The Sewing Tree

Design Camps

If you are interested in Garments and Creating, then Design Camp is for you!  Design Camps are offered in four day sessions with an optional Friday to work on your own (with help of course.  They range from Beginner (no garment construction experience necessary, ages up to 12ish), Intermediate (having some basic garment experience, ages 13-18), and Advanced (having a good working knowledge of the basic garment techniques).

Please note that if you are interested in design camps, but do not have the requisite sewing skills, Sew Camps 1, 2, and 3 are a terrific way to learn to sew, get some experience at the machine and learn some basic techniques necessary for the design camps.  Please see our Summer Sewing page for Sew Camps.

Design a Skirt Class 1, 2, 3!

July 9 – 12, 9:00am – 3:30pm

Step 1:   Make a pattern using your measurements.  Yes, you will learn to draft a block pattern!  Yes, you will be using math and design rulers.

Step 2:   From the block you will create a pattern for a pencil skirt or a–line skirt.  A muslin mock–up will be cut and sewn.  This includes designing a waist band, creating darts and deciding on length.  Fit to flatter will be discussed and the pattern finalized of a muslin will be your personal pattern.

Step 3:   Using your personalized muslin pattern, you will create your skirt pattern preparing you for the Design a Skirt – Beyond the Basics class.  A supply list for your designer skirt will be generated after discussions of appropriate fabrics and embellishments.

General Supply List:  1 1/2 yards of cotton muslin (no need to pre-wash). Pattern paper and designer materials will be supplied.

This is a 24 hour class for intermediate sewing skills.  Class size 3-6 students.

Beginning to Design Camp

For the Beginner Designer

July 23 – 26, 9:00am – 3:30pm

Design your skirt, shorts, or pants and work on embellishment techniques, deconstructing t-shirts and re-styling.  It’s all about designing the pockets – patch, in seam, cargo, flaps, welt, button.

For those students new to garment construction or design, or who did not participate in the "Design a Skirt" camp, please choose a commercial skirt pattern to be approved by instructor.

Costume Couture classes will be held throughout the summer and fall for any student who's design exceeds the time limits of this camp.  Please see Costume Couture page for available sessions.

General Supply List: Supply list: 3 yards for pants, 2 ½ yards for cropped pants, 2 yards for shorts, 3 yards for maxi skirt, 2 yards for knee length skirt, 2 ½ yards for mini skirt..

This is an 24 hour class for beginning and intermediate sewing skills.  Class size 3-6 students.

You are the Designer!

August 13 – 15, 9:00am – 3:30pm

This is for the intermediate and advanced design students who wish to work on garments and patterns of their choosing, or for design students who have a design of their own to construct.  The class size is limited and will be devoted to design, construction, drafting and draping and all the techniques involved in each garment.  Technique options include boning/bustier/corsets for the strapless garments.

General Supply List:  Pattern (or select from our vast stash) fashion fabric, thread, zipper, notions and trims, etc.

This is 24 hour course for intermediate and advanced design students with intermediate sewing skills.  Class size 3-6 students.

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