Couture. The word alone strikes fear in many sewers. Don't let it scare you. In it's simplest form the word
couture means to sew . Couture expert, Roberta Carr, says, "Couture is an attitude." It's a way of thinking about,
as the title of her book suggests, "The Art of Fine Sewing". To me, couture means attention to the details, using
the best techniques, having patience and striving for excellence.
Somewhere I read the quote, "An ounce of experience is worth a pound of theory." You can learn many things from
reading books and listening to lectures, but when it comes to sewing, doing is best. That's why I love teaching
individuals and small groups. It is very rewarding to work with a student one-on-one and help them solve problems
and develop their skills. And I love being able to give everyone in a class individual attention and help as
well. In small hands-on classes, students get to focus on the techniques and details. I see real improvement in
both their sewing and self-confidence.
For most of my classes there are no more than 6 students. The focus is on learning new techniques and improving
skills. Classes are designed for sewers who want to take their sewing ability to a higher level and to learn the
details that will make their sewing exceptional instead of average.
My inspiration for classes comes from you, the students. You share with me what you would like to accomplish in
your sewing, where you get stuck and when you are ready to try something new. I share with you my many years of
experience as a custom clothier and teacher, my couture "attitude" and my love of the details.
Classes
Please see Classes & Workshops for a complete list
of all classes I currently have scheduled. Once there, click on a class title for more detailed information
about each class.
Private Lessons
Individual or group private instruction is available to sewers of all levels at my studio in Tigard, Oregon. I can
offer you help learning new sewing techniques, assistance with fitting patterns and garments, or guidance on a specific
project. You may schedule as little as an hour or as much as several days. Nearby hotel accommodations and
transportation are available for out-of-town students.
Seminars/Workshops
If you can't come to Oregon, I am available for seminars and hands-on workshops for stores, private groups or
organizations in your city. Choose from a variety of topics including:
- Tailoring: Before You Cut
- The Inside Story: Lining and Underlining
- Contemporary Tailoring
- Wonderful Welt Pockets
- Fabric Collage Jackets
- Jackets – Design and Conquer
- Fitting Burda Patterns
- Pants Fitting
- Panels, Gores and Godets – Designing Skirts
- Hand Stitching Primer
- Sheer Magic
- Loop and Button Closures
For more information or to schedule a lesson, seminar or workshop, contact me at
or phone 503-624-4822.
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I'd like to tell you once again how much I enjoyed this past weekend. It was a real treat to see all those wonderful clothes and it has given me a level to reach for, especially with attention to all the little details that make all the difference.
Carolyn B.
Seattle, WA
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