Specialty Masterclasses
At Sewing Solutions, we recognize the challenges sewists face when searching for reputable and accessible higher education sewing classes. As experts in the bridal alterations and custom dressmaking, we're excited to roll out master classes for these topics NOW.
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Due to their commitment to accessibility, all master classes are held live via zoom. They are split into manageable time blocks, capped enrollment, and interactive question and answer support.
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Be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out when a Masterclass is available!
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As a thank you to our Founding Members, they will receive 25% off their first 5 Masterclasses.
Bustle Masterclass
Join the waitlist to be notified when the next class is held!
When
TBD
Where
Everywhere!
Live on Zoom
How Much
$275
4hr class!
This masterclass is an amazing opportunity for both new and seasoned bridal alteration specialists. We will cover 6 types of bustles and common combinations, the wide variety of bustle hardware/attachments and how to transition your hem into your bustle. This masterclass provides much more information than simply copying the main 3 bustle styles. Students who complete this course will have a full understanding of how to analyze any train and effectively design a bustle that is both aesthetically beautiful and functional.
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This is the most comprehensive course for bustles available!
Meet Your Instructors
All of our Masterclasses are taught by the Co-founders of Sewing Solutions, Aga Pogorecka and Katie Apodaca. Together, they have a combined 30+ years in the professional bridal sewing industry.
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Their learning backgrounds are on the opposite end of the spectrum, thereby providing students the most comprehensive information available. Aga earned a Bachelor's degree from Columbia College Chicago in Fashion Design. Katie earned her BA in Business and Marketing, and worked for several years as an apprentice in various bridal ateliers and for an elite PNW couture designer. Together, they provide their Masterclass students with the best of both worlds and full array of knowledge.
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They both own individual bridal alteration companies, in the areas surrounding Chicago and Seattle. Each co-founder is immensely passionate about sewing and passing it down for generations.
Upcoming Masterclasses
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Adding structure to a gowns
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It's very common for bridal gowns to need extra support and structure. Whether the gown was simply not manufactured with enough structure, or a clients proportions necessitate additional support. Topics covered in this master class include in depth discussions of underwire and all boning varieties and their properties. When to use which boning and specifically where and why to place it. Students who complete this master class will leave with a full understanding of how to support their clients' proportions through additional structure and dressmaking techniques.
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Altering for petite/curvy proportions
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In this master class we will deep dive into how different proportions affect fit. We will be specifically analyzing common alterations that must occur in order to properly fit a curvy and/ or petite figure. We will also be discussing how petite and curvy proportions relate to one another.
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Common alterations for formal gowns
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Most bridal sewists start out by altering bridesmaids, moms, prom dresses and other formal wear. It's often intimidating to take the leap into formal alterations. Formal wear is often thought as a stepping stone to bridal alterations, but it actually has it's own set of unique properties that we will be deep diving into during this class. This masterclass will teach you all of the basic alterations for formal wear gowns such as taking in a bodice, adjusting straps, adding bra cups, and various hem applications. We will also cover common pain points that formal wear sewists experience. Students who complete this course will have the knowledge on how to work with heavily beaded fabrics, sequin fabrics, jersey, and slippery materials.
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Reshaping princess seams
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Students who complete this masterclass will develop an understanding of how to utilize princess seams, shaping, and structure in order to optimize a variety of bust shapes. We will also cover common errors to avoid when dealing with princess seams, and provide troubleshooting techniques for common difficulties when reshaping the bust.
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And more!