Hands-On Workshops And Classes—2008 Schedule
Class Schedule is Subject to Change.
I had a big fear of jackets when I came into Christine's class. Not only did I learn how to construct a tailored jacket, with Christine's help I conquered the dreaded set-in sleeve, learned more than a few tricks of the trade and went home with my best sewing project in years. I then promptly constructed another jacket on my own in just a few days, and it came out wonderfully as well. The skills I learned have opened a whole new segment of wardrobe sewing for me! I loved the personal attention of the small class, and Christine's patience with students. I'll definitely take more classes from Christine.—Ann
Class Format
Open Sewing Classes—Any Christine Jonson Pattern
- All Day (8 hours)—Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bring a lunch.
- Class size limited to three students
- If you have 1 or 2 sewing friends and want to schedule a special class, call the studio to reserve a date with Christine.
- Open Sewing Classes are $110.00 – See Class Schedule for 2008 Calendar
- Open Session – Choose any of the 23 CJ patterns and spend all day in the sewing studio. Or use this scheduled time to continue on your current CJ project.
- Jackets & Coats – Learn a variety of sewing and fitting techniques while constructing one of seven jacket patterns. Patterns include—115, 122, 311, 505, 519, 723, 905
- Tops and Dresses – Everything from a simple tee to a bias ruffle top can be covered in this class. Learn how to choose the best fabric based on stretch and ease. Patterns include: 212, 419, 426, 526, 917, 930, 1010, 1025, 1219, 1117
- Bottoms – Learn new, effective ways of choosing and fitting the perfect pant or skirt pattern. Patterns include: 330, 419, 621, 622, 824, 945, 1010, 1025, 1219
Join Christine at her studio and learn to work with stretch knits and woven fabrics for all her famous patterns in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Choose from hundreds of in-studio fabrics for your projects. Classes are limited to three students to allow time for the personalized attention you need. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sewer, Christine will share “her way” for completing your project. Kids are welcome to join in the classes.
See below for pattern descriptions and to download the registration form. You can also call or email to have a complete class package sent to you. If you will be attending class from out-of-town, call us to help you arrange for local accommodations.
Open Session Sewing Classes will be held at Christine’s Studio located at 86 East Ten Mile Road in Hazel Park, MI 48030, between John R and Dequindre. Call for a map and directions.
Please bring your machines in good working order and ready to use! If you need help with your sewing machine or serger please spend a little time before class to check it out or call ahead to schedule a time for me to look at it. We don’t want to spend too much time figuring out or fixing machines at class time. I will be happy to help with proper tension, needles and thread during class.
The studio is equipped with irons, two Industrial Brother sergers (one 3-thread and one 4-thread), one Brother Home 4-thread serger, two Pfaff 1222 Sewing Machines with walking feet and two 9' x 5' cutting and work tables. All are available for use.
We have great lighting, large mirrors, and a dressing area. We also have available the “Try On Trunk Show”. This consists of all the patterns made up in various sizes in the Cotton/LYCRA and/or other fabrications. We use these samples extensively during the classes to try on, look at and talk about.
We have a small kitchen on site with a coffee maker and tea, a microwave and refrigerator, dishes and cutlery, and a small selection of kitchen supplies. You are welcome to bring a meal and use the facilities. Call if you are coming in from out-of-town and need information on accommodations.
Location
Christine Jonson Studio
86 East 10 Mile Road
Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 547-1080
Map[top]
Registration
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Your registration should be received no later than one (1) week before the start of class. If a class is cancelled, students will be given the option of a refund or substitution in a different class. Please mark your calendar with the date(s) of your class. You will NOT receive additional reminders before class starts.
Download registration form (Adobe Acrobat PDF, 88K)
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Class Information
Bring your equipment to class (serger, sewing machine), a notebook and pencil, tape measure and scissors. We will decide who needs to use the studio equipment.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up your station and prepare for class. All CJ patterns, fabrics and notions are available for sale. The studio is full of sewing notions, threads, shoulder pads, interfacing, snaps, buttons, books and inspirational materials. There are many fabrics to choose from for your sewing project and remnant cuts of great fabrics from past collections. Fabric for project(s) must be purchased at the studio. You will receive a 10% discount on all fabrics purchased during your class and great prices on notions.
Private consultative instruction is available. Please call for additional information.
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Below this line still needs review for possible changes. We refer to pattern descriptions above--that may need to come out.
Dates to come from Christine, per Nancy.
Tops
Wednesdays
All Day
April 5
May 3
June 7
July 19
August 16
September 27
October 25Bottoms
Wednesdays
All Day
April 12
May 10
June 14
July 26
August 23
October 4
November 1Jackets & Coats
Wednesdays
All Day
April 19
May 17
June 28
August 2
September 13
October 11
November 8Open Session
Wednesdays
All Day
April 26
May 24
July 12
August 9
September 20
October 18
November 15Sign Up Now! Classes are filling quickly!
