Boise Sewing Classes
Welcome to Caledonia Sewing School
Our greatest desire is to make fine fabrics and excellent instruction available to anyone who wants to sew for themselves, their family, or their home. The classes we offer range from absolute beginner to advanced techniques, and we also offer supervised sewing for those who still need a bit of help, or those who just wish to meet like minded people and have fun sewing. Please see our schedule and calendar for further information on our current offerings and availabilities.
Caledonia Sewing School Schedule (Calendar View)
UPCOMING CLASSES
See more on the Calendar ViewSewing Class Descriptions
BEGINNING
Mom and Me Skirt Workshop (or Dads and Daughters) with Erin RetelleLearn to sew together!
Make a skirt for daughter (or mother).
Recommended for 8 – 12 year old daughters
Pattern: Butterick 4461
Skirt kits with everything you need for class are available at Caledonia, or you can select your own fabric and trim combination.
$85 per mother – daughter pair
(plus fabric, notions and pattern)
Call Erin at 585-7320 to sign up
Students will be taught the basics of reading a commercial pattern, fabric selection, cutting, pressing and how to thread and use a sewing machine.
Beginning sewing involves learning to use a sewing machine (yours or ours), how to lay out a pattern following the instructions and sew it. Also learn about selecting fabric, zippers and pressing. A simple skirt is suggested as a starting project.
10 hours over 4 or 5 sessions
$65
Ages 12 and up
Check calendar for current schedule
INTERMEDIATE
Waxing on Wool with Lauren Levinson2 hours + Coupon!
This class will discuss the various weaves, textures and blends of this very versatile and extraordinary natural fiber.
Fabric selection and care, sewing and pressing techniques, samples/ handouts will be covered in this class.
30% off wool coupon included with class!
Call Lauren to Sign up, or for questions!
867-2392 or email sislo1@cableone.net
15 hours $145
Intermediate sewing skills required
Pattern Requirements: Semi-fitted or fitted blouses with collar or faced neckline, bust darts, and front button closure. Long or sleeves, with or without cuffs. Such as Vogue 7903 or Butterick 6085. Fabric selection should be limited to light to mid weight cotton or cotton blends,(other selection with instructor approval).
Class will cover proper measurement, pattern selection, layout, cutting and construction, fabric selection and care. Students will be given technical guidance and examples as they progress through their individual project.
Taught by Lauren Levinson.
Questions? Call 867-2392 or email sislo1@cableone.net to sign up
An Open Studio just for you in a relaxed atmosphere - come join us. Sew with a friend, or come along and meet new friends. A great opportunity to sew a classic garment for yourself, make a gift, or finish those projects. An instructor will be there to help with techniques or troubles. Bring your project, pattern (if applicable) and basic sewing supplies. $60 for the 4-week session (9 hours). Inquire about joining a session late for $15 per week.
Call Erin at 585-7320 to enroll
Give yourself over to fabric with give!
Stretch knit fabrics like jersey and “Slinky” don’t have to be hard to handle.
Begin to get the feel for it while making a cute top!
We have a fully-equipped sewing lab,or bring your own machine if you like.
Caledonia has countless bolts of gorgeous ~s~t~r~e~t~c~h~y~ fabric available for your project, or bring yardage you have on hand.
Appropriate for beginner+ to intermediate sewers
age 16 & up
Pattern: McCall’s 6120
$60 per student (plus fabric and pattern)
Call Erin at 585-7320 to sign up
* Students will be taught how to select and handle stretchy fabrics, what needles and stitches work best, stabilizing and seaming techniques and will be introduced to the serger.
Check the calendar for upcoming class times.
Look fetching while you carry you very own made purse.
Join Erin at Caledonia in the fully equipped sewing lab to make this fun accessory
One 2.5 hour session
$18
for beginner+ to intermediate sewers
Improve your sewing skills by making your very own dress or other project appropriate to your skill level. Learn some techniques and tricks along the way and emerge with a beautiful garment.
10 hours over 4 or 5 sessions
$65
Check the calendar for current schedule
This is a 2 day course from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Basic sewing skills are recommended.
Supplies you will need are fabric, lining or muslin, buttons and trims.
All can be found at Caledonia.
$50, 2 people are needed to have this class, so bring a friend and learn how to update any ottoman.
2 hours + Coupon $30
This class will discuss all the many varieties, and subtle nuances of this strong, yet luxurious fiber.
