Nick will be teaching five Original Sewing & Quilt Expo “in person” classes this week (March 17th -19th, 2021) in Lakeland, FL. The classes include the following: (Please note: these classes are in-person events in Lakeland, FL and will not be available via the website. Highlights will be provided and updated here after the workshops have been completed).
Our Body Double: Draping to Fit YOU (MDB): Teachers will be Joe Vecchiarelli and Nick Coman, March 17th from 9AM-5PM.
Flat patterns are necessary, but not necessarily the best starting point for accurate fitting of your three-dimensional figure. Join expert fitter and designer Joe Vecchiarelli in this day long draping experience, as you work on your own dress form to create your personal bodice sloper — your body double.
Begin with padding your dress form to accurately represent your own shape, in preparation for draping your first bodice on the form. Your body measurements, Joe’s demonstration and his assistance throughout the morning make this a priceless opportunity to create a dress form that truly fits you.
Once completed, your dress form will become the base upon which your bodice sloper is draped. Learn the basics of draping as you create, in fabric, what will become your pattern fitting block. Nick Coman will only be teaching in Lakeland, FL with Joe. Specific dress form required – see Supply List for details.
By the end of the day you will have:
- Created your ‘body double’ on a dress form;
- Draped your basic princess-style bodice on the dress form;
- Converted the draped bodice into a flat pattern:
- Learned to compare and contrast your personal sloper with a paper pattern, and explored how to use the information for fit and design purposes;
- As time permits, you’ll learn to change princess lines to darts for both knits and wovens.
You’ll take home:
- A record of your exact body measurements;
- A collection of fitting/draping/drafting equipment, including a 2 x 18-inch grid ruler, industrial tracing wheel (not the wimpy home version), metal 18-inch Curve Vary Form ruler, soft lead Berol pencil, #17 French Curve ruler, #24 straight pins for draping; marking paper
- Muslin for draping and bodice fitting;
- Your padded ‘body double’ for use in your own sewing studio.
Take the Fear out of Working with Fine Fabrics: Teacher Nick Coman, Thursday, March 18, 2021 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
How often have we seen that piece of fabric that takes our breath away, but said what would I do with it, and how do I sew it? You’ve come to the right place. This class covers choosing appropriate styles and sewing techniques for fine and unusual fabrics. Nick will demonstrate sewing on a variety of fabrics and discuss care and considerations when choosing fabric for a project.
Chic Summer Shift: Teacher Nick Coman, Thursday, March 18, 2021 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
This dress exudes cool stylish comfort. From the high scooped neck to the slightly tapered hem, this dress will be your summer go to. Make it up in linen for a crisp put together look or soft cotton sateen for the perfect weekend get together. With unusual style lines, pockets and optional trim and sleeves, this dress will become a wardrobe staple. Fabric included in the kit.
Free Form Piecing: A Slice of Heaven (BYOF): Teacher Nick Coman, Friday, March 19, 2021 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
Quilting without rulers, and almost, no rules is a fantasy for many quilters. Join Nick to learn all about piecing curves, how to deal with mini pieces and extremely thin lines while creating a quilt that can be either figurative or abstract. Bring your own fabrics in colors and patterns that speak to you. Bring some solids and hand dyes too, they are especially useful with the techniques you will be learning.
The Perfect Bias Tee: Teacher Nick Coman, Friday, March 19, 2021 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
This beautiful woven tee has a bias drape and cut on sleeves. There are only two pieces to cut, the sewing is easy, and the length and look are variable depending on the look you want. This is a great wardrobe builder that is easy to wear and versatile. Depending on the fabric you choose, it can go from boardroom to cocktails. Give it a try and find your new favorite go to garment. Fabric for this project will be included in the kit.