CLASSES TO BE OFFERED                                                                                      
Please look through the list of the classes below and let me know the classes that you would be interested to have me offer and if you have other classes that you would like to see offered and email me at: [email protected]. Please also put in the times and days that work best for you to attend classes and if you would be willing to attend classes in Richmond, Berkeley, and Emeryville.

Thank you for your input.                                                             


"All of Barbara's wonderful classes met all of my expectations and more!" - Emiegh
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BASIC CLASSES
1. INTRO TO DESIGN - 3 HOURS - If you love sewing and fashion and are ready to design your own ideas but are not sure where or how to start, then this class is for you! You will learn how and where to look to be inspired to create your own design ideas. In this class, you will have exercises to make the process easy and fun! Once you begin to develop your design ideas, simple methods for sketching those ideas will be shown, allowing you to make preliminary sketches of your designs. The principles of design will be discussed as well as things to consider when thinking about fabric choices. NO prior experience necessary!

"This class on Intro to Design was a total blast. It was great a great build on all my viewing of project runway. I'll be back for more."  Julie Shryne

2. ALL ABOUT TEXTILES - 4.5 HOURS 
Ever wondered how to identify the major types of textiles and weaves and what fabrics would be the best choice for your chosen garment to make? In this class, students will learn to identify fabrics/fiber content - natural as well as synthetics, by performing different fabric testing and acquire an understanding of what fabrics would be used for particular clothing. Fabrics will be shown from Stonemountain and Daughter's very extensive selection of fabrics to inspect the drape, determined by the types of fibers in the weave, the thickness of the fabric and yarns to construct the fabric as well as the type of weave, to successfully choose the correct fabric for your garment.
 
$25.00 Kit fee, payable to the instructor, includes all sample fabrics and instruction sheets. 

"Excellent Class - Can't wait to take others!"  Carol Wolfe

"Fabulous class - very informative!" - Carla Crolwy Earl

"Barbara's expert knowledge really shined in the "All About Textiles" course. It was so fantastic to learn so much more about fabrics and creative ways to use and identify the textiles." - Katrina Natale


BASIC SEWING CLASSES                                                             
3. BEGINNING TO ADVANCED - 15 CLASS HOURS - This is a class for beginners or more experienced sewists that want to tackle a more demanding project. You will learn how to find your size in a pattern, layout your pattern, proper pinning, cutting and pressing, how to thread and sew on a machine using basic stitches and finishing techniques. This class can be repeated  many times, making a slightly more advanced project each time. 

"Great introduction to sewing after at least of 25 years of not touching a sewing machine. Barbara is patient and careful and teaches her students how to do things correctly, offering many shortcuts and much advice. Great class!"  Vickie Zatkin

101 - BEGINNING TO ADVANCED - 9 CLASS HOURS - This class is the same as the 101 class, although a simpler project will be made, or finished in a Sew Lab.

102 - SEW LAB - 3 HOURS - Get help on your projects.

103 - MAKING LEGGINGS - 8 HOURS - Leggings are so comfortable, fashionable, can be worn alone with a top, for working out, under a dress or skirt. Dress them up or dress them down - you choose! In this class, you will construct a pair of leggings that fit and can be re-cut later in a variety of knit fabrics. 


3 - CRASH COURSE - 3 HOURS - This course will introduce you to winding a bobbin, threading a machine, proper cutting, pinning and pressing techniques. You will learn to sew a plain seam, a french seam and how to match seams.

"Barbara was so knowledgeable and a delight."   Maria

"Barbara was awesome and patient and fun - definitely a must do."  Joe

"Barbara's class was great! I've never sewed before but Barbara made me feel at ease. She was patient and helpful. Can't wait to take more classes!"  Ashley

"Barbara's class was excellent. Had absolutely zero sewing experience and now am not afraid of the sewing machine. Extremely patient and explains things as much as you need it. Really appreciated it from a sub-beginner like me! Would absolutely consider more classes with her."   Anne


4 -  HANDSEWING BASICS - 3 HOURS - Have you lost a a button on a shirt, snap has come loose, lost the eye or hook from a hook and eye to close the top of your garment, or part of your hem come undone and you have no idea how to fix them? Instead of paying high prices to have these simple "fixes" taken care of, take this class to learn how to sew a flat and shank button on properly, sew a snap, a hook and eye, pants or skirt hook and bar, and do an easy blind hem stitch. Find out how easy these handsewing techniques are and never again feel challenged when your clothing needs simple repair! A kit with all fabrics, buttons, hooks, eyes, and bars will be provided along with printed out instruction sheets.  Kit Fee - $7.00


5 -  EASY PILLOW COVER - 3.5 HOURS - Learn to sew by making this simple envelope style pillow cover! This is a great class for adults as well as children - Ages 10 and up. 