Fabric selection and care, sewing techniques, correct needles, thread, pressing techniques, samples/ handouts will be covered in this short but informative class.
Receive 30% off silk fabric coupon included with class!
Call Lauren to Sign up, or for questions!
867-2392 or email sislo1@cableone.net
Learn to make a fabulous summer dress! Pick from 2 easy patterns to turn into a dress you will love. Come join Erin for a this fun workshop.
Caledonia has bountiful, beautiful bolts of fabric, or bring your own yardage you have handy.
10 hours over 4 or 5 sessions
$65
Appropriate for "advanced beginner" sewers.
Check the calendar for current scheduling
15 hours $145
Intermediate sewing skills required
Pattern requirements: Unlined, casual jackets, such as Vogue 8300 or Butterick 4688. Collar and sleeve variations Ok. Darts or princess seams are recommended. Topstitching optional.
Note: Patterns with fewer pieces generally means faster assembly.
Patterns with more pieces mean a more precise fit.
Fabric selection: Mid to heavy-weight cotton and cotton blends, velveteen, corduroy.
Class will cover proper measurement, pattern selection, layout, cutting and construction, fabric selection and care. Different seam finishes will be discussed. Students will be given technical guidance and examples as they progress through their individual project.
Taught by Lauren Levinson.
Questions? Call 867-2392 or email sislo1@cableone.net to sign up.
ADVANCED
Couture Sewing Club with Barbie McCormickCouture Sewing Club
-Meets 3 days per month
-Pay per hour, day, or weekend!
-$15/hr, $50/day or $100 for 3 days
-Drop-ins encouraged! Stay 2-6 hours each day.
-Each session will have a couture technique demonstrated, and each member will make her own couture technique sample.
-Future techniques will include:
-Stabilizing necklines and armholes
-Couture hems
-Couture seam finishes
-Working with Lace
-Hand stitching techniques
-The finest “angel hair” spaghetti straps
-Barbie will be on hand to assist with fitting, sewing, and pressing techniques to help ensure the success of your couture garment.
-Intermediate to advanced sewing level recommended.
-Can be new to couture sewing
-Only couture quality garments and techniques allowed during club time, please.
Questions? Call Barbie 463-1682 or email sewgood625@yahoo.com
Classic Trouser Construction Class- 16 hours +fitting -$325
Pant Pattern Only- 4hrs + fitting $225
Intermediate or advanced garment sewing skills. Moderate homework should be expected.
Class includes muslin, samples, instruction booklets, and reusable corrected pant pattern that FITS.
Pattern Description: Classic plain front trouser. Choice of regular or contour waistband, choice of rise, any pocket type, choice of closure. Be aware that the more pattern pieces and details there are, the longer the pant will take to construct, resulting in additional homework.
Class Description: The week before class begins, you will meet with Barbie for a preliminary fitting. She will then provide you with a corrected paper pattern, from which you will construct a muslin (instructions provided). This muslin will be re-fit by Barbie, corrected in class, and will become your reusable pattern. From this corrected pattern, the trouser is marked and cut. Trouser construction includes instruction on various pockets, belt loops, fly front, waistbands, and lining options. Proper pressing is demonstrated. Everyone will make a sample welt pocket, a sample facing, and a sample fly. Construction is supervised by Barbie and different sewing/ construction techniques are discussed.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Basic Moulage Class- 12 hours, $200
Intermediate garment sewing skill suggested.
Class includes drafting paper, muslin, Moulage Book on CD (by Kenneth King).
This is a drafting class. Each student will draft a second skin, or "moulage", from their own measurements. This is then made up in muslin, and the fit will be perfected by Barbie. Basic slopers (patterns for blouses/dresses and jackets) will then be drafted from the corrected pattern. Instruction will be given on altering commercial patterns using your slopers, or drafting your own.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Tailored jacket Class- 20 hours, $300
Class Requirements: Intermediate or advanced garment sewing skills. Moderate to heavy homework, depending on pattern.
Includes: Muslin and reusable corrected jacket pattern that fits.
Jacket Pattern Requirements: Drafted from Moulage, or commercial. Any type of collar. Can combine more than one pattern or bring small selection (no more than 3) and Barbie will help you select the one most flattering to your figure. Any type of pockets. Please note that the more pattern pieces and details there are, the longer it will take to complete the jacket, resulting in additional homework.
