There’s no better way to learn how to follow a sewing pattern than with an iconic gathered skirt. While this garment is fairly simple, it offers lots of learning opportunities. Deborah begins by taking you on a full tour of the pattern envelope, guide sheet, and pattern tissue, so you’ll understand how all of these elements work together. Then, starting with just your waist measurement, Deborah explains how to pick your size and cut your pattern pieces. In this class, you will also learn how to insert side front-seam pockets, apply fusible interfacing, and gather the upper edge of your skirt. You will learn how to finish your skirt in Part 2.

Now that your pockets are in place and the top edge of your skirt is gathered, you’re ready to attach the yoke facing to the skirt – a finishing touch that will give your garment a professional look inside and out. Deborah will also share her technique for expertly inserting an invisible zipper and stitching a narrow hem. At the end of this class, your skirt will be ready to wear. And we suspect you will be ready to start all over again, to experiment with a range of fabrics and colors.

In part 3 of this class, we’ll switch to a multi-view Cynthia Rowley pattern, featuring a timeless top and dress with prominently featured princess seams. Deborah begins by explaining how to take measurements and determine your size, and then goes on to decode this more complex pattern. You will be focusing on the bodice in this installment, creating the curvaceous princess seams, adding an invisible zipper, and then finishing the neck facings. Deborah will expertly guide you at every step, building on skills you learned in the skirt class. You will learn how to finish your top or dress in part 4.

Part 4 of this class is all about sleeves. Once you sew your side seams, Deborah gives a thorough lesson on how to add a short, flanged sleeve with a bias armhole facing, and insert a traditional sleeve. If you have always felt intimidated by sleeves, you will feel much more confident after taking this class. At the very end, you’ll add a pretty hand-stitched hem to finish your top or dress with style.