Artisan Sewing Classes…

Passing on the Art of Sewing

Like many people who start sewing, I was taught by a relative.  In my case, my mother was a home economics teacher, so I learned to sew when I was quite young.  I made my own clothes from the time I was in junior high school and, after graduating from college with a business degree, I thought I was headed for the corporate world.  Ten years later, I was self-employed with a custom bridal design business called Catrina Fashions and found myself with a need to strengthen my sewing skills.

In 1993, unless you lived in a large metropolitan area, it was hard to find a sewing school with a variety of classes for increasing one’s expertise.  So, over the years, I have had to travel to take continuing education classes – at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and The Lesage School in Paris and with private teachers such as Susan Khalje and Sarah Veblen, who teach specialized sewing techniques. As a member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals since 1998, I have taken courses at several national conventions and it was my privilege to serve as the National President of the Association from 2002-2004.

My ability to take these classes increased the level of service I was able to provide my customer. In addition, I realized that many of these skills used to be passed down from generation to generation. Practices that were once taught in the secondary schools have become somewhat of a lost art and must now be acquired privately. It is my desire to provide sewing classes in order to bring this knowledge to those who want to learn more advanced sewing techniques, perfect their sewing skills and become more confident in their sewing ability.

Registration:

Early registration is encouraged to secure space in class as well as ensure minimum registration. Class minimums and maximums vary – if the minimum for a class is not met 14 days before the class start date, the class must be cancelled. If the class fills, a waiting list will be established. Please wait for class confirmation before making travel plans other than booking a hotel room. Intent to register may be made by calling (540) 992-2127.  Register by check or by credit card via Paypal button.  Please note that payment or deposit must be received before registration is confirmed.  See each class page for registration details pertinent to that specific class.

Class Fee Policy:

Class requires a payment via check or credit card at time of registration.  If you would like to pay by check, please call 540-992-2127 and the registration form and class invoice will be emailed to you.  There is a $35.00 fee for returned check.  Materials and kit fees, where applicable, are made payable on the day of class.

Cancellation/Transfer Policy:

A 5% transaction fee applies to all class cancellations and transfers.  No refunds for missed classes.  To receive a refund (less the 5% transaction fee) for a cancelled registration, notification by the student must be given 14 days prior to the class start date.  If cancellation occurs within the 14 days prior to the class, the amount paid will be applied toward a future class.  In the event Catrina Fashions, LLC must cancel a class, the student may choose to have a full refund by check or applied to a future class. Catrina Fashions, LLC’s liability for refunds shall be limited to the amount of the portion of the registration fee paid by the student.

Release policy:

The student acknowledges the company may publish their name and photographs, and/or videos taken of their likeness, for use the the company’s print, online and video-based marketing materials, as well as other company publications.  The company is released and held harmless from any reasonable expectation of privacy or confidentiality associated with the images specified above.  The student further acknowledges that class participation is voluntary and that same will not receive financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of these likenesses or participation in company marketing materials or other company publications and acknowledges and agrees that publication of said likeness confers no rights of ownership or royalties whatsoever.  The student hereby releases the company, its contractors, its employees, and any third parties involved in the creation or publication of marketing materials, from liability for any claims by same or any third party in connection with class participation.