Intermediate Sewing 2S24
Go beyond basics with zippers and get started with a garment of your choice. Adjust a pattern for your size; choose and cut fabric expertly. Take this class as many times as you like to solidify your essential sewing skills and complete a series of projects.
We'll discuss where to purchase supplies during class. Limit 6 students
*Prerequisite: our Basic Sewing class, OR equivalent skills including:
- how to use a sewing machine
- how to thread the machine and the bobbin
- knowing how to read and interpret commercial sewing patterns.
Basics are not covered in the Intermediate course (nor are they reviewed as a "refresher"); Students taking the Intermediate class should come in knowing how to do these basics.
Deborah West
Deborah West is a trained Sewing Educator. Owner of Dwest Designs, she has been in the sewing and fashion business for over 30 years. She has sponsored and produced fashion shows in the corporate and private sectors. In the 1980s, she co-owned Collage, Ltd., an image consulting firm whose clients included Dover-Sherborn School, Carver High School and MCI Framingham. She is former Mass. State Director of the “Make it with Wool” contest and participated as a judge in the 4-H Middlesex County Fair sewing competition.
Deborah has taught sewing at Robert Gould Shaw House, YWCA Aswalos House, for Family Services of Greater Boston's Teen Living Program and elsewhere in addition to the Eliot School.
Recommended sewing kit:
1 pair 3”–4” sharp scissors (embroidery type, for cutting threads)
1 pair 9” cutting shears (Fiskar, Weiss and Gingher are good brands)
common pins (in pin cushion or small box) Note: magnetic pin containers may damage computer discs
tape measure (not pull-out)
6” metal sewing gauge, for measuring (Dritz or other brand)
assortment of hand sewing needles, sizes 5–10
needle threader
seam ripper
marking pencils: 1 dark, 1 light color. Use chalk or wax, not quilters’ pencils.
thread for marking and basting. 1 white and 1 black are good choices
size 15 plastic bobbins (please bring at least 3 to start)
At first class, we will discuss: pattern amount and types of fabric you will need notions listed on patterns: zipper, interfacing, etc.