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Skill Level
My patterns are not difficult to sew. I will be instructing the classes and be there to help, so have no fear – you are here to learn. Fabric choice is what makes some of the garments more difficult to sew and I can help you with your choices. Don't be afraid to take a class if you think you are not experienced enough, this is why the word EASY is in all the descriptions! Even if you are an experienced sewer, come to class and spend some quality time sewing! My garments do not have zippers, linings, difficult fitting issues, or hand sewing. They are all about Easy Fit and Easy Sewing.
Super Easy – No prior sewing experience necessary.
Really Easy – Machine and sewing experience helpful but not necessary.
Easy – Fitting and sewing experience helpful but not necessary.
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Jackets, Tops & Bottoms
J-115 Inset Jacket
The Inset Jacket is a creative opportunity waiting for you. Choose from a variety of fabrics or think about embellishments. This beautiful and sophisticated design offers a different personality in each of the fabrics it is made in. From soft and light in linen, to elegant in silk/rayon velvet to fun in a challis print. Choosing the right weight and drape is the first step to its success. Learn how to bind the edges for sheer fabrics and how to turn those perfect 90-degree corners for the insets. The fit is simple to you can spend your creative time being creative instead of doing pattern alterations! [top]
J-122 Easy Coat
There are lots of creative choices with this pattern. It can be made with a variety of fabrics, from wool to linen to leather and more. It can be lined or unlined, long or short, belted with or without buttons. The excellent fit and simple, sophisticated lines of this coat make it fun to be creative and design it for your self without worrying about difficult construction and fitting problems. Use a great selvedge for the hems and collar or add seams and pockets to make it your own. Enjoy serging your new coat no matter what fabric choice and take the fear out of coatmaking. [top]
T-212 Wrap Top
The Wrap Top is a wonderful “dressed up” alternative to a jacket. Paired with the Cuff Pant (#945) it makes a wonderful suit. With only two pattern pieces and ties this top sews up quickly. Learn to miter corners and master easy double-needle topstitching. This pattern is also the beginning of a wonderful wrap dress pattern we can explore during class. Fabrics with some stretch are best. [top]
J-311 Boyfriend Jacket
The Boyfriend Jacket pattern is terrific to learn a number of sizing and production techniques. Beginning with the pattern measurements chart and the body measurements chart, keeping in mind it is an oversized, straight from the bust line jacket, we will determine how much ease is needed for the fit and look we want, then choose the size to cut. We will discuss which of the many fabrics (stretch and non-stretch wovens) that are suitable for this jacket and how to alter the design for a wonderful coat. Exclusive to this jacket is the technique for a shawl collar application. It’s easy to serge those 90° corners perfectly once you know the “trick”! The proper proportion is essential to the success of this jacket. We will spend a little extra time with the “Try On Trunk Show” to show just how important length is. Bust darts in the larger sizes improve the fit and eliminate bust line draping. You will begin an understanding of the basic stretch fabric production techniques such as pressing, pinning/ topstitching, and turning corners. [top]
B-330 Slit Skirt/Pencil Skirt
The Slit Skirt and Pencil Skirt are two terrific skirt patterns to fill your needs while learning new techniques. After determining style, length, and size according to the measurements chart and the desired effect, you will learn what “negative ease” means when using LYCRA® blend fabrics and how to determine proper fit. Use negative ease to eliminate elastic and learn an exciting way to “never mark” and sew darts again! Also, see how curves are used with negative and positive ease at the hips and center back to give either just the right amount of extra fullness or to shape in at the small of the back. See a quick and easy way to finish a back slit that gives a little detail to a simple technique. These patterns need 100% stretch fabrics. [top]
B-419 Swirl Skirt
The Swirl Skirt is a simple pull on straight skirt with an elastic waist and wonderful wide bias hem flounce that drapes longer on the sides. It is an easy skirt to sew that you can't help but twirl in once you have it on! Sized for petite to 5'5" and 5'5" and taller, these pattern adjustments maintain the proper length proportions between the waist and flounce and then between flounce to hem. My fabric of choice for this skirt is rayon/LYCRA® jersey knit or matte jersey, but it is also appropriate for softly woven fabrics with drape. We will discuss sizing choices based on fabric and choose one that is perfect for you! [top]
T-419 Ruffle Top
The Ruffle Top is a very feminine and easy to wear pullover top with a bias ruffle and bell sleeves. It can also be made sleeveless and without the ruffle. This top is shapely but not tight and is the perfect compliment to the Swirl Skirt. Again, my fabric choice is the rayon/LYCRA® jersey but it can also be made in other two-way stretch fabrics. This pattern can also be used in other ways that we will discuss in class. Bring a rotary cutter with a sharp blade to give a perfect edge to the ruffle (I will have one to use if needed). don't let the wrap scare you… bustline adjustments are easy. [top]
