Plus-Size Sloper Workshop: Drape & Draft a 2D Map of Your 3D Body

Drape and draft a basic bodice, skirt, sleeve, and pant pattern block to fit your own body. This class is for plus-size sewists only.*

*PLEASE NOTE: This workshop section is being offered exclusively for members of the plus-size community. This style of patternmaking is a body-conscious process and there are few, if any, fashion education spaces that center larger bodies. If you typically wear a size XL or above, and/or have a waist measurement equal to or larger than 34-36 inches, this is for you! If not, please register for the other section for all bodies. The course is open to folks of all genders 18+.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Curious about drafting your own sewing patterns? The best place to start is by creating a sloper, which is a set of basic block patterns that can be used as the foundation for infinite design variations.

In this weekend intensive course, professional patternmaker Ruby Gertz will guide students through her hybrid method of sloper development that combines flat patternmaking with draping in muslin for the fastest results and most optimal fit. 

Students who attend the course will have a first draft drape of a bodice, skirt, sleeve, and pant pattern by the end of the course. Skills and concepts covered include fit, grainline, ease, basic dart manipulation, seam allowance, pattern trueing, and transferring to paper.

POLICIES:

Review all workshop policies in advance of registering here.

This course will run with a minimum of 4 students and is capped at 6 students.

Workshop registrations are non-refundable. Please double-check your schedule before signing up to ensure you are available on all dates the class meets.

CULTURE OF CONSENT:

This process is hands-on and requires collaboration among participants. By signing up for this workshop, you are agreeing to our ground rules of using body neutral language, and asking for consent before touching others. We will dedicate some time at the beginning of class to discussing expectations and group norms in more detail. 

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY:

This class meets over one weekend, in person, on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4:00pm.

The Spokes & Stitches studio is located in Firehouse Arts Germantown, at 5231 Germantown Avenue, B06, Philadelphia, PA 19144 (United States).

There is plenty of free street parking along Germantown Avenue, and the 23 SEPTA bus stops right in front of the building at the corner of Germantown and Bringhurst. There is also a bike rack in front of Tipsy Cafe, next door. We are a half mile walk from the Wister stop on SEPTA regional rail.

Unfortunately, the studio is on the basement level of the building, down a flight of stairs, and not wheelchair accessible.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

All of the materials you will need are included in your workshop fee (pattern paper, muslin to drape with, C-thru rulers, tracing wheels, pencil). There are also communal tools in the studio (curved rulers, tape measures, scissors, etc.) that you can use throughout the workshop.

We will take a 1-hour lunch break each day. Please bring a brown-bag lunch with you on each day. There is a mini-fridge, microwave, and electric kettle in the building should you need it. There are also several takeout restaurants and grocery stores within a short walk or drive of the building.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Because we will be taking measurements and draping on the body, you will want to wear or bring clothing to change into that is form-fitting. Leggings and a fitted tee shirt or long-sleeve base layer is best. Please avoid camisoles or tank tops, as we want a layer of fabric around your neck and shoulders that we can drape against.

DO I NEED SEWING EXPERIENCE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS?

Patternmaking and sewing are different skills, but it is recommended that you have at least basic sewing skills and a basic understanding of sewing patterns before taking this class. If you have never sewn clothing before, or haven’t sewn in a long time but used to, you are still welcome to take the class.