Holyoke Community College

In the first class I will show you a few patterns. I will show you how to take good measurements and how to read the views and fabric amounts you will need to make your desired garment. First find a simple pattern- they have patterns marked easy or beginner. I want you to have a good experience and not be frustrated with a complicated garment on your early attempts at making clothing. Then measurements can be frustrating and you might think. "that's not my size!" Get the pattern that includes your largest measurements. DON'T be scared off by large sounding sizes. You want to make something that fits you! I recommend woven cotton or cotton blend fabric and wash the fabric before you come to class, you don't want to make a garment and then wash it to find it shrinks. Knit fabrics are nice but not good for a beginner sewer. Satin and rayon are lovely but have some challenges to work with. Raw silk is very nice but tends to be expensive and may make the beginner sewer nervous. Polar fleece is relatively easy to work with although quite thick.