Sew It Your Way: The Casual Dress/Tunic

Class Description: Nothing is more comfortable than a breezy, casual dress or tunic for everyday living. The dress can be worn with tights for chilly days or with sandals in the summer. The shorter version is great over leggings or skinny jeans. Fabricate from cool linen or drapey rayon for best results.

In this class, you’ll have 3 pattern options.

1) The Schoolhouse Tunic from www.sewliberated.com is a PDF download pattern. It’s meant to layer over a cami or turtleneck and is a great time to use a bold print. See examples on Instagram at #schoolhousetunic.

2) The Patricia Rose Dress from StyleArc patterns (www.stylearc.com) can be downloaded or purchased from Amazon as a paper pattern. This dress features a slight v-neck and a tucked skirt on a relaxed bodice. It’s perfect for any age. See samples on IG at #patriciarosedress.

3) The last choice is a paper pattern, New Look 6575 available at Joann’s or Hobby Lobby and is a 70s-inspired tunic with a clever elastisized waist and dolman sleeves. This pattern will work best from a filmy fabric such as rayon or light cotton.

The skills you’ll learn depend some on the pattern chosen but all will focus on getting the perfect fit for your body. The first session we will construct a simple muslin to perfect fit and discuss suitable fabrics and the second session we’ll construct the garment. The student will have all fabric pieces cut out before the second session.

Students should have experience sewing on a sewing machine, either home-dec projects or other simple projects. Garment experience is not necessary.

Student supply list: Fabric for chosen garment, thread to match, any other notions required to complete the pattern

Class Level: Fascination – These classes will introduce you to a new skill, concept or technique and are open to all levels. The student may, however, be required to have a basic skill or have taken a certification class. For example, for a flat-pattern drafting class one need not know anything about flat-pattern drafting but should have a basic understanding of the sewing machine. Any prerequisites will be listed in the class description.

Instructor: Cecelia Harris

Instructor Bio: Why I sew: When I think of all the reasons I sew – saving money, getting a good fit, not being limited to what’s in the store, being conscious of how my clothing is produced – the reason above all is that I can be unique. I know that when I choose my own pattern and pair it with a fabric, I will be creating a garment that no one else has. I can also create home goods that are as individual as I am. In a day and age where uniformity is difficult to avoid, creating my own sewn garments is a way to express my voice.