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An offering of Classes
Classes are provided for all skill levels, from beginning to advanced. Some of our more popular classes are listed here. Individual instruction is available. Class descriptions and pricing are subject to change.
 
 

~ Sewing ~

Intro to Sewing

  

Beginning Sewing

If you have no sewing experience, this introductory session will provide the background information to get started. Learn about sewing tools, terminology, and basic functions of your sewing machine. Completing this class will prepare you for "Beginning Sewing".
 
This class is for inexperienced sewers or those needing to refresh their skills. You will make a pair of pull-on (elastic-waist) pants, using an easy pattern provided with your registration fee. Learn skills such as following pattern instruction, making simple alterations, inserting elastic, topstitching, and hemming. Those who have little or no sewing experience must take "Intro to Sewing" before "Beginning Sewing".
     

Fit for Real People

Pants for Real People
Learn how to easily alter any pattern to fit you. Discover what size you really are, so you can start out with the correct pattern. Focus on making bodice and skirt alterations using Palmer/Pletsch fitting techniques. Once changes in the sloper are made, you will work with a fashion pattern of your choice.
  Learn how to alter any commercial pants pattern to fit your body. Discover solutions to fit problems and pick up on tips on creating a flattering style. Learn easy ways to insert zippers and attach waistbands. Use Palmer/Pletsch fitting concepts to make alterations to the basic pattern provided in class, then cut out and fabric-fit your pants.
     

Exploratory Sergery

  

Tailoring Basics
This hands-on session allows you to practice threading, learn basic serger techniques, and adjust tensions for various stitches and fabrics. Learn proper care and maintenance, plus how to correct common problems.   Create a lined jacket using modern techniques to make tailoring easier and less time-consuming. The first session includes altering your pattern for a perfect fit, cutting the fabric and preparing jackey pieces. Following days will be spent on jacket construction. Learn about types of interfacing to use; how to make perfect pockets and notched collars; and discover the secret of inserting the lining completely by machine. Choose a Palmer/Pletsch McCall's pattern for your jacket (included in kit).
 

Special Sewing Sessions
Plan A: Come for a field trip to Fabrications and enjoy a day designed just for you. We can accomodate groups of up to 20 participants in a lecture setting. Depending upon your time frame, you may choose one or two presentations (call for our current offerings). We will work with you to select a mutually convenient date. There is no charge for this event. Just bring a group of friends for fun and shopping!!!

Plan B: Have your own class! Gather 2 to 4 people to take a class. We will work with you to select a mutually convenient date for one of our all-day or multi-day classes. Regular class fees apply.

Plan C: Let Janet come to you! Would your sewing group like to schedule seminars or workshops in your area? Let us know what topics are of interest and the time frame desired. Fees will vary depending on the presentation, time involved and travel factors. Further details will be provided upon request.
     

~ Knitting ~
     

Beginning Knitting Simplified

  

Simple Elegant Scarf
This class is for those with no prior knitting experience. It covers the four most basic steps (casting on, knitting, purling and binding off), as well as the two most basic knitting structures (stockinette and garter stitch). Additionally, we will discuss needle types, yarns and gauge.

Elementary level. Prerequisite: none.

  
This class is open to anyone wanting to advance their skills from an elementary level. Students will learn how to read a pattern, and will learn several intermediate-level techniques. We will make a fine quality scarf that incorporates garter and stockinette stitches combined with cables. Students must complete half of the scarf before the second session.

Basic level. Prerequisite: must be able to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
     

Easy Felted Slipper

  

Toe-up Seamless Sock
This intermediate class teaches how to make a felted slipper that folds flat for easy storage or packing. New techniques include a provisional cast-on, knitting flat for part of the slipper, then joining the round on a single circular needle. After the toe is finished, a nearly invisible seam will replace the provisional cast-on yarn and will close the back of the slipper. Instructions for felting are included. Both slippers can be knitted in about 10-12 hours.

Intermediate level. Prerequisite: must be able to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off as well as increase, decrease and keep even tension.
   This advanced class is for those who would like a rewarding challenge. Most socks are knitted from the top down, use flaps to create the heel, and end with a sewn closure for the toe. This class teaches the techniques involved with short rows, in which wraps, turns and unwraps create a seamless sock custom-fitted to your foot. The ultimate surprise is that right and left socks are possible! We will use a single circular needle in the "magic loop" method.

Advanced level. Prerequisite: able to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, as well as increase, decrease and keep even tension; prior experience knitting socks is not required.