Slow Fashion; Sew your Own Clothes!

About this experience

If you've completed Foundations (or have equivalent experience) and are ready for the next step, join Nicole as she guides you through the process of making garments.

We will work with you before the class to individually choose an appropriate pattern that will allow you to finish your whole project in the workshop (no guarantees of course, but we try our best)! We will discuss which skills you want to prioritize and how to go about them. First time garment sewers will choose something as simple as can be, and experienced sewists may challenge themselves with fit, collars, buttons etc.

Please note: You must arrive at the first class with project chosen and fabric pre-washed. You can schedule your free consultation by texting Nicole at 250-890-3318, or coming in during shop hours (please don't pop in between 3-5, as we have busy kids' classes then!). Students who arrive unprepared will lose valuable class time. 

Before class, each student will get individual help selecting fabric, working through the patterns sizing guide and understanding how to read the back to get everything you need. You can choose of of our selected patterns at a 20% discount, or get in touch if you have something else in mind. I created the above collection with the goal of achievable patterns for a beginner class.

This class really focuses on construction, so a loose fitting, simple garment is best to start with, so that you can save detailed fitting challenges for a different project. We have a number of appropriate patterns, including basic linen or cotton pants, tshirts, simple dresses. We work on gorgeous seam finishing so you can have a simple garment that you are so proud of.

Our goal is to give you the confidence to complete projects at home after this class. If you've completed a few simple garments, and are ready to build skills, we have plenty of patterns for that as well! 

The class schedule is as follows:

Before Class: 15 minute free consultation to choose a pattern and appropriate fabric. Schedule by texting or stopping in. If you’d like to bring  project from outside of The Spool’s collection, please send your ideas ahead of time to be sure that it’s appropriate for the timing of the class. Please wash your fabric ahead of week one!

You will learn:

•  Preparing your patterns and fabric for sewing. Students with more experience may prefer to arrive with pattern and fabric cut out so they can get to the point they want support with.


• Demonstration and practice of essential garment skills, beginning your project.


• Focus on Construction: This class you will be following your pattern instructions with support to dive into construction


• Finishing Skills and Techniques

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 have Supported Open Sew on a regular schedule, as well as non-instructional Sewcials and Your Studio time that can be booked if you don't have a sewing machine at home. 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!