6 -  EASY TOTE BAG -  UNLINED - 4 HOURS

7 - GYM BAG - 6 HOURS

8 - APRON - 9 HOURS - Construct a full apron with two pockets.


11 -  EASY APRON -3.5 HOURS - In this class you will learn how to construct a simple or full apron with two pockets. The ties and neck ties will be made with grosgrain ribbon. This is also a great class for beginners. More advanced students can be shown how to "stack cut" the apron and use a production sewing method to be able to construct this apron in less time and/or be shown how to make a pocket with a contrasting border and flat piping.
 
Class Fee: $50.00

12. CHILDREN'S CLOTHING - 12 HOURS - Are you a mom-to-be, a dad-to be,, or just would like to make a garment for a special child? This class will focus specifically on children's clothing., so let your imagination lead you to pick fun fabrics and a pattern that is appropriate to your skill level - Come away with a garment to delight the young person in your life! A Supply List will be sent to you when registered.

13. CURTAINS - 6 HOURS -  Do you have windows that would look great with new curtains but have shied away from making them because you thought it would be too difficult? In this class you will learn how to make a simple curtain w/a hemmed top header, a channel for the curtain rod, and side and bottom hems. By following the measurement guide in the supply list you will be able to determine the correct amount of yardage for a plain curtain with a header or yardages for pinch pleat curtains/drapes. 

14. DOLL CLOTHING - 9 HOURS - And now for something completely different..........Perhaps you have made clothes for yourself, family, and friends (or you are just beginning to sew) - now it's time to create clothes for dolls! Delight your child with one-of-a-kind clothing for their favorite doll! Choose from suggested patterns for doll  fashions and enter a new realm of clothes! 

15. CHIRSTMAS STOCKINGS - 3 HOURS -  Come to this workshop and create a Christmas Stocking that sets itself apart with the creativity that you put into it. The stocking can be personalized with your own embellishments that you bring to the workshop. Come with friends or with a child.
 
Class Fee: $45.00


PATTERNING

300 - RE-PATTERNING A BASIC SKIRT - 4 HOURS - Bring a basic pencil skirt pattern that fits you and learn how to re-cut the pattern to make many different styles of skirts. Techniques will be introduced using a 1/4 scale pencil skirt pattern You will learn how to manipulate this basic skirt shape into many different skirt designs. You will then be able to make the same adjustments to your own basic pencil skirt pattern. 

301 - RE-PATTERNING A BASIC TOP - 4 HOURS - Bring a basic fitted blouse/top pattern that fits you and learn how to re-cut the pattern to make many different styles of tops. Techniques will be introduced using a 1/4 scale sloper for a basic top - front, back, sleeves, and a collar. You will learn how to manipulate this basic top shape into many different top designs. You will then be able to make the same adjustments to your own basic top pattern. 

302 - DRAFTING A PERFECT PANTS PATTERN - 15 HOURS - Have you made pants in the past that just didn't fit or been wary of making pants at all? In this class, an initial paper pattern will be made using body measurements taken in the first class and a muslin cut from the pattern. The muslin pant will be fitted further and all adjustments transferred to your pattern. There are so many areas that can be adjusted to make pants fit perfectly, that this class focused on making the perfect pants muslin and pattern. After four or five sessions, you will have a pattern to make many pants in a future class or on our own! In the sixth class, a pocket will be made and time permitting, fly zipper will also be discussed and demoed. Intermediate to advanced sewists. 

303 -  DRAFTING A SKIRT SLOPER - 5 HOURS - Using your measurements, a basic Skirt will be drafted. 

304 -  DRAFTING A BODICE SLOPER - 6 HOURS - Using your measurements, a basic Bodice will be drafted. 

305 -  BASIC DRAPING - 4 HOURS - SKIRT
 
306 -  BASIC DRAPING - 4 HOURS - BODICE

307 -  COPYING READY TO WEAR - 6 HOURS - Bring a favorite garment that you would like to replicate and learn how to "rub off" the pattern. 

308 -  FITTING A MUSLIN AND TRANSFERRING THE ADJUSTMENTS TO A PATTERN - 6 HOURS - Come to class with a garment (and the pattern) that you have made in muslin, cut with 1" seam allowances, and it will be fit to you then shown how to transfer the fitting marks to your pattern. 



