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For more information:

URI Providence Campus

80 Washington Street

Providence, RI 02903

Phone: 401-277-5000

Master Seamstress

Master Seamstress Registration Form

For registration or payment information please call Annie Tella 401-277-5050 or email atella@uri.edu.

Master Seamstress I Certificate Program 2009-2010 - $995

The Master Seamstress Certificate Program is an 84-hour, year-long educational program, which includes instruction and ‘hands on’ experience in all aspects of apparel construction. Intermediate apparel construction skills are required. It is assumed you already know how to sew blouses, skirts, and dresses, etc., but need to understand and solve fitting and pattern design problems, learn couture tailoring techniques and experiment with specialty fabrics. Many graduates of this program are employed in a home based business or in the apparel industry. In order to receive a certificate, participants must complete the entire program and all required projects. The instructors are professionals with years of experience in the apparel industry and have degrees in textile and apparel design.

If you are not certain that you have enough experience or have detailed questions about this program, please feel free to contact Diane G. Martin, Program Coordinator, 401-762-0960 or by email DMa426@aol.com.

This program meets either on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am-12:00 pm or on Wednesday nights from 7:00-10:00 pm beginning September-December 2009 and January-May 2010. Vacation weeks are 11/10, 11/24, 2/16, 3/9, 4/20. Graduation is May 19, 2010.

Registration deadline is August 31, 2009. Class size is limited to 12 students. All registrants must indicate attendance for either the morning or the afternoon sessions. NOTE: Students enrolled in either morning or afternoon classes are required to attend a student orientation on Wednesday, September 9 from 7:00-10:00 pm at the Greenwich Club.

Fee and payment information

The fee of $995 is due in full upon registration. This fee includes textbooks but does not include project materials. No refund will be given for cancellation unless the position in class can be filled. Because this is a non-credit certificate program, financial aid is not available. A $25 non-refundable registration fee is included in the course fee.

All seamstress classes meet at The Greenwich Club, 5426 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI. (See directions below).

Courses: September 9, 2009 – December 9, 2009

Personalized Fit: Learn how to compare your body measurements to a basic commercial pattern through the Minot Method. You will sew and fit a bodice, sleeve and skirt muslin. This concept will enable you to a better understanding of tissue fitting and the alteration process.

Pattern Making: Participants will learn the flat pattern method of pattern making with the use of half-size slopers. You will work with a bodice to move darts, add pleats or gathers; basic collars will be introduced along with sleeve variations. Simple styling of skirts from fitted to flared will be designed as well as many other design features.

Courses: January 5, 2009 – May 12, 2010

Classic Tailoring: Participants will construct a blazer using the classic method which includes both hand and machine stitching. Finishing techniques, including bound buttonholes, welt pockets, notched collar, vented sleeves, and hand-inserted linings will be discussed and demonstrated.

Specialty Fabrics: This class covers construction techniques on lace, silk, velvets, and sequins. Emphasis will be on bridal construction details and accessories.

Swimwear and Lingerie: Learn about the various types of patterns, fabrics, threads, elastics, trims and laces suitable for lingerie and swimwear. Students must complete one project in specialty fabric, swimwear or lingerie fabric.

Master Seamstress II Certificate Program/Classes 2009-2010

The Master Seamstress II Program is open to all students who wish to take 8-week, non-credit elective courses. Anyone may take a course(s) without working towards a certificate. In order to receive a certificate, participants must have completed the Master Seamstress I program and must complete any three of the non-credit courses listed below and all other assigned projects.

For registration or payment information please call Annie Tella 401-277-5050 or email atella@uri.edu.

Class size is limited to 12 students. Class fees are due in full upon registration and do not include project materials. No refund will be given for cancellation unless the position in class can be filled. Because this is a non-credit certificate program, financial aid is not available. A $25 non-refundable registration fee is included in the course fee.

All seamstress classes meet at The Greenwich Club, 5426 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI.

Overview of Classes

Fall 2009
Vintage	Mondays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
Intimate Apparel	Tuesdays 7:00-10:00 pm	$236
Couture Collections	Tuesdays 7:00-10pm	$236
Project Wardrobe	Thursdays 7-10pm	$236
Advanced Patternmaking	Fridays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
Contemporary Tailoring	Saturdays 10:00 am-1:00 pm	$236
Winter 2010
Wonderful Knits	Mondays 7:00-10:00 pm	$236
It’s a Wrap	Thursdays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
Pants Drafting	Fridays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
Spring 2010
Stained Glass	Mondays 7:00-10:00 pm	$236
Chanel Jacket	Wednesdays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
NEW!! Jeans	Thursdays 9:00 am-Noon	$236
Serger-The Basics and More	Thursday 7:00-10:00pm	$236
Form / Draping	Fridays 9-Noon	$236*
	* additional $150 fee for body form

Class descriptions and meeting dates

FALL 2009 OFFERINGS

Vintage ($236) Deborah Siravo

The vintage class will focus on conservation and conservation techniques. The students will create a “sampler” of stitches and discuss what types of objects each stitch is used for in a repair. Everyone should have about three different types of vintage objects of their own that need repair—garments and flat textiles. Mounting techniques for flat textiles will also be shown. One class will be a field trip to URI to look at the 20th century textiles and garments.
Monday 9:00-Noon (9/28—12/7) no class 10/12, 11/9, 11/23.

Intimate Apparel ($236) Loreen Robbins

Learn techniques used to create basic intimate apparel. Students will make a pair of panties, a knit camisole with built-in shelf bra and a basic bra. Kits with fabrics, elastics and findings will be available for purchase. Focus will be on techniques, fit can be addressed as class time and skill level allow.
Tuesday 7:00-10:00 pm (Once a month) 9/29, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13.

