How many times a year do you slip one garment on over another? Whether it's a sweater, a shirt, a casual jacket, a tailored blazer, a windbreaker, a raincoat, a heavy winter coat, an evening stole, or just a shawl, these extra layers achieve the same goals: they keep us comfortable and often complete the look of our ensemble. Sometimes a garment we usually wear by itself serves double-duty as a layering garment, like a handkerchief linen blouse over a pretty camisole.

This four-day class will give you the opportunity to study layering garments from both the inside (engineering and construction), and the outside (style and design). We'll also explore how your own personal life style and the climate where you live play a critical role in developing a layering wardrobe. And we'll take an in-depth look at fabrication, from both a structural and an aesthetic point of view.

We'll gather from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day. Our mornings will generally be devoted to lectures, and I'll have lots of garments available as examples of the concepts we discuss. In the afternoons, you'll have time to develop your ideas and designs through sketching, pattern development, and working on mock-ups. I'll work with you individually in whatever area(s) would help you the most, including fitting. (Note: don't worry if you think you can't sketch – we'll concentrate on working drawings that get your ideas down on paper, not fashion illustrations.) Because of the length of the class, I encourage you to work on perfecting one or more pattern or muslin rather than actually constructing a garment.

Following is an outline of how we'll spend our days:

Morning: An in-depth look at what makes layering garments successful, including climate, change of seasons, lifestyle, personal dressing style, specific use, and special occasions. Defining your own layering needs.

Afternoon: Begin sketching, and I'll work with you individually. If anyone has brought mock-ups, I will begin fitting.

Morning: Exploration of design elements (style lines, cut of underarm, closures, and pockets) and fabrication (weight of fabric, fiber content, and combining fabrics). Creating a wish list.

Afternoon: More sketching, pattern work, mock-ups, and fitting. I'll be sure to work with you individually on whatever is most important to you.

Morning: A discussion of different types of sleeves and collars, especially in relationship to functionality and comfort. Making garments do double duty. A look at lining, interlining, and underlining.

Afternoon: Individual work on your projects. I'll continue to assist you in whatever way is most beneficial to you – designing, patternmaking, or fitting.

Morning: Exploring embellishments and making garments unique. The value of using a perfected pattern multiple times but getting a different look each time. Assessment of your wish list.

Afternoon: I'll work with you individually on your patterns and mock-ups, as well as help you plan how to achieve your layering goals.

There are a number of hotels in the Hunt Valley area. Please visit the Accommodations page for a list. If you will not have a car, some of the Hunt Valley hotels have courtesy van service, and I can also help out with getting you to and from your hotel. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and two grocery stores that have a variety of prepared food.

A table and chair will be provided for each person, and pressing equipment and cutting tables will be provided for all to share. You will need to bring your sewing machine and a light, as well as your sewing notions, pattern, fabric for mock-ups, etc. You will be sent a complete supply list about a month prior to the class.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to discuss garments you would like to design and develop during the class.

For more information and questions, please feel free to get in touch with me: