Connie Crawford
Connie Crawford is a licensed designer for Butterick Patterns, member of the Sewing Hall of Fame and owner of Fashion Patterns by Coni that feature true-to-body fit for mature and plus size women from sizes X-Small to 6X. She is author of several DVD’s, sewing and pattern textbooks, including A Guide to Fashion Sewing, The Art of Fashion Draping and Patternmaking Made Easy. Connie has been a production patternmaking/designer in the Los Angeles fashion industry for 35 years and taught at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising for 23 years. When Connie’s not teaching, meet her at her booth where you will find her patterns available during the show. Who knows? You might even meet another sewing celebrity, Rosebud at her booth! www.fashionpatterns.com
We are privileged to be able to offer these fabulous fitting sessions by this celebrated expert and special 1st time guest!
Fitting the ‘Girls’ (22) All Levels
It’s about draping your personal fit for an A/B cup, C/D/DD cup, DDD/F/G cup or H/I cup. Using your personal measurements and cup sizes, learn the art of fitting a pattern for various cup sizes. Connie will demonstrate the different drapes needed to make the various cup sizes (A/B, C/D/DD, DDD/F/G or H/I cups) and armholes to create a perfect custom blouse. Using finished sewn shells, Connie will fit each attendee for their personal fit. Plus, see how to use this custom blouse pattern to style any blouse, shirt, dress, jacket or vest.
3 Hour Fitting Workshop
Styling Made Easy: Draping & Patternmaking (75) All Levels
Drawing from her 35 years in the fashion industry, Connie will teach you how to draft and make your own princess seams, favourite collars, custom necklines with ruffles and flounces, yokes, sleeves and other fashion details that are popular today. She will illustrate fitting out the gaposis of a neckline and how to match the collar to your necklines. Using 1/3 scale patterns, you will also try a few of these design elements. Bring: Paper scissors, scotch tape, plastic ruler (18” x 2” or 2” gridded ruler) & stapler.
3 Hour Session with some hands-on
Sew Like A Pro (75) All Levels
Learn fashion industry sewing techniques and shortcuts that will make your sewing more professional, efficient and enjoyable. Connie will demonstrate efficient cutting techniques, notching concepts, pin basting, using a gathering foot, crimping vs. ease stitching, bias treatments, spaghetti variations, placket and zipper techniques and fashion industry tailoring techniques. This information-packed lecture will relieve your fears of the more complicated fashion details. Bring: Paper scissors, scotch tape, plastic ruler (18” x 2” or 2” gridded ruler), stapler & straight pin to try out some of these fabulous techniques.
3 Hour Session with some hands-on
Creating & Fitting Princess Seams & Strapless Gowns (75) All Levels
Connie will teach you how to draft, drape and fit your favorite princess seam blouse, dress or jacket. Using a princess seamed blouse, she will demonstrate how to contour and shape the front and back princess seams to adjust the bust cup, the waistline fit and the hip proportions. Connie will also demonstrate fitting a strapless bodice to create your favorite formal gown. Using 1/3 scale patterns you will also make a few of these designs. Bring: Paper scissors, scotch tape, plastic ruler (18” x 2” or 2” gridded ruler) & stapler.
3 Hour Session with some hands-on
Grading: Making Your Pattern Larger or Smaller (25) Intermediate
Learn fashion industry grading techniques. First Connie will illustrate the theory and method of grading. You will see how and why to select different grades for different sizes and people. Connie will then guide you step-by-step through the process as you use a specially made grading ruler and a half scale basic pattern. This process and class is a must for anyone who has always wanted to change the pattern size. Kit $25 includes workbook & grading ruler.
3 Hour Workshop
Fitting Sleeves & Armholes (30) All Levels
Learn the key to making correct armholes and correctly fitting sleeves. Using her patternmaking experience from the fashion industry, Connie will demonstrate how to make the armhole and sleeves fit your body. In addition, Connie will further demonstrate on ladies in class, how to make the sleeve fit correctly into their custom armhole.
2 Hour Seminar
Fashion Forecast (75) All Levels
‘Fabric and Design Inspiration’ is the theme of Connie Crawford’s fashion forecast for Fall/Winter 2012-13 and Spring 2013. Connie will share the latest trends in designs, fabrics and colours for the coming season. She draws on information from the professionals who interpret the catwalks from Paris, Milan, London and New York. From runway to reality, this forecast information will give reliable predictions to meet the needs of the fashion-minded.
45 Minute Seminar
Class registration will begin in late July 2012. Watch for updates on our blog for when brochure details become available and registration begins. www.creativfestival.ca