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Online sewing classes? How can such a thing be possible? Isn't sewing too "hands-on" for the internet? Beginning in February of 2001, I tried out my first "Dressing Jane Austen" class on 22 student "guinea pigs." Five weeks later, we declared the experiment a success, and I have so enjoyed seeing the results of my students' labors. My Regency Gown class has now been joined by my 1910s Tea Gown, 1914 Afternoon Dress, and 1940s "Swing" Dress classes. I also offer a class that looks at costumes in Regency film adaptations in-depth and help you figure out how to reproduce film costumes for yourself.
My classes are on private boards within my site's Message Forum. In order to access a class, you'll need to register on the board for a username (no cost involved, and all registrations are private). Once you have your username and are able to login, you may purchase any of the classes listed below. When I receive your registration and class agreement, I will enter your username in the appropriate class forum. You'll be able to access all of the lessons, going through them at your own pace. I am available via e-mail if you have questions, though I will tell you up front that our family homeschools and travels, so I am not always able to answer questions immediately! Fortunately, there are over 1000 posters on my board, many of whom have already taken my classes and/or are experienced sewists. You will not lack for help if you seek it out! This is another great benefit of taking classes in my online community -- you have access to hundreds enthusiastic and willing helpers! Taking the class is even more fun when you can share what you are doing with others who love to sew. I bundle the patterns in with the cost of the class at a discount ($10), but if you already own the pattern, you can just purchase the class (simply use the second Registration button under the class you wish to take). Thanks!
- Regency Gown Class: Covering six lessons, this class includes in-depth, detailed instructions that will take you from purchasing fabric to trimming a finished gown. Lessons discuss fabric types, colors common to the Regency Era, undergarments, and more. You will learn how to create a train or overskirt if you so desire. This class is considered intermediate, since you do need basic sewing skills to undertake the gown. If you can use a sewing machine with relative confidence to make a straight skirt, you can handle the Regency Gown class! I've guided many beginners successfully through the lessons. Click HERE for the class syllabus. Including the pattern, the class is US$50. If you need the Regency Gown supplement (sizes 18-26D and DD), please add a note to your registration. There is no extra charge for the supplement. International customers, air mail shipping is included!
Already own the pattern?
Use the button below to purchase the class at $40!
1910s Tea Gown Class: This class is also six lessons long, but it is a bit more complex. If you are at an intermediate level (or have completed the Regency Gown Class), you will be able to tackle the Tea Gown. This pattern requires more careful fitting, and if you make the full dress in all its glory, you'll be creating multiple skirt layers and working with more difficult fabrics, like chiffon or silk. Click HERE for the class syllabus. Including the pattern, the class is US$50. International customers, air mail shipping is included!
Already own the pattern?
Use the button below to purchase the class at $40!
1914 Afternoon Dress Class: Created for the intermediate to advanced sewist who enjoys new challenges, this class will guide you through steps to make an heirloom gown that includes lace insertion, tucks, and embroidery. If you've always wanted a scrumptious tea gown, this is the class for you! Click HERE for the class syllabus. Including the pattern, the class is US$50. International customers, air mail shipping is included!
Already own the pattern?
Use the button below to purchase the class at $40!
1940s "Swing" Dress Class: This is a fun class for those who love the era of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. You'll create an authentic mid-1940s dress and learn about the colors and fabrics of the time period. As a bonus, you'll watch a 1940s film and study period hairstyles and makeup! This class is for intermediate sewists who aren't afraid to tackle a side closure and some in-depth fitting. Click HERE for the class syllabus. Including the pattern, the class is US$40. International customers, air mail shipping is included!
Already own the pattern?
Use the button below to purchase the class at $30!
Regency Film Costume Class: If you love costume films--particularly Jane Austen adaptations--then this is the class for you! We dissect the costuming for six films (one per week), looking at issues including authenticity, methods, design vs. execution, and more. This class is especially meant for groups of friends to enjoy together. If you gather five or more people to take this class, you will qualify for a discount for each person. The cost for a single individual is $25, but if you have a group, you can each take the class for $15. [Note: immediate family members in the same household do not need to pay twice or make themselves a group; one registration is sufficient!] To qualify, I need to hear from the appointed group leader, who will need to provide the email addresses of all her group members. You need five people to qualify as a group. Please drop a line through my Feedback Form if you'd like to gather a group for this class, and I'll provide you the link to the group registration page. Otherwise, click the Paypal button below to register as an individual for this class! Click HERE for the class syllabus. This class will run three times in 2008: February 4 through March 10, June 16 through July 26, and Fall (TBA). And remember that past students who were unable to finish their lessons are welcome to join in on a future class without paying again. [Please note: The films themselves are not included in the price of the class; you will need to find those locally. Check your library or your video stores. If you can't find them there, try using Netflix or PeerFlix. Thanks!]
This was a very enjoyable class. The instructor was professional and friendly--always offering additional instructions or help when requested. I wasn't sure how an online sewing class would work, but the chance to learn how to make one of Jennie's dresses was too good an opportunity to pass by. I have learned a lot and had fun doing it. I look forward to new classes that you might offer. ~ Caralee G. in PennsylvaniaThank you for the wonderful service you are providing. Although I have yet to complete my gown (my sewing machine died), I have learned a lot and am quite pleased. ~ Angela S. in Florida
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful and extensive instructions that came with the Regency gown class. Being a science major, I really really enjoyed the amount of detail that you went into and the graphics that accompanied the notes. While I've not managed to complete the gown due to my heavy courseload this quarter, your class was a sheer pleasure nonetheless and I intend to really "dig in" this summer! Thanks again for the wonderful class.... When I've tackled the Regency dress, I hope to enroll in the tea gown course :-)~ Freya H. in California
I would highly recommend this class and have been! I thought this class was great! Jennie is a wonderful instructor with very clear and concise directions. She also went way above and beyond the call of duty, when she contacted me, off list, just to check up, since I'd been quiet. I will go out of my way to take classes with Jennie again. Thanks! It was so much fun! ~ Janiene W. in Georgia
Words cannot express how much I have enjoyed this class! I have thoroughly sharpened my sewing skills, learned many new things, and had the time of my life doing it. Every aspect of the class was great! Whenever I had questions-and I had many!-you were always right there, ready to answer them in such a kind and encouraging way. Thank you so much for encouraging us to have the confidence to do whatever our imaginations desired. Before taking this class, I never really wanted to sew because I was afraid something would go dreadfully wrong, and I wouldn't know how to fix it. Now I have already planned to make a Regency gown for my sister! And I feel confident enough to make alterations on future projects and to do other things that "weren't quite right" before. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for giving me this new-found desire and love for sewing!!! My dad is just thrilled! One of the things I have enjoyed the most about this class is the way you were continually teaching us professional tips and tricks to make everything look its polished best! ~ Melissa K. in Alabama
Thank you very much for such an enjoyable class. I feel that I learned a great deal, and I absolutely love my dress. I get comments on it all the time. This is a fun way to learn. Please let me know when you finish the pattern for the Spencer jacket. I definitely will want to get one. I truly enjoyed your class. Your pattern is easy to work with and understand. ~ Ginger S. in Arizona
