Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8

Taylor McVay of Blueprints for Sewing, one of our favorite sewlebrities, will be returning to lead us through a weekend of fitting and sewing fun.

In this workshop, we’ll alter and sew any pattern of your choice for a custom fit. Start by learning how to take accurate body measurements (and, how to do it by yourself). Next, we’ll determine common fit issues by comparing your measurements to your pattern of choice. We’ll do some preliminary alterations to the paper pattern, then sew up a muslin to fine tune the fit. In most cases, these alteration techniques will carry over to your future projects.

The remainder of the workshop will be used to complete your custom fit garment. Taylor will provide construction tips and tricks along the way.

The Workshop

The cost of this Workshop is $475, which includes Friday festivities, lunch Saturday & Sunday, 14+ hours of sewing instruction, use of Shop equipment, and lots of exclusive surprises and treats.

*Please review our Weekend Workshop Policies before registering.

The Weekend merriments will begin Friday evening – a casual cocktail party 6 – 7 pm at Stitch Sew Shop. Mingle with Taylor and our fellow Workshop attendees (minimizing that dreadful first day of school feeling Saturday morning!) and pick up any last minute supplies you might need for the weekend.

Saturday will bring a full day of making, beginning at 10 am. Lunch will be included, as well as some mid-afternoon pick-me-ups, and we will sew until 6 pm. Dinner reservations for the group will be made at 7 pm at a local favorite restaurant (Dutch treat), a pleasant walking distance from the Shop.

Sunday, return to the shop at 10 am, and pick up where you left off. Lunch will be provided, and you may depart as your schedule permits. The Shop is open until 6 pm on Sunday; you are welcome to stay and sew as long as you like.

The Sewlebrity

Taylor has been making clothing since she was very small, and spent most of her early adult life doing alterations, making custom clothing for others, dabbling in many areas of the fashion world, and teaching others to do the same. The desire to create clothing and the dissatisfaction with available clothing (and the industry behind it), in conjunction with the intense satisfaction gained from creating things by hand influenced her decision to launch Blueprints for Sewing.

According to Taylor, “teaching sewing was what really got to the source of it all. Helping people sew, to make and design their own clothing, has been and continues to be a rewarding and liberating experience.”

The Weekend

Weekend Workshops at Stitch Sew Shop are designed to be a delightful escape. Located in picturesque Old Town Alexandria, Stitch Sew Shop is a sanctuary for the modern maker, and this weekend will be extraordinary.

Stitch Sew Shop is located just minutes away from Reagan National Airport (DCA). It’s a short taxi or metro ride to Old Town from the airport, and it’s unlikely you will need to rent a car if you plan on staying in Old Town. AmTrak station is collocated with the Metro at the King Street Station.

There are many great lodging options very near to the Shop. Within a comfortable walking distance are: Hotel Lorien, Hilton, Embassy Suites, or Hilton Garden Inn. If you are interested in sharing a room, please let me know and I will put you in touch with other interested attendees.

If you are local to the area, Stitch Sew Shop is an easy 10-12 minute walk from the King Street Metro Station. If you’re planning to drive in, there is metered on-street parking, as well as a paid parking lot a few blocks away.