Artisan Sewing Classes Presents:
Basic Bodice Sloper 101
REGISTRATION HAS ENDED – LOOK FOR ANOTHER BODICE SLOPER CLASS IN THE FUTURE – please join mailing list on top right of this page to be notified of future class offerings.
Basic sewing skills are needed for this course.
Have you ever had a top that never quite fit you correctly? Have you ever had a problem trying to achieve a decent fit from a store bought pattern? Do you find your tops or shirts are either too long or too short for your body type? Is the bodice too tight through the bust or too roomy? Have you ever had a problem positioning bust darts?
There are a couple of ways to resolve these pesky situations – either by draping or by using your own measurements to make a sloper.
In this class, you will learn to draft a bodice sloper from your own measurements that will ensure a great fitting top through the bust and waist every time. Each day will start out with a lecture followed by hands on exercises designed to help you create a bodice sloper that FITS YOU.
People often ask what the difference is between a sloper and a pattern. The best explanation is that the sloper is a draft of a garment that fits with a minimum of wear ease and has no design ease at all – in other words, it should be like a second skin. The sloper also has no seam allowances and any design changes, design ease, wear ease and seam allowances are added to the sloper in order to create the pattern.
Day 1 – Creating a Bodice Sloper
In this lecture portion of this class, you will learn about drafting tools, the best way to take your measurements and the formulas involved in producing your sloper. It is difficult to take measurements on yourself, so after the lecture, you will practice this skill on each other. Not only is this a great way to get accurate measurements for yourself, you will also become aware of specific fit issues that can be addressed at this time. Please wear a leotard or close fitting clothing for the class.
During the second half of day 1, using your own measurements, you will create a muslin to fit yourself using the drafting tools of the trade. (Muslin also refers to the type of inexpensive fabric used to make the mock-up for your fitting session). Supply your own tools (a list will be provided upon registration) or purchase them on site.
Day 2– Perfecting Your Bodice Sloper
The second day of this class will be spent perfecting your bodice sloper so that you can then use it to make design changes. In this part of the class, you learn how to make simple design changes from your sloper in order to add the hip area. We will address questions such as wear ease, length and proportion, yokes and dart placement discuss how to make a pattern from the sloper. Remember, the pattern must not only include the bodice pieces, but also any facing, lining, interfacing and miscellaneous pieces as well. We will also examine how to fit store bought patterns based on the lessons learned during the process of building your bodice sloper. At the end of day two, we will go over the measurements and formula for making sleeves.
Optional Day 3 – Perfecting and Practicing – optional additional third morning
During this extra session, you will learn more about how you can change the sloper to create different designs, perfect the fit of your sloper or, if desired, you may bring fabric from your stash and work on a completing a garment or talk about the suitability of your fabric for your garment.
Date: (Winter class is full – please join mailing list on top right of this page to be notified of future class offerings)
Time and Class fee:
Two full days – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM – $550.00
if signing up for the optional additional third morning:
add $90.00 for a total of $645.00
REGISTRATION HAS ENDED
Location: Studios of Catrina Fashions, LLC
5995 Lee Highway, Troutville, VA 24175
For more information about the class and how to register, please contact:
Genevieve Journell at:
Catrina Fashions, LLC
P. O. Box 35
Troutville, VA 24175
Call: 540-992-2127
About Your Instructor:
View Genevieve’s bio and philosophy on the About Page. If you would like to continue with design work or additional pattern work on a one-on-one basis, Genevieve is available for private sewing classes/coaching.
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. Please note that payment must be received before registration is confirmed.
Class Fee Policy:
Class requires a payment via check or credit card through Paypal at time of registration. If you wish to pay by check, please call 540-992-2127 and I will email you the registration form and class invoice. 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 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.
