Title: Cut, Stitch, Sell: Dressmaking & Building Your Brand Workshop.

Location: Private Home Studio, California

Format: 1-on-1 Personalized Session or Groups of 3

Duration: TBD 

Dates: Flexible scheduling available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 

Step into an exclusive, luxury learning experience designed to take you from sewing novice to confident dressmaker and fashion entrepreneur. This private, 1-on-1 or group session workshop in my serene California home studio offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn the art of dressmaking in a highly personalized setting. Throughout the day, you will receive guidance on everything from understanding your sewing machine and working with fabrics to creating a stunning dress from start to finish. Additionally, We offer hands-on assistance to help you build a professional presence. We provide personalized business advice to clarify your vision and define what you want your business to become.

Join us for this unique workshop where you'll gain the skills, confidence, and tools to turn your passion for fashion into a successful business.

What You Will Learn:

Introduction to Sewing and Dressmaking

1. Overview of Sewing Essentials

• Introduction to basic sewing equipment: scissors, pins, needles, seam rippers, tape measures, etc.
• Familiarization with different types of fabrics and their properties (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, denim).
• Overview of sewing machine parts and their functions, including threading, bobbin winding, and tension adjustment.

2. Basic Sewing Techniques

• How to thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin.
• How to sew straight and curved seams.
• Basic stitching techniques: straight stitch, zigzag stitch, backstitch, etc.
• Finishing edges: overlocking, pinking, or zigzag stitching to prevent fraying.

3. Pattern Reading and Layout

• Understanding and reading sewing patterns (symbols, notches, grainlines, etc.).
• How to lay out patterns on fabric according to grainlines and fabric types.
• Pinning and cutting fabric accurately using pattern pieces.

4. Fabric Cutting and Preparation

• How to prepare fabric for cutting (pre-washing, ironing, folding).
• Using rotary cutters and fabric scissors for clean, precise cuts.
• Understanding fabric grain and its impact on cutting and sewing.

5. Sewing a Basic Dress

• In this part of the workshop, you'll embark on creating the dress.

We'll guide you through every step to sewing the seams and finishing the dress. You'll learn how to:

• Assemble the dress pieces and sew clean, professional seams.
• Attach sleeves and finish the neckline.
• Add finishing touches like hemming and topstitching.

By the end of this session, you'll have a completed dress that showcases your unique style, plus the confidence to replicate the process on your own!

6. Finishing Techniques

• Techniques for hemming garments (machine hem, hand hem, blind hem).
• Adding finishing touches like topstitching, pressing, and ironing for a professional look.
• How to fit and make minor adjustments to garments.

7. Q&A and Troubleshooting

• Addressing common sewing problems (thread tension issues, uneven stitches, fabric puckering).
• Answering participant questions about their sewing projects or techniques.

 

8-Week Comprehensive Dressmaking & Fashion Business Course

This immersive course is designed to guide aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs through every step of the process, from defining your design niche to sewing stunning garments and building a solid business foundation. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, this course will give you the practical tools and knowledge needed to succeed in both dressmaking and the fashion industry.

Curriculum Overview & Benefits

Week 1: Business Strategy Session (Virtual)

Key Focus: Solidifying Your Design Niche

What You'll Learn:

Who are you designing for?

What are you designing?

Why are you designing it?

Outcome: By the end of this week, you will have developed a clear strategy for your brand and niche, setting the foundation for a successful fashion business.

Benefit: Gain clarity and focus on your unique design identity, crucial for standing out in the market.

Week 2: Essentials of Machine & Dressmaking (In-Person)

Key Focus: Mastering Your Sewing Machine & Dressmaking Basics

What You'll Learn:

Choosing the right sewing machine: Best vs. worst brands

The essential functions every designer needs to know

Hands-on practice with key dressmaking techniques

Homework: Research and choose your machine.

Benefit: Build confidence in using your sewing machine and understand the dressmaking essentials that every designer needs.

Week 3: Advanced Dressmaking Techniques (In-Person)

Key Focus: Dressmaking Techniques, Stitches, and Pattern Making

What You'll Learn:

Advanced stitching techniques for professional finishes

Introduction to pattern making

Homework: Practice stitches and pattern creation.

Benefit: Develop advanced skills that elevate your dressmaking abilities to a professional level.

Week 4: Tailoring & Fit (In-Person)

Key Focus: Assembling Your Garment and Mastering Fit

What You'll Learn:

How to sew the garment pieces together

Tailoring techniques to achieve a perfect fit

Benefit: Learn how to create dresses that fit beautifully, a key skill in creating high-quality, custom garments.

Week 5: Embellishment, Tailoring & Final Adjustments (In-Person)

Key Focus: Appliqué, Embellishment, and Refining Fit

What You'll Learn:

Adding appliqué, embellishments, and final design touches

Making adjustments to ensure the perfect fit

Benefit: Personalize your designs with unique embellishments and refine them for a flawless final product.

Week 6: Finishing Touches (In-Person)

Key Focus: Completing Your Dress

What You'll Learn:

Final steps to complete your dress and ensure professional quality

Benefit: Walk away with a fully completed garment, ready to showcase your unique style and skills.

Week 7: Marketing Strategy & Client Acquisition (Virtual)

Key Focus: How to Market Your Designs and Secure Clients

What You'll Learn:

How to market for the upcoming season

Essential website development tips

Logo creation basics

Outcome: By the end of the week, you’ll have a clear marketing plan and must secure at least two clients.

Benefit: Gain the tools to attract clients and build an online presence that speaks to your brand.

Week 8: Social Media Strategy (Virtual)

Key Focus: Building or Improving Your Social Media Presence

What You'll Learn:

Conduct a social media audit or create your business page

How to create 3 impactful posts

Resources for maintaining consistent and engaging content

Benefit: Establish a professional and engaging social media presence that helps grow your audience and drive sales.

 

Value of the Program

Comprehensive Skill Building: From sewing basics to advanced dressmaking techniques, you’ll master both the creative and technical aspects of fashion design.

Business & Marketing Focus: We’ll guide you in building a business strategy, marketing your designs, and securing clients, ensuring you're not just creating but also selling your work.

Hands-On Learning: With both in-person and virtual sessions, you’ll gain real-world experience in dressmaking and business development.

Support & Resources: You’ll receive ongoing support, a resource guide, and tools to help you maintain consistent progress, both creatively and in business.

This course is ideal for individuals looking to transform their passion for fashion into a thriving business, with practical skills, business strategies, and ongoing mentorship.