I want this class to be accessible to sewists of all levels, however, I recommend having some prior sewing experience. So, I'd say it's best for ambitious beginners through advanced sewists.

Before signing up please make sure you:

• know how to sew a straight stitch

• how to finish a seam - whether with a zig zag stitch or a serger

• are familiar with using a pattern

• are familiar with how your machine works and what quirks it may have

• are familiar with how to wind your bobbin and thread your machine

• know how to change the stitch length

• are familiar with basic sewing terms like: seam allowance, basting stitch, stitch length

yes and no!

You’ll be learning how to draft your own dress pattern using a pattern for a boxy top that i will provide. The Boxy Top pattern has two sleeve length options (short or 3/4 length). You’ll use that top pattern to draft your own dress pattern and then use your dress pattern to design and draft the pattern for your unique curved color blocking design.

The Boxy Top pattern that will be provided fits bust measurements of about 32” to 67”. If you need a size not included in the pattern, I will be happy to grade the pattern for you!

*if you have a boxy top pattern you like, you are welcome to use that one for this class. You can also use the techniques taught in this class to make any garment you like into a Nature Garment using curved colorblocking.

You will need basic sewing supplies and fabric of your choice. You will get a detailed list of materials after you sign up.

You will need:

• a sewing machine

• a way to finish seams (either with a zig zag stitch or a serger)

• fabric scissors

• big kraft paper or pattern paper

• fabric chalk or pins

• various colors of light to mid-weight woven fabric (exact amount of each will depend on your design and size, generally will be about 0.5 - 1.5 yards per color you’re using)

• all purpose thread

• pins

• a ruler

• paper scissors

The end result will really be up to you and the unique design you come up with! The basic shape of the dress will be a loose, boxy bodice with either short or long sleeves and a gathered skirt. The dress will be made with curved color blocking to look like a landscape. you can see some examples below!

The live calls will be through Zoom.

The calls will be 2 hours long and will include a demonstration portion where I will show you the technical skills and techniques we are focusing on that module.

We will also spend some of the video call time talking about color theory and design, fiber and fabric science (how it’s made, where it comes from, why you might choose one over another), self-care practices while creating, ergonomics while sewing, and more! You are not required to attend the calls as they will be recorded and you can watch them later. AND you are not required to participate in the conversation or have your camera on (i'll never call on you without you indicating you want to talk first) ;)

If you are taking this class live, the live video calls will be on Wednesdays for six weeks in a row.

The first live call will be on May 21st from 3 - 5 pm PT.

Important: you are not required to attend all the live classes! All the content will be uploaded to the class dashboard including recordings of the calls, so you can do this class at your own pace and at a time that works best for you.

Live call schedule:

Wednesday, May 21st 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

Wednesday, May 28th 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

Wednesday, June 4th 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

Wednesday, June 11th 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

Wednesday, June 18th 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

Wednesday, June 25th 3-5 pm PT // 4-6 pm MT // 5-7 pm CT // 6-8 pm ET

These are the skills and topics I will be covering. Some of this may be familiar to you and some may be brand new. I am not a trained teacher, and I am not even "technically" a trained sewist or designer although I have put in a lot of time sewing. I am not a therapist, I am not a counselor or coach, but I am a human being who has spent a lot of time developing a creative practice and who has spent a lot of time thinking about how to bring more meaning and intention into everything I do. Some of this may be new or maybe even uncomfortable with you. I trust you to "take what you like and leave the rest".

Technical Sewing Stuff

• Designing a dress

• Drafting a dress pattern

• Drafting a pattern for curved color blocking

• sewing curved seams so they lay flat

• basic appliqué

• constructing a simple dress

Creativity, design, self-care + play

• Intro to color theory

• Accessing imagination and generative thinking to come up with a design

• What is fabric? Where does it come from? Why would I choose one over another??

• Self-care practices while sewing

• Bringing play into sewing

• Stretches for sewists

And more! I like to talk about a lot of different things and can go on many tangents (hello neurodivergence), so I am sure we will cover a whole range of things that I can't think of right now.

Yes! As a member of the class, you’ll be invited to join a Discord server where you’ll get to chat with fellow Nature Dress Class students as well as ask me questions outside of the class calls :)