T-426 Shirred Top
Ease of construction did not come easy after designing this beautiful top. Sample after sample, idea after idea, and change after change, we finally found the perfect construction techniques. This top is as beautiful inside as out and is fun to make. You will learn to construct an easy and old-fashioned bateau neckline that fits perfectly. The shirring is encased inside the self-lining beautifully and is interesting to sew. Always something new to learn! Once you have finished sewing the top, turn it right side out and you will be thrilled at the results! A guiding hand is appreciated while constructing this top. [top]
T-426 Princess Wrap
Is it easier to sew or more flattering to wear? That is what you will be asking yourself after you have made a dozen of these tops! This pullover, wrap top "wraps" high on the bustline and flatters the waistline with gathers and shaping. Choosing size based on fabric characteristics and pattern ease is just one thing you will learn when sewing this fun pattern! It offers a great-shaped cap sleeve or a long sleeve to cut at any length. [top]
J-505 Swing Shirt
The Swing Shirt is a fingertip length jacket with asymmetrical sides and a full swing back. From the front the look is clean and straight, then turn sideways to see the dramatic drape of the fabric. Suitable for many fabrics this jacket is wonderful on a variety of shapes, heights and sizes. Learn the simple way to attach a collar and facings. No more clipping lapel corners. We will spend time pairing this jacket with different bottoms and learning the importance of length and proportion. [top]
J-519 Swing Jacket
The Swing Jacket pattern is sophisticated and easy to wear. Unlike most swing jackets, its fullness begins below the waistline so it does not overpower your figure. A natural shoulder line and just enough ease at the bust make this jacket a perfect fit. Inseam pockets and a self-faced shawl collar are this jackets’ claim to fame, and its 4 pattern pieces go together in a snap! The “Try On Trunk Show” for this design includes cotton/LYCRA®, slinky, Rayon/LYCRA® and Polar Fleece! We will discuss what looks best with this jacket and why. You will gain a true appreciation for working with Cotton/LYCRA® when you press up this circle hem for topstitching and it shrinks in perfectly! [top]
T-526 Wrap Dress
This pattern takes us back and moves us forward at the same time. Diane von Furstenburg did it first with her wrap dress, which sold 5 million dresses. What an inspiration! My version of the wrap dress offers the same flattering lines, great fit and simple construction for you to make in class or at home. Offering both a sleeveless and long sleeve version with a great flounce cuff, you will learn to skip the hassle of fitting/topstitching across a wrap neckline by choosing fabric that can be used as a self-lining for a perfect crossover fit. In class we can also add a collar that mimics the DVF dress to a T! We will choose the perfect fabric, whether long or short together. [top]
B-621 Straight Leg Pant
The Straight Leg Pant is an easy fit with no elastic to keep them up! Using negative ease and 100% stretch fabrics this will be the most comfortable pant you ever wear! The self-faced and darted waistline will teach you to turn darts into seams and machine tack the facings. This pant can be made with stretch woven fabrics by increasing size and adding a side or back zipper. Add the illusion of slimness and length to your legs with this excellent shaped pant pattern. [top]
B-622 BaseWear One
The BaseWear One pattern offers wonderful workout options. Learn to apply elastic with the serger and achieve the right tension for these super stretchy pieces. The one-piece bodysuit is simply amazing to wear and a great piece to make while learning about negative ease, fit and tension. 100% stretch cotton/LYCRA knit is the perfect choice for these separates. [top]
J-723 Straight Shirt
The Straight Shirt/Jacket pattern class will teach more about design than sewing and technique. Its simplicity allows many fabric and design options. We will spend extra time looking at and trying on samples in different fabrications to show proportion and balance in relation to fit and design. We will look at various ways to slash and add seams, pleats, drawstrings and tucks. Using this pattern as our base, we will change the design, alter the tissue and sew it up! Learn to look at a simple pattern and see its possibilities. We will also cover adding and reshaping facings for design detail. What is it about this design that is so flattering and appealing? Let’s explore that question together in this very creative class! This pattern is suitable for all kinds of fabrics. [top]
B-824 Taper Pant/Wide Leg Pant
The Taper Pant or Wide Leg Pant. We will determine which style best suits your needs and body type, then measure and discuss sizing according to the measurements charts. Learn quick and effective pattern alterations based on your measurements and style/fit desires. Lay out, chalk, and cut the pattern pieces… no pins! We will explore fit using different sizes of the same pattern to achieve various looks as well as using stretch and non-stretch fabrics. Learn the easy way to attach elastic without a casing. [top]
