Fashion · Jul 30, 2021

Registration now open: Virtual sewing class with designer Katie Schmidt

Have you always wanted to sew? Do you have a sewing machine but aren't sure how to use it? Thought about taking up a pandemic passion project? Now is your chance! We’re excited to let you know our virtual sewing class is now open for registration.

The class will be held virtually by Zoom once a week from September (the week after Labor Day) until Thanksgiving. The class size will be extremely limited to allow for personalized instruction. Once registration has ended, the group collectively will decide the best day of the week and time to meet. Cost is $250 plus materials which includes 10, 2-hr classes.

Students will need the following materials:

Basic sewing machine
Basic sewing kit

Scissors
Needles for machine
Needles for hand sewing
Straight Pins
Pin Cushion
Tailor’s Chalk
Thread
Measuring tape

Pattern (instructor will send information after the first class on the pattern)
Fabric and notions - We’ll look at the pattern to see what is required and will discuss during the first class exactly what kind of fabric and notions to buy, how to read and understand the pattern, how to measure yourself and where to purchase materials.

The course outline is as follows:

Class 1-2:

Introduction to the machine and sewing
Hand sewing 101
How to sew on a button and hook n’eye

Class 3- 5:

First garment created using a store bought pattern

Class 6-8:

Second garment created if applicable
Work continues on first garment

Class 9-10:

Class will work on garments from their closet that need fixing. Depending on the student’s level, this may be hemming, taking in the side seams or completely transforming a garment/accessory with the instructor’s guidance.

Class time will be used for the instructor to give guidance, demonstrate next steps and allow for Q&A from students. Sewing takes time and patience and in order to stay on top of the projects, students will be expected to work on projects outside of class time. Questions regarding projects will not be answered by email or phone and will only be answered during class hours. Private one-on-one virtual lessons are available at an hourly rate for those who need extra guidance.

We reserve the right to reschedule any classes if unforeseen circumstances occur including power or internet outages. All payments due up front.

About the instructor

Katie Schmidt holds a B.A. in Drama from the University of California, Irvine with a Honors in Costume Design, and a M.S. in Luxury and Fashion Management from SKEMA Business School in Sophia Antipolis, France. She began her career working as a costume designer and seamstress in California. She had the opportunity to be mentored by numerous professionals from tailors to fabric dyers to crafts people.

During her time in California, Katie would spend her summers teaching sewing and millinery classes in Fresno. Today Katie resides in the vibrant city of New Orleans working as a fashion designer and pattern maker for her own company, Passion Lilie - a fair trade fashion brand that blends classic silhouettes with hand woven ikat and playful block prints to create pieces that are both timeless by design and effortless to style. Before the pandemic, Katie also worked with children in New Orleans teaching them sewing skills and helping them to inspire their creative side.