantee of completion if students miss classes or need extra time. We are all individuals in learning style! 

Because of the nature and small size of our classes, we are happy to switch you to another session or offer a refund with a minimum of two weeks notice.

Within 14 days of your starting class, we are happy to transfer your seat to a friend, but there are no refunds available- FINAL SALE. No shows are not eligible for refunds.

If you are a shift worker (or partnered with one, affecting your ability to plan) or have irregular ability to plan for other reasons, saving your registration for when you are certain about your availability reduces the stress for everyone- and if a class sells out before you get in, reach out to be added to a waitlist or to see if we can squeeze you in. We can often accommodate a last minute extra person, especially if you've been in touch in advance.