Couture Collections ($236) Diane Martin

Couture Collections is for special occasion designs. You will start with a form fitting corset foundation to build onto and end with an evening ensemble. Getting the “know-how” while selecting and working with fabulous fabrics, under linings and boning. The course will take you through 8 months of progression to perfection on each garment with added couture details.
Tuesday 7:00-10:00 pm (Once a month) 9/22, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19, 2/23, 3/16, 4/20.

Project Wardrobe ($236) Jane Headley

Design a wardrobe collection using what is already in your closet and combining it with your fabric stash. See what works by sketching croquis and taking digital photos. Sew the missing pieces that tie it all together for several outfits and embellish for a finishing touch.
Thursday 7:00-10:00 pm (9/24-11/19) no class 11/12.

Advanced Patternmaking ($236) Diane Martin

The units in this program are each concerned with designing with full size patterns. From the basic bodice pattern, students will create a sheath dress and continue onto princess designs. Students will progress to a blouse pattern and dartless designs, then learn how to make a jacket, and coat sloper including discussion on facings, collars, lapels, sleeve, and linings. Designs can be tried and true in fabric throughout the class time.
Friday 9:00 am-Noon (9/25-12/4) no class 10/9, 11/13, 11/27.

Contemporary Tailoring ($236) Mabel Wagner

Students will make a tailored jacket or coat using time saving methods and materials. The emphasis will be on fusible techniques for under linings, interfacings, and tapings. The linings will be sewn in by machine. Fabric for garment is not limited to woolens.

Saturday 10:00 am-1:00 pm (9/26-11/21) no class 10/10.

WINTER 2010 OFFERINGS

Wonderful Knits ($236) Heather Lee

Learn to create a versatile wardrobe using the latest knits. This course will cover how to choose quality fabrics and patterns selected for knits. Discover the techniques that will give professional results in a wardrobe designed around a few key pieces. Most work will be done on conventional sewing machines, although the use of sergers will be covered.
Monday 7:00-10:00 pm (1/11-3/8) no class 1/18.

It’s a Wrap ($236) Sheila Vargas

There are so many patterns for wraps, and they are nice because there isn’t a lot of fitting necessary. You will choose the ones you would like to make from the choice of patterns given. You will make three different articles of clothing, and depending upon the fabric chosen, they can be casual or dressy.

Thursday 9:00 am-Noon (1/7—3/4) no class 2/18.

Pants Drafting ($236) Diane Martin

With just a few measurements you will learn to draft a basic pants pattern for any ‘body’. You will also learn about pant fitting and draping plus create different pant style patterns and get tips on constructing a pair of pants.
Friday 9:00 am-Noon (1/8-3/5) no class 2/19.

SPRING 2010 OFFERINGS

Stained Glass ($236) Sheila Vargas

In this class, you will be making two matching stained glass panels. One panel will be made of glass, using the copper foil technique, while the matching panel will be made of fabric. Your fabric panel can then be incorporated into a vest, jacket, or quilt. Choosing your fabric and glass have more similarities than you would think. There’s color, texture, solids, and translucent.
Monday 7:00-10:00 pm (3/15-5/10) no class 4/19.

Chanel Jacket ($236) Jane Headley

The Chanel jacket is a classic that has endured the test of time. This class will begin by fitting a shoulder princess muslin with a 2-3 piece sleeve pattern. The jacket will be sewn in a boucle fabric using various couture techniques, embellishments and a weight chain will be added to complete your own “Little French Jacket”.
Wednesday 9-Noon (3/3-5/5) no class 3/31, 4/21.

NEW!!! Jeans ($236) Jennifer Stern

Create customized jeans using “J Stern Design” commercial patterns for misses & women’s sizes. Make a great fitting pair no matter what figure type you are. Learn the tricks of the trade to get professional results with topstitching, pocket styles, fly fronts, and waistbands. You will also get expert advice on embroidery details.
Thursday 9:00 am-Noon (3/11-5/13) no class 4/8, 4/22.

Serger-The Basics and More ($236) Nancy Hoell

This class will focus on basic and advanced stitch techniques used in garment construction. You will become knowledgeable about your own serger and appreciative of its usefulness in replicating many ready to wear clothes. You will have the opportunity to construct a minimum of two garments and create a stitch catalogue. Serger competence is not required. This class is ideal for a beginner. A 4 (or more) thread serger is required.
Thursday 7:00-10:00 pm (3/18-5/13) no class 4/22.

Form/Draping ($236)* Diane Martin

• Additional charge for Form Kit ($150) due at casting time payable directly to the class instructor.

Students will be body casted, and then your body mold will be filled with polyurethane foam. After just three classes, you will have an accurate form of your figure and posture. Draping techniques will be taught and practiced in class with muslin, as well as tissue fitting patterns to the finished form.
Friday 9-Noon (3/19-5/14) no class 4/16.

Directions to Greenwich Club:

From the South:

Take 95 North to exit 8A (Rt.2 Warwick/East Greenwich.) Stay on Rt. 2, go to the traffic light at the Showcase Cinema, take a left onto Division Street (Rt. 401), follow to second traffic light, take right onto Post Road/Rt. 1. The Greenwich Club, 5426 Post Road is on your left.

From the North:

Take 95 South to Exit 9 (Rt. 4 South). Take the first exit which will bring you to Rt. 401 (E. Greenwich/Division St.). At the end of the exit ramp facing straight, take a right turn onto Division Street. Continue to follow above directions once on Division Street.

• • • • • • • • •

The Greenwich Club is the location for the RI Sewing Network which is a group of sewing enthusiasts who meet six times a year and also plan a trip to NY’s garment/fabric district. Anyone interested in a membership to the network can contact Sheila Vargas 401-253-3388 for more information.