Basics of Garment Construction (Beginner II & III) - September 30th - November 18th, 2026

This is an 8-week in-person introductory class into garment construction. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:15pm-8:15pm, from September 30th - November 19th, 2026 in our sewing area at Community with a maximum class size of 6 students.

The first week’s class will run from 6:15 - 7:15 pm (only 1 hour) to review the pattern, take measurements, choose sizes, and talk about fabric selection.

The price of the class includes the cost of the digital pattern, students will be expected to print out the pattern at home (or at Beljean). You will receive instructions for how to do that by the teacher. 

Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills are required for this course. Students need to have an understanding of their machine and its settings. If you have never used a sewing machine, please take our Beginners Sewing Course before signing up for this class.

Basics of Garment Construction will teach you how to...

• use a commercial sewing pattern, including choosing a size, making alterations to the pattern, and learning what all the pattern markings mean,
• choose the right fabric for your garment, and
• assemble a garment with darts, add pockets (on some versions), complete different seam finishes like French seams, and learn how to use bias tape or facings to finish necklines.

In this class, students will make the Cielo Dress or Top (or both if you finish early!) from Closet Core Patterns. This easy take on a boxy tee and shift dress is highly customizable with different sleeve options like a dramatic lantern or a short, cuffed sleeve.

Supplies are not included. **You are responsible for bringing your own sewing machine and supplies.** You will receive a supply list from the instructor at least five days before the course begins.

The instructor, Nissa McKinney, began her sewing journey more than ten years ago at a beginner’s class at Community. That class gave her the foundation she needed to start sewing more advanced projects. Today, a large percentage of her wardrobe is handmade - from jeans and t-shirts to coats and dresses. Sewing has become her superpower! When not sewing, she works s a writer for a kids' science journal, provides shuttle service for her two kids, and squeezes in a dance class or two at Dancefx.

This is an eight week course and includes the following dates:

Wednesday, September 30th, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Wednesday, October 7th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, October 14th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, October 21st, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, October 28th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, November 4th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, November 11th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

Wednesday, November 18th, 6:15pm-8:15pm

For Ages 18+

Please provide an email AND phone number at checkout.

For cancellations, you will receive a 75% refund until seven days before the beginning of the course. Cancellation seven days or less before the course results in a refund of 25% of the workshop cost.  No refunds will be issued on the day the course begins or after the course has begun.