Past Classes
The Couture Dress
In this six-day workshop, students learned couture techniques for creating and individualizing their own custom dress.
Claire Shaeffer brought in several haute couture dresses and gowns to inspect and learn from.
A pattern was drafted and personalized for each student to fit and flatter.
Students started on their own couture dresses and were well on their way to completing their projects by the end of the workshop. Detailed finishing instructions were provided for each student.
Have a Fit! (3-day version)
In this workshop the students come away with a working personalized pattern block for torso (moulage) sleeve and pant.
Patterns were drafted and fitted by Barbie and Linda, then students were instructed on basic pattern drafting techniques, such as dart manipulation, slash and spread, and creating unique seam lines. They can then use their blocks to make all styles of dresses, skirts, jackets, tops, pants, shorts, ect.
Hand-Tailored Jacket
In this 6 day workshop, learn classic tailoring techniques and methods for creating beautifully structured jackets by making a custom designed jacket for yourself!
Several techniques and treatments for perfect lapels and necklines, pad stitching, shaping of the wool, taping the roll line, sleeve vents, various welt and patch pockets, and other details will be demonstrated. Students will make samples of their favorites.
Claire Shaeffer’s books will be used as texts throughout, including Couture Sewing: Tailoring Techniques, and Couture Sewing Techniques.
Information on color, contrast, scale, fabric knowledge and selection, pressing techniques, and sewing ergonomics, will be discussed throughout the week.
Students will work on their own, unique, custom fit, Hand Tailored jackets! Each student will be fit in their personalized muslin, resulting in a customized pattern that can be used again and again! Faster sewists will be well on their way to completing their projects by the end of the workshop. Slower sewists should get a very good start. Detailed finishing instructions will be provided for each student. Be aware that patterns with more pieces take much more time than patterns with fewer pieces. Each piece must be traced, basted, fitted, stitched, pressed, trimmed, graded, and finished. We are happy to discuss your options, and help decide with pattern will be best for your time in the workshop.
Don’t want a traditional jacket? We will design and draft a couture topper to fit your needs and flatter your figure! Lots of options for necklines, sleeves (or no sleeves), and front closures. Capes, capelets, vests, wraps, can all serve as inspiration, and have plenty of opportunities to implement traditional tailoring techniques!
Inspired by Chanel Couture Jacket
In this 6 day workshop, learn haute couture methods for creating beautiful garments by making a custom designed and fitted French Designer jacket for yourself!
Several techniques and treatments for trims, buttons, cuffs, necklines, shaping, pockets, and closures will be demonstrated, and students will make samples of their favorites.
Students will create their own, unique, custom fit, Chanel-inspired jackets!
Don’t want a traditional jacket? We will design a couture topper to fit your needs and flatter your figure! Lots of options for necklines, sleeves (or no sleeves), and front closures.
Each student will be fit in their personalized muslin, resulting in a customized pattern that can be used again and again! Students will start on their own jacket. Faster sewists will be well on their way to completing their projects by the end of the workshop. Slower sewists should get a very good start. Detailed finishing instructions will be provided for each student.
About Us
Barbie McCormick & Linda Homan
Barbie and Linda have been collaborating on fit and construction for more than 10 years.