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES CLASSES
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400 - ZIP IT! - ZIPPERS - 4 HOURS - Never feel intimidated about putting a zipper into a garment or accessory ever again! In this class, you will learn how to sew a railroad zipper, lapped zipper and an invisible zipper. You will leave this class with sewn samples of the three zippers, as well as a cute lined zipper pouch, that you will construct in the class. Instructions for the zippers and pouch, printed on card stock, and the pouch pattern are included in the $15.00 kit along with the zippers to make the samples.

"Excellent!" - Maurie Ange

"Very helpful! I'd never done an invisible zipper before - great tips!"

"Excellent zipper basics - especially invisible zipper steps." - Chuleenan

"Of course excellent zipper class! Very generous class always." - Tomoko

401 - COUTURE TECHNIQUES 1 - 6 HOURS -  What techniques go into making a Couture garment? Embark into these sewing techniques with select introductory methods to accomplish a Couture look to your garments. Learn to make Applique Seams, Lace-on-Lace Seams, Seams with Reverse Corners, Patch Pockets with rounded corners, Patch Pockets with square corners, Dior Pocket Flap. Advanced stitchers. $35.00 kit fee includes all fabrics needed and printed out instruction sheets.
 
402 - COUTURE TECHNIQUES 2  - 6 HOURS - Either as a follow-up to Couture Mode I or taken as a introductory class, techniques offered in this class will add to your skills to accomplish a Couture look to garments you create. Techniques covered in this class include a Bias Binding Seam Finish with a Felled Hem, Lace-on-Fabric Appliqué Seams, a Double Stitched Hem, an Interfaced Hem, a Hand–Rolled Hem with a Slipstitch, a Hand-Rolled Hem with a Whipstitch, Bias Facings – Single Binding and Double Binding, a Chanel Concealed Placket, a Chanel Buttonhole, a Chanel-Inspired Button, and time permitting, a Chanel Quilted Lining. The Chanel techniques will also lead into a future class offering “Constructing a Chanel Jacket.” Advanced Stitchers. $35.00 kit fee includes all fabrics needed and printed out instruction sheets.
 
403 - PERFECT SEAMS - 4 HOURS - Make your garment beautiful inside and out and learn couture-style seam finishes! You will also learn how to make a simple pattern using dot paper for an inserted square and curve. Time permitting, you will learn a basic Seminole Patchwork technique. Intermediate to advanced level sewists. $30.00 Kit fee includes instructions printed on cardstock for each technique, all fabrics, cording, and dot paper.

"This was a terrific class! I learned several tips in addition to the seams I expected to learn. And it was fun." - Betsy Lathrop.

"I really enjoyed the class. I am a novice sewer and Barbara was very patient and explained the material (lessons) very clearly." - Marybeth Ries

404 - EASY BINDINGS AND FACINGS - 3 HOURS - In this class, you will learn how to finish necklines, armholes, sleeves, and hems using bias. Add a one-of-a-kind feature to your garments using this technique! $20.00. Kit fee includes instructions printed on cardstock for each technique and all fabrics.

"Great class - review or new!"

"Techniques clearly defined." - Sommers

"Great class/learned a lot in 3 hours."

405 - EFFORTLESS PLEATS AND TUCKS - 4 HOURS - In this class, you will learn how to make Box Pleats, Inverted Box Pleats, Even Knife Pleats, Uneven Knife Pleats, Corded Tucks, Cross Tucks, Pin Tucks, Spaced Tucks, and Mexican Tucks. $30.00 Kit fee includes instructions printed on cardstock for each technique and all fabrics, cording, and patterns.

406 -  RUFFLES - 3 HOURS - In this class, you will learn How to make different gathered Ruffles,Self-faced Ruffles, Double Straight Ruffle, and Cascading Ruffles. $25.00 Kit fee includes instructions printed on cardstock for each technique, and all fabrics.

407 - . SOFT, SILKY, AND SHEER - 5.5 HOURS - In this class, you will learn how to finish seams and hems on challenging fabrics. Students will start a simple project from suggested patterns to practice the techniques learnd from doing the samples. $35.00 Kit fee includes instructions printed on cardstock for each technique, all fabrics, and stabilizer, silk ribbon and tissue paper.

408 - MATCHING PATTERNED FABRICS - 3 HOURS - Learn how to cut your fabric correctly to match the fabric's pattern - plaid, stripes prints, chevrons, etc. - at the seams. A simple pattern for a skirt or top will be suggested in the Supply List and your patterned fabric. At the very least, you will begin to get your pattern cut out, if not finished cutting. You can then finish the garment on your own or take a 101, 102, or Sew Lab to finish your project. 

