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The projects are made using woven fabrics and build on beginner-level experience to prepare you for more advanced sewing projects.

All of the garments that you'll learn to make in the Intensive were selected for their versatility and are stylish staple pieces for any wardrobe enabling you to mix & match and easily personalize.

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Project Options

These are the projects you can choose from to make, selecting 1 top and 1 bottom from the options below. Inclusive sizing available.
Tops
Camisole
Versatile cami that can be dressed up or down with v-neck and straps.
Box Top 1
A relaxed and comfortable top with unique style lines and simple to construct from only three pattern pieces.
Box Top 2
Cute and boxy top with bust darts for definition and detailing on the back with style options.
Bottoms
Baggy Pants
Incredibly comfortable with a unique look, deep pockets and non-twist elastic waist for a forgiving fit.
Slacks
Comfortable and stylish with front pockets, elastic waist and straight or tapered leg options.

What You'll Learn

Garment construction techniques, including:

  • Working with woven fabric
  • Grainlines
  • Sewing patterns and laying out fabric for cutting
  • Creating and attaching a facing
  • Hemming
  • Darts
  • Casing for waistband
  • Creating and matching notches
  • Seam finishing
  • Binding
  • Flat felled and french seams

Prerequisites

This class is for anyone who already knows how to sew, or the confident beginner who knows how to use a sewing machine and basic sewing techniques.

If you're new to sewing or want a refresher to get you ready for this class, check out the Beginner Basics class, the Intro to Sewing Course or the in-depth Beginner Sewing Program.

You will also need experience with downloadable PDF sewing patterns. If you're not familiar with using these types of patterns I offer the class How to Use a PDF Pattern.

Tools & Supplies

You will need:

Fabric requirements will vary based on the projects you select and sizes. I will help guide you on the necessary fabric for each pattern after registration.

Remember to pre-wash and dry your fabric before class.

Learning Options

Learn from me in a live lesson where I'll personally guide you.


Private Class

Live, instructor-led private sewing class scheduled at a time that is best for you.

Number of Students
See discounted price for multiple students


Online
Live Video Chat
Webcam Icon
In-person
In-home Lessons
$ 450 /person
+ travel fee

Public Class

To provide a personalized experience and accommodate busy schedules I primarily teach private sewing classes and this class does not currently have any public dates available, but you can request it as a private sewing class.
See registration details below.

Duration
Clock Icon
10 hours
Top: Two, 2-hour sessions
Bottom: Two, 3-hour sessions

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Discounts
Group of People Icon
Instructor-led Private Classes/Lessons

Discounts are available when you sign-up multiple people for private classes or personalized lessons so get friends or family members together too. Select the number of students above to see the discounted price per person.

Online Sewing Classes

Options for live, instructor-led sewing lessons over video chat, and some recorded classes that are available to watch on-demand when you want.

My custom, multi-camera system provides an immersive learning experience to make it as close as possible to being in person.



Live Instructor-led


In live sewing classes I make the same project along with you to guide you through each step. My system with multiple cameras enables me to toggle seamlessly to different points of view to show the sewing machine, tools, processes, and project from different perspectives for an immersive experience.

Recorded On-demand Video


Some sewing classes are available to enroll in to watch online and learn at your own pace. The techniques and projects shown are similar to the live classes. Follow along from your computer or mobile device when you want and return to pick up where you left off.

Learn more about my online learning options or register below for live, instructor led.

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In-person Sewing Classes

If you're in the Austin, TX area I provide in-person lessons that can take place in your home. Input your address in the map below to find your travel zone and travel fee.

The option to travel to you is based on my availability when you want to schedule the lesson and the travel fee is charged per trip.

Zone 1 = $20 / trip
Zone 2 = $40 / trip
Zone 3 = $60 / trip
Zone 4 = $80 / trip
Zone 1 = $20 / trip
Zone 2 = $40 / trip
Zone 3 = $60 / trip
Zone 4 = $80 / trip
Custom fee for outside of the standard travel zones

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About the Instructor

Vanessa has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years and offers beginner to advanced sewing lessons to students locally and virtually across the country. She's also an instructor in the Fashion Design Program at Austin Community College and is a member of the Fashion Design Advisory Committee. Previously, Vanessa was an instructor at The Stitch Lab where she taught intro and specialty sewing classes, gave private lessons, hosted parties, and ran summer camps.

Vanessa is a full-time designer and seamstress working with clients on a wide variety of custom sewing and product development projects for fashion, wearable tech, decor, accessories and soft goods that keep her current with the latest sewing trends and technologies. She is also a machine service technician and has detailed knowledge of a wide range of sewing machines that enables her to personalize sewing lessons for the types of machines students are using.

Register

Most of my sewing classes are taught as live, instructor-led private classes that are scheduled when you want.

Before confirming lessons with new students, in-person and online, I first schedule a 15-min, no-cost introduction video call to introduce myself, learn more about your sewing goals, and answer any questions you have. This way you can get to know me too and make sure the experience is right for you or your child before committing to lessons. If you're interested in online sewing lessons I also demonstrate what the learning experience is like in my virtual lessons.

Please complete the form below by selecting from available dates/times to schedule the introduction video call.



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