Refining Sewing Techniques…
Maria Calautti, Founder of the European Pattern Making Program
Maria Calautti is founder of the European Pattern Making program at Georgian College and established the Canadian division of Le Grand Chic Italia School of Fashion, the only school authorized to administer an Italian arts exam right here in Canada. She is creator of the ‘Cynch It’ pants that take inches off your look with a patent pending. www.CynchItPants.com
Basic Alterations: Jeans (25) All Levels
The Basics of Jean Alterations with Maria Calautti at Creativ Festival
The most common problems with jeans are that they are too long and often gape at the centre back. Learn how to fix both these problems starting with a Euro-hem to keep the original fraying and discover techniques to fix the centre back gaping for a perfect fit. You’ll pin the jeans to fit, transfer the markings, then sew the jeans replacing the topstitching and belt loop (if any). Bring: Your own jeans to work on, along with topstitching thread that matches the original colour. By the end of this class you’ll have professionally finished jeans that fit like a glove.
3 Hour Workshop – Fri 1:00 to 4:00
Working with Lace by Hand (25) Intermediate
Making Lace by Hand with Maria Calautti at Creativ Festival
Lace is the most forgiving fabric to work with, yet many are intimidated by it. Learn how to add darts for shaping the lace as well as adding ‘invisible’ seams by hand stitching together the lace using the flowers or design to camouflage the work. This method creates exquisite work as seen only in the highest quality and exclusive designer garments. You will take home storyboard samples for future reference and gain the confidence to produce your own lace garments. See many garment samples in class. Kit $25
3 Hour Workshop – Fri 5:00 to 8:00
Pad-Stitching a Floating Canvas (25) Intermediate
Learn how to pad stitch on a floating canvas with Maria Calautti
Discover the secret tailors don’t want you to know… how to properly install a floating canvas and shape the front of a jacket. This is a time honoured tradition in men’s wear used by European ateliers, design houses and bespoke tailors that maintains the shape and moulds the garment to the wearer. The end result is truly worth the extra effort of pad-stitching by hand the canvas, twill tape and stay to the inside of jacket front. You’ll stitch canvas to an actual jacket frontand also learn how to catch stitch twill tape to the roll line shaping it properly, add a front stay for added strength and shape to the canvas keeping the sample for future reference. Maria has used this method in ladies wear and will never go back to off the rack jackets! Kit $25
3 Hour Workshop – Sat 1:00 to 4:00
Knits: Making the Right Choices (40) All Levels
Maria shares tips to determine the amount of stretch in knit fabrics by closely examining a variety of swatches and identifying the differences. The stretch in knits directly impacts, not only the width but the length of a finished garment.
Allowing for stretch to make the necessary adjustments prior to cutting will help you to choose the right fabric for the pattern. When you know what to look for, you’ll achieve the desired results with no more unwanted surprises! Bring: Pins, measuring tape or ruler, notebook, pen and pencil. Swatch Kit $10
1.5 Hour Seminar – Sun 9:00 to 10:30
Learn More About Creativ Festival – Register Now
Creativ Festival is back October 22 to 26, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building offering 3 days of unbeatable shopping and 5 days of hands-on learning. Choose from 200 workshops and seminars and register for classes individually or save with conference passes.