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SCHOOL OF FASHION DESIGN ANNOUNCES FALL SLATE OF WORKSHOPS FOR MAKERS, STITCHERS AND CRAFTERS
BOSTON – (October 3, 2024) – The School of Fashion Design (SFD) has announced its fall slate of workshops designed for fashion and textile enthusiasts eager to learn new skills, create wearable items, or add new life to wardrobe pieces either newly thrifted or lingering in the back of a closet. The workshops range from one day to three weeks, and run thru Nov. 21.
This fall’s selection of workshops marks the School’s second set of fashion and textile programs for students outside the professional Certificate track. SFD Executive Director Jim Hannon says the institution is eager to open its studio classrooms to the broader public. A pilot program last year, he says, was met with great interest.
While the workshops are separate from SFD’s professional Certificate program, they provide access to the same level of expert training to DIY sewists and introduce the school and its instructors to other potential students.
“The opportunity to offer fashion enthusiasts access to the technical expertise of our SFD faculty and teaching partners is one to celebrate” Hannon says. “Doing short workshops in specific creative techniques allows us to open our spaces to a wider community in a fresh and exciting new way.” The School, which is celebrating its 90th year, is planning other new ways to engage professionals and hobbyists alike, he says.
The series began earlier this week with embroidery and weaving classes. Upcoming workshops include everything from making a felt fedora hat, holiday fascinator, or decorative fabric flowers, to weaving, visible mending, fabric upcycling, and fashion illustration. Prerequisite experience ranges from complete beginner to some familiarity with sewing machine operation. Class prices range from $20 to $350. All in-person classes take place at the School of Fashion Design, 31 St. James Avenue in Boston.
A full list of the upcoming workshops is below; click here to browse all workshops.
FALL 2024 FASHION WORKSHOPS at SFD
Oct 16, 7-9p – Ask a Textiles Expert (live online course)
This Zoom-based beginner class teaches the ins and outs of fabrics, from fibers and weaves to care tips, in this. Perfect for anyone curious about textiles or wardrobe care.
Oct 19, 1-5p – Couture Flowers: Fabric Flowers to Wear All Year
Participants create lifelike flowers from fabric and ribbon through hands-on practice and detailed instruction. Perfect for accessorizing garments and gifts. Basic hand and machine sewing skills needed.
Oct 25, 9a-12n – Creative Visible Mending
In this in-person beginner level class, participants learn creative patching and darning techniques to mend clothing sustainably. Supplies provided, with the option to bring personal items to mend.
Oct 26, 9a-3:30p – Improvisational Upcycling: From Scraps to Yardage
Fabric scraps get turned into new yardage for garments. Sustainability and creativity are taught along with fiber art techniques. Proficiency with a sewing machine required.
Oct 26 & 27, 10a-1p – Fall Felt Fedora for You!
Learners create a wool felt Fedora, trilby, or bowler in this two-day workshop. Blocking, shaping, and trimming techniques are taught. Hand-sewing skills needed.
Nov 1, 6-9p – Create a Holiday Headpiece
Learners create a festive fascinator using millinery supplies such as feathers and flowers, and perfect for holiday parties or special events. Hand-sewing skills are helpful but not required.
Nov 2, 10a-4:30p – Beading & Embroidery
Personalize clothing with embroidery and beading techniques. Students bring their own clothing to embellish; materials are provided by the school. Basic hand-sewing skills needed.
Nov 7, 14 & 21, 6-9p – Fashion Illustration Techniques
Participants will develop fashion illustration skills using pastel portraits, deconstructed marker drawings, and bold brush strokes. Open to all levels, no previous experience.
ABOUT SFD
Celebrating 90 years of excellence in fashion education, The School of Fashion Design (SFD) was established in 1934 and is the only educational institution in New England dedicated exclusively to the study of fashion. SFD is a fully licensed fashion studio school offering a professional Certificate in Fashion Design; it provides students a solid foundation in both apparel design and construction. Expert faculty bring professional industry experience to its studio classrooms, providing students with a unique hands-on environment to prepare for fashion careers.