Description: Each student will fist assemble the main jacket pieces in muslin. The muslin is fit by Barbie. From this corrected pattern, the jacket is marked and cut. Jacket construction includes quality fusible interfacing, facings where appropriate, properly adjusted collar pieces, taped roll lines, shoulder pads, sleeve heads, machine or bound buttonholes, pockets and lining. Proper pressing is demonstrated. Everyone will make a sample bound buttonhole and sample welt pocket. Construction is supervised by Barbie and different sewing/construction techniques are discussed.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Corset or Bustier Class 16 hours $245
Class includes coutil (Corset fabric), spiral steel boning, boning tape, bust cups, and reusable, fitted corset/ bustier pattern that fits
Any corset pattern, drafted from Moulage or commercial. Please note that the more pieces there are, the long it will take to construct. Muslin will be made first, then corrected and fitted by Barbie. The corset/bustier will be constructed with spiral steel boning, and various closure options are available. This art form can be applied to the construction of strapless dresses.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Boiled Wool Jacket Class 8 hrs $120
Each student will first assemble the main jacket pieces in muslin. The muslin is fit by Barbie. From this corrected pattern, the jacket is marked and cut. Basic jacket construction includes single layer construction, felled or topstitched seams, bound or raw edges, and pockets. Closures may include zippers, buttons, toggles, hooks and eyes, or snaps. Proper pressing is demonstrated. Construction is supervised by Barbie and different sewing/ construction techniques are discussed. Intermediate and advanced sewinglevels welcome.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Couture Construction in a Little Black Dress
20 hours- $300
A muslin will be made and fitted first, then dress construction will use couture techniques, including appropriate underlining, luxurious lining, and hand picked zipper. Students will make various hand stitching and hem samples.
Fit and construction are supervised by Barbie, and various sewing/ construction techniques are discussed.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Classic French Designer Jacket- 36 hrs $500
Barbie will instruct on how to construct the kind of jacket only available in Couture Houses. The ready-to-wear versions sell for $5000! These custom jackets are described as "The worlds most Luxurious Cardigan". They are made with the finest fabrics and trims, and have lots and lots of hand sewing. Lots. They are the epitome of couture! To start this exciting process, each student will make a muslin, which is then corrected and fitted by Barbie. The detailed construction and fitting are closely supervised, and close guidance in choosing the fabric, coordinating trim, and buttons is offered. Intermediate and advanced sewing skills welcome.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Reversible Wrap Skirt Class 10 hrs $150
2 skirts for the price of one! Use a reversible fabric plus coordinating trim to make a quick and easy reversible skirt! Each student will assemble the skirt piece(s) in muslin. The muslin is fit by Barbie. From this corrected pattern, the skirt is marked and cut. Construction will consist of topstitched darts, and ribbon or bias trim around entire edge of skirt. Proper pressing is demonstrated. Construction is supervised by Barbie and different sewing/ finishing techniques are discussed or demonstrated. Intermediate and advanced sewing levels welcome.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Beginning Drafting- Blouses/ bodices 10 hours, $225
Class fee includes neckline and sleeves drafting books on CD (by Kenneth King).
Drafting blouses/bodices from your moulage- Must have moulage or personal sloper to take this class.
Intermediate sewing skills suggested.
Basic body styles, along with various necklines and basic sleeves will be drafted on paper. Student will then make up selected drafts in muslin for fitting. Class fee includes neckline and sleeves drafting books on CD (by Kenneth King).
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Pintucked Blouse Class 15 hours $200
Make a beautifully detailed blouse or shell from cotton or linen. Class focuses on stitching details such as pintucks, topstitching, entre deux, and hemstitching. Basic muslins are made, then fitted by Barbie. Main construction will be french or felled seams. We'll be using twin needles and wing needles to make samples. Intermediate and advanced sewing skills welcome.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
Lace Jacket or Top
15 hours- $185
Students will learn the couture method of sewing lace garments so that no seams are visible (including the zipper!) There will be lots of hand sewing.
Jacket or top pattern drafted from moulage or commercial. Front and back darts are suggested, optional sleeves of any length. A muslin will be made and fitted, then used as the pattern for the jacket or top.
To register or ask questions call Barbie at 463-1682 or email at sewgood625@yahoo.com
COME SEE HOW EXCITING
SEWING CAN BE!!!
If you don't see a class here that you want, give us a call and we'll see about creating one. If you can get 3 or more people together we will put a class together for you.