Aug 11 - Aug 15: Mon -  Fri 9:00am - 5:20pm

Learn the fundamentals of pattern drafting and sewing by working your way through making a tote bag and zippered pouch. Together we will draft patterns for these two bags, discussing pattern drafting basics, and pattern design, and pattern alterations. Once we have patterns to work with, we will move on to sewing both of these bags covering skills such as selecting and cutting out fabric, working with zippers, linings, seam types and finished, and much more. Course content will also touch on troubleshooting techniques for pattern drafting and sewing, and tips for building on skills and knowledge covered in the course.

Friday, May 16: 9:00am - 2:50pm

This course is ideal for teachers seeking an alternative course for Pro-D day, as well as anyone with a Cricut at home or those interested in learning how to use Cricut Design Space to create heat transfer applications and sticker sheets. It is especially beneficial for teachers looking to create classroom resources or engage with school club activities.

Monday, May 26: 9:00am - 2:50pm

This course is ideal for teachers seeking an alternative course for Pro-D day, as well as anyone with a Cricut at home or those interested in learning how to use Cricut Design Space to create heat transfer applications and sticker sheets. It is especially beneficial for teachers looking to create classroom resources or engage with school club activities.

Aug 18 - Aug 22: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:20pm

Students will explore the fashion design process. They will create themes and storyboards, draw simple fashion figures, drape fabrics for garment ideas, and practice drawing using industry standard software such as Adobe Illustrator. No previous experience in drawing is necessary.

Saturdays: 9:00am - 2:50pm

This is an introductory course on hand embroidery for ages 12+. Students will be introduced to various hand embroidery techniques including but not limited to: woven wheel, satin stitch, leaf stitch, back stitch, running stitch, blanket stitch, and French knot. Students will learn how to design and transfer embroidery patterns, plan for their design, and how to select threads and uses for various types of stitches for different functions. Students will use these stitches to create an embroidery design.

Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 5:20pm

Learn the art of working with plants and food to naturally dye fabric. This course will provide participants with a unique and enjoyable exploration of various textile treatments and techniques especially focusing on the use of natural dyes. These techniques will be taught with instructions that make the processes a learning experience not only for the craft itself but also for the history and cultural understanding of these processes and their relevance to the textile work and innovations of today.

Aug 18 - Aug 22: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:20pm

Learn new easy-to-teach techniques to manipulate commercial patterns. Sew prototypes on industrial sewing machines and experiment with fit for different body types during group fittings. Participants will learn great new drafting and construction techniques that they can use to create lesson plans. This course also includes an excursion to visit industry fabric/notion retail location.

Supply list will be sent to registered students prior to class.

Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 5:20pm

Learn how to sew details and techniques commonly seen in dresses.  An overview of basic sewing knowledge relating to grainlines, finishing, and working with woven fabrics will be covered in this course. Depending on student’s sewing experience and areas of interest the following will be explored: facings, necklines, hemming, zippers, and seam types.  All in-class sewing will be done on industrial machines, no previous sewing experience is needed.

Saturdays: 9:00am - 3:20pm

Students will learn how to construct a long sleeve button up shirt. The course covers textiles related to woven textiles including: collars with collar stands, button plackets, pockets, and cuffs. This offering requires students to use their own sewing machine and materials at home, a PDF home-printable pattern is provided. All in-class demonstrations are sewn on a home machine and include tutorials on trouble shooting machine issues. This introduction to sewing course requires no previous sewing experience. Other topics include: basic sewing knowledge, guide how to purchase fabrics, and how to use PDF patterns.

Tues - Fri, 9:00am - 2:50pm

Summer Design Foundation Academy.  Interested in learning more about what designers do? Learn from a range of design educators from the Wilson School of Design and create inspiration materials and illustrations, transform shapes into soft objects, and practice photo manipulation through computer programs like Adobe Photoshop. Each day includes a different design area and projects done at home while working with your instructor. Each student will build a personalized design portfolio and projects that will be valuable for a future in design. No previous experience needed, ages 12+.

Mon to Thurs: 9:00am - 3:50pm

Working with practice and real life clientele, students will learn communication tactics to get to know their clients' lifestyle/personality. Through field trips, guest speakers, and solo work, they will explore brands and companies from a holistic and tactical perspective. Students will review impactful methods to showcase garments. From here, student will work with a live client to build and pitch a real life capsule wardrobe. In conjunction with 'The Curated Closet' (not a requirement), this program is for Stylists, Designers, and the stylistically fashion curious.

Mon to Thurs: 9:00am - 3:50pm

Learn how to create a platform to connect to your clients through the art of the closet clean. Working with practice clientele, students will learn how to create an identity as a Stylist and explore their 'edge'. They will be introduced to basic fashion theory, identify wardrobe gaps, re-evaluate existing garments, curate styling tips and tricks, create a strong colour story, uncover versatility hacks, organizational tactics, determine local and sustainable brand aesthetics, and build a 'what to add/where to shop' list in a manner that aligns with their Stylist brand image. This course is designed for emerging Stylists, fashion beginners, fashionistas and those curious about style who simply wish to explore opportunity.

Tues - Fri, 9:00am - 2:50pm

Through this course learn how to use a range of industrial sewing machines including straight stitch, sergers, and other specialty machines we have on campus. While learning how to use the machines effectively, an understanding of the basics of threading, thickness of textiles, tension, and troubleshooting will be developed. Activities to support learning about machine capabilities will include sewing samples and small projects that will be discussed in class. This workshop is designed for those interested in working on industrial machines who have little to no experience. 

Aug 11-Aug 15: Mon -  Fri 9:00am - 5:20pm

Participants will learn pattern drafting and construction techniques for knits. They will construct and prototype knit tops and bottoms from commercial patterns, learning creative finishes for seams, hems, and necklines, while sampling a variety of industrial sewing machines on campus. During group conversations we will explore amounts of stretch, negative ease, and other considerations when working with knit fabrics.