J-905 Fitted Jacket
The Fitted Jacket pattern is shaped but NOT tight! A shapely waistline courtesy of a darted front and curved side back give the illusion. After determining size according to measurements charts, length is a design option for this jacket. We will discuss the design, proportion (length) and fit as they relate to this style, keeping in mind these design components; notch collar, twopiece sleeve, darted three-button front. This jacket will show how stretch fabrics can be manipulated into “tailored looking” garments with ease! You will also learn hands on how to press/ shrink and turn a beautiful collar corner and notched lapel. This pattern is suitable for stretch and non-stretch fabrics. [top]
T-917 Three Tees
The Three Tees pattern is a wonderful designing pattern. Once we choose the proper size for the chosen fabric we can use the pattern as is or add design lines, pleats, drawstrings and anything that comes to mind! With the many variations that this pattern offers it is sure to become a favorite design tool. [top]
T-930 A Line Dress
The A Line Dress is a simple shape with a lot of style. With or without the asymmetrical slash this dress is perfect to wear just about anywhere. There is a sleeve pattern and a wonderful little front tie “wrap” that can be added to the dress exclusive in the class. Use the slash as a creative opportunity to add another fabric or embellishment. Many fabrics can be used including wovens, georgettes and of course knits of all kinds. [top]
B-945 Cuff Pant
The Cuff Pant pattern can be made with or without the cuff and is a no side seam pant. Learn to do side dart pockets, flat pleats that don’t pull, and a banded waistband that’s perfect! Look forward to no more “smiling or frowning” front and back crotch seams. Try on sizing samples to get a before hand look. This pattern needs 100% stretch knit fabrics. This is a wonderful dress trouser that is comfortable. [top]
T-1010 Keyhole Top
Have you ever look at ready-to-wear garments and wonder, "How did they sew that"? The construction of this top falls into that category. This pattern offers three versions: the sleeveless/reversible version, the long sleeve self-lined and the cap sleeve version. The sleeveless/reversible version is sewn completely on the machine using a great "new" technique and no topstitching tension to fight with! The armholes, neckline and hem are all finished beautifully. Wear the neckline open to expose the "other" side or tack closed for the keyhole effect. Gentle shaping at the waist and a flattering neckline make this a must-sew-top!
B-1010 Flare Leg Pant
This pant offers a flat front, shaped waistline and darted back with a zipper. It sits just below the belly button and has very little extra ease in the rise and across the top of the thigh. The leg fits comfortably down the thigh then tapers just above the knee before it flares gracefully to the hem. The trick to making this pant work for you is in the numbers. In class we will go over the tissue pattern measurements, body measurements and fabrics characteristics to fit a muslin and make the perfect pant with little trouble!
B-1010 Trouser Pant
Think of a trouser in a new way. Gone is that interfaced waistband (yuk!) and extra fabric when you sit down. This pant offers the sleek movement of a trouser paired with exactly enough ease to feel comfortable without wearing an extra yard of fabric. Do you know what I mean? Similar in construction to the Flare Leg pant this pant rises a bit higher, has a bit more ease in the thigh, and then falls into a beautiful full leg. We can choose the perfect fabric for these pants together and made a quick muslin before cutting into it!
B-1025 BaseWear Two
A great variety of well shaped basics with an edge. The patterns are simple and the fit is easy but the design options are endless and there are lots of easy construction techniques to pickup. Flounces, ruching, turtlenecks, negative ease, length and proportion to name a few. These patterns can be the base for all the jackets in the collection and can be made with stretch and non-stretch fabrics. The tee has wonderful waist shaping and a close armhole and shoulder line that gives shape but is not tight fitting even in the larger sizes. Even though the Straight Skirt only has one pattern piece the fit is incredible. Just the right amount of ease at the elastic waist and a perfectly shaped hip curve makes this skirt a new favorite. I often hear from sewers “How did I sew before this pattern!” [top]
T-1219 Belle Sleeve Wrap
The Belle Sleeve Wrap top can be made sleeveless or with sleeves. It is doubled and sewn like a pillowcase which also means it can be reversible. Learn the neat tricks in sewing this "pillowcase" top and use them in your other sewing. The beautiful finished edges give this "no topstitching" garment a very smart look. This pattern is best using a knit fabric with some LYCRA® content and a soft drape. [top]
B-1219 A-Line Skirt
The A-Line Skirt is the perfect everyday pull-on skirt. It has no side seams, very little extra ease at the waistline, and not too full at the hem. It is a great companion to the Belle Sleeve Wrap and most of the other tops in the collection. A wide variety of wovens or knit fabrics can be used for this pattern. Pattern alterations for woven fabrics are simple and this pattern can be used with suede and leather as well. [top]