Sewing Facings and Developing Facing Patterns • February 5-11, 2007

This 7-lesson class starts on February 5th. Class is a combination of lessons in PDF download format, Q&A boards, and interactive real-time chat sessions with Sarah (3 chats EST: February 5 – 9:00 p.m.; February 8 – 9:00 p.m.; February 11 – 3:00 p.m.)

If you've done any garment sewing, you've probably encountered facings before. While commercial patterns do include an overview of how to apply the facing to the garment, the information is usually pretty general. Although there's more to facings than you might think, the good news is that mastering them is easy. And the benefit of well-sewn facings is that your garments will look better than ever.

Applying a facing is one of my favorite things to sew: after years of sewing and hundreds of them, I still get a kick out of putting a facing on. I think this is because each step is easy to do, and if done correctly, the facing will be perfect every single time.

Another intriguing aspect of studying facings is learning how to make simple design changes to your patterns. One of the functions of a facing is to finish off the raw edge of a garment -- a bodice neckline for example. If you have a simple blouse that fits well, changing the shape of the neckline can result in a garment that looks new and unique. Making this type of pattern change and drafting the accompanying facing pattern requires no prior patternmaking experience -- you'll be amazed at how easy it is! Please visit my website for more detailed information on what the class covers and to register. (Class fee: $45.00)

One-Day Sewing Retreat at Sarah's • March 3, 2007

Join Sarah and small group of sewers for a day of sewing at Sarah’s home/studio in the Hunt Valley area just north of Baltimore. As always, Sarah will be available to work with you individually on whatever you need help with: having muslins or garments fit; assistance with pattern work; deciding what to make out of specific fabric; selecting appropriate patterns; fine-tuning a design; creating the right embellishment; figuring out what linings, underlinings, and interfacings to use; or solving any knotty sewing problem that arises – no matter how large or small.

Bring your sewing machine, a sewing light, a few sewing notions, and whatever you’re going to work on. Sarah will provide the worktables and chairs, cutting tables, pressing equipment, a continental breakfast, and snacks.

Sarah’s home/studio will be open to you from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please visit my website to register. (Retreat Fee: $125.00)

Sewing Retreat with Sarah Veblen • March 30 - April 1, 2007

Please join us for a three-day retreat in Lorton, VA. One of my students has graciously offered her home for the retreat. For nearby hotel accommodations, please email Denise at rwolf4@cox.net.

For those of you who have not attended one of my sewing retreats, let me take just a minute to explain how my retreats differ from most others. It's definitely a chance for you to work on whatever project(s) you want, but it's also an opportunity for you to hone your patternmaking skills while you learn about flattering styles, design lines, and fit. I work with each person one-on-one, but you'll also learn a lot from the projects others are working on. I think of this time as a "learning retreat" -- have fun sewing, but increase your understanding and knowledge of sewing and patternmaking as well.

The retreat is limited to 8 people – reserve your spot by making a $75.00 deposit. It is easy to register online on the registration page--you can pay with a credit card and have the option to just pay the deposit, or pay the fee in full. You may still pay with a check or money order--instructions for this are also on the registration page. Please note: Sarah can only accept credit cards via her website; so if you choose to pay just the deposit now, you must bring a check or cash for the balance to the first day of the retreat.

Please feel free to contact Sarah with your questions. (Retreat fee: $315.00 for 3 days; $230.00 for 2 days; if you are interested in attending the retreat for 1 day, please contact Sarah directly)

Overnight Sewing Pajama Party • April 21-22, 2007

Join Sarah at her home/studio for a sewing pajama party! Immerse yourself in sewing for 24 hours and see how much you can accomplish.

Arrival time: 4:00 p.m. or after, Saturday, April 21

Work on whatever suits your fancy. Sarah will be available to help you with fittings, fabric and interfacing questions, pattern work, garment design, and anything else you need. Bring your sewing machine, a sewing light, your notions and fabric, your sewing chair if you’d like – and, of course, your PJ’s!

Sarah will give a prize for the most whimsical PJ’s or pajama bottoms – whether they’re yours, for a friend (young or old), or family member.

Sew all night if you like. Or get a few hours of shut-eye: Sarah has four double/queen beds, a big couch, and plenty of floor space. Bring a sewing buddy and bunk in with her!

Sarah will provide supper (BYOB), and a continental breakfast on Sunday morning. Get a breath of fresh air at lunchtime on Sunday at one of the numerous eateries in the Hunt Valley area, or bring something along – you’re welcome to use the fridge and kitchen.

Finish time: 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22 (Retreat Fee, including supper and breakfast: $150.00)

For more information about Sarah's classes, custom clothing, and writing, please visit her website, www.sarahveblen.com, or contact her directly via email: sarah@sarahveblen.com; phone: 410-472-9253; or mail: 15 Cross Falls Circle, Sparks, MD 21152.

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