Alter + Repair Workshop :: August 2023
Alter + Repair Workshop :: August 2023
**CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP**
Thursday, August 3; 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Garment alterations are a fun and empowering way to level up your sewing skills and expand your wardrobe options. Professional tailor Lauren Taylor is here to guide you through the entire process of this essential skill set! Whether you are working with handmade, ready-to-wear, vintage or thrifted clothing – this class will teach you how to see flaws in garments as exciting opportunities for improvement.
Students are encouraged to bring a variety of garments, both handmade and ready to wear. Although we may not get through every single piece by the end of class, students can expect to leave with the knowledge and confidence to be able to continue their practice at home.
The Workshop
The cost of this Workshop is $250, which includes sewing instruction and use of Shop equipment.
*Please review our Weekend Workshop Policies.
What students can expect to learn in class:
– Effective seam ripping techniques for a variety of stitches, including straight stitches, serged finishes, and chainstitches
⁃ How to assess a garment’s fit and style, and how to determine what changes need to be made
⁃ How to pin fit a garment and transfer the adjustments in preparation for sewing
⁃ How to take apart a garment, look inside, and determine the best method for executing whatever adjustment needs to be made based on the construction of the original garment
⁃ Basic garment repair
⁃ How to determine whether a garment can successfully be altered or repaired, best practices for using trial-and-error to approach for alterations on existing garments, and how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise
The exact techniques covered in class will depend on the garments that are brought in by students. Don’t know what to bring? Here are some suggestions of topics that can be covered:
– Altering a garment for a better fit
⁃ Making design changes to a garment – shortening or removing sleeves, changing necklines, or collars, adding or removing style ease/volume, adding or removing pockets
⁃ Changing hemlines – topstitched, blind, rolled, using the original hem on jeans
⁃ Garment repairs – holes, split seams, tears, replacing elastic, replacing buttons, replacing broken zippers, adding patches and repairing worn fabric
⁃ Making a garment smaller or bigger
⁃ Repairing or replacing garment lining
⁃ Garments for friends, family members, loved ones, etc
The Sewlebrity
Lauren Taylor is a sewing enthusiast and rad sewing instructor based in Nashville, TN. 100% self-taught, Lauren has been sewing for most of her life and makes pretty much all of her clothing at this point. In addition to teaching fun sewing classes and workshops, Lauren also works professionally in wardrobe + alterations, as well as in sewing production for a local clothing designer. Lauren blogs for the Mood Sewing Network, and at her own blog, LLADYBIRD.com.
Travel/Stay
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 workshop 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. The 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 many hotels, including: 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. On street parking is free on Sunday.
- August 3, 2023
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Please review our class policies