409 -  POCKETS - 4 HOURS - Do you want to add pockets to a garment but you are not sure how to do it? In this class you will learn to make a basic Patch Pocket with rounded corners and Corded Piping, Line a Pleated Patch Pocket with square corners and a Foldover Flap, a Patch Pocket with an elastic top, a Basic Side Seam Pocket with a French Seam, a Slant-Front pocket,  and a Welt Pocket.  $30 Kit fee includes all fabrics, cording, patterns and instruction sheets printed on cardstock.
 
Advanced Beginner to Experienced Sewists.

410 - COLOR BLOCK A GARMENT- 6 HOURS - Using a basic pattern, learn how to make seams based on your own design to combine different colors and patterns into your garment, giving it a one-of-a-kind style.

411 - RIBBON FLOWERS - 4 HOURS

412 - FABRIC FLOWERS - 4 HOURS

413 - SHOE DECORATING - 4 HOURS

414 - RECYCLED GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES - 6 HOURS -  Do you have sweaters that have a hole, are stretched out, the wrong size or oops – were accidently thrown into the washer and dryer? Or do you just love the idea of recycling fashion to make new garments and accessories? In this class, students will work with sweaters that they bring, cut them up, and re-sew different pieces together to create a whole new sweater. Other woven garments will be used to re-create a new garment of accessory.

415 - EMBROIDERY - 3-4 HOURS - Learn basic stitches - Chain, Whipped Chain, Checkered Chain, Running, Interlaced Running, Satin, French Knots, Herringbone Fishbone and Buttonhole stitches. A small sampler will be made.  $20 Kit fee includes all fabric, embroider floss, embroidery hoop,  and instruction sheets printed on cardstock.

416. - INTRODUCTION TO KNITTING - In this 4 hour intro class, you will learn the following knitting techniques:
1. HOW TO MAKE A KNITTING GAUGE
2. CASTING ON/CASTING OFF
3. KNIT STITCH
4. PURL STITCH
5. GARTER STITCH
6. STOCKING STITCH
7. RIBBING
8. INCREASING AND DECREASING
9. SEWING KNITTED PIECES TOGETHER
These stitches will be made in 4"x4" squares. You will create the squares individually and keep them as samples or, later do more on your own time and create a scarf by connecting them.  
 
Class Fee: $60.00
A Kit Fee of  $15.00 payable to the instructor, contains 1 pair of knitting needles, yarn, and instructions for each technique printed on card stock. 

417. -  INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET - In this 3 hour intro class, you will learn the following Crocheting techniques:
1. SLIP KNOT AND CHAIN STITCH AND FASTENING OFF
2. SINGLE CROCHET
3. DOUBLE CROCHET
4. HALF DOUBLE CROCHET
5. TREBLE CROCHET
6. SHELL STITCH
7. TURNING CHAIN
These stitches will be made in 4"x4" squares. You will create the squares individually and keep them as samples or, later do more on your own time and create a scarf by connecting them. 
 
Class Fee: $45.00
A Kit Fee of  $12.00 payable to the instructor, contains 1 Crochet Hook, yarn, and instructions for each technique printed on card stock.

500 - AFTER SCHOOL KIDS SEWING - 10 HOURS - After School classes for beginning to intermediate sewiwts. This is a great way to learn to sew or continue the sewing skills you have already learned. Suggested projects for beginners are pj bottoms, a tote bag or simple skirt.

501 - KIDS SUMMER CAMP - 12 HOURS OR 20 HOURS - As above, these classes are for 25 or 30 hours during one week. 

PROJECT BASED CLASSES

601 - MOMMY AND ME - TWIRLY SKIRT 
Take a child to this class with you and make a twirly skirt together! Comprised or two fabrics, this skirt is something that will send you twirling! Enjoy making something together and leave with a fun skirt and many pleasant memories!

602 - WRAP SKIRT - Advanced Beginners and Advanced Sewists. This simple wrap skirt features front and back darts, side pockets, and a bias faced hem that you may choose to make in the same fabric as the skirt of for a bit of surprise, make the bias hem facing a contrasting color or pattern.

603 - COCOON JACKET - Advanced Beginners and Advanced Sewists. Make this easy, knit, drapey, loose-fitting jacket with a 7/8 sleeve, open front, rounded high-low hem, self-fabric band at neckline, hem, and cuffs. The sleeves are just the right width so they hold in place when you push them up. Perfect for layering or as a cover-up.