KathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture

Carolena Nericcio-Bohlman, director of ,FatChanceBellyDance and I are starting our sewing classes again! We had such a great time sharing our accumulative knowledge and helping new and intermediate sewers make themselves some new costume pieces for their dance wardrobe, that we worked on a few things in our class program to make learning and working on projects much easier. We've moved our class times from Wednesday evening to Sunday afternoon, we've made a few revisions of the choli based on Folkwear's Tribal Style Belly Dancer #144 (In partnership with FatChanceBellyDance)) and are making samples of each offered size in the pattern so that we can have you try them on and get a better idea of sizing and fit! One medium C cup choli does not fit all medum C cup choli seekers! We are often several sizes in one and we've got a better system for you now.

Also we are also offering a new class! We will be making the entari from Folkwear's # 108 Turkish Dancer pattern! We all need a ghawazee coat, now dont we! These are fabulous costumes and coverups for Middle Eastern Dance styles and for all those fun Renaissance, Fairie, and Pirate faires! I have used this pattern quite a few times and will have a sample available as an example, but the fabric possibilities are endless!

So that's whats new for now.These are still held at Studio SF in San Francisco.
We have a couple options for you.
Hope to see you soon!:

Upcoming sewing classes at the Bessie Design Studio.

Basic Sewing Skills
Pantaloons

Dates
27 Mar-3 Apr or 1, 8 May
Time
Sunday 11am-4pm

Week 1
Measure twice, cut once! Choose from a selection of luscious,
jewel-tone taffeta available at the studio for purchase. We’ll take measurements, cut the fabric and start sewing the hip band and straight seams.
Week 2
Pleats and final touches.
Materials
You are responsible for the purchase of these materials:
Fabric: 4 yards taffeta, thread, elastic. $35.00
Pattern: Folkwear American Tribal Style® Belly Dancer. $19.95
(Available at the FCBD® Studio, 20% discount applied at purchase.)
Optional: Magma Fashion Sketchbook. $12.00
(free when you sign up for 3 classes in a series)
Price $75.. / Materials: $51.-$63. Register Here
Class size limited to 5 students.
Sign up for more than one workshop and receive a complimentary copy of the Magma Fashion Sketchbook. One sketchbook per person.

Intermediate Sewing Skills
The Choli (woven fabric)

Dates
10, 17, 24 Apr or 22, 29 May & 5 Jun
Time- Sunday 11am-4pm
Week 1
Measure twice, cut once! We’ll start by trying on a variety of sample “muslin” cholis to determine your unique size, discuss the pattern, cut the fabric and start sewing.
Week 2
Fitting and sewing.
Week 3
Fitting, sewing and final touches.
Materials
You are responsible for the purchase of these materials:
2-3 yards woven cotton fabric, thread. Est. cost $20-35.
Pattern: Folkwear American Tribal Style® Belly Dancer. $19.95
(Available at the FCBD® studio, 20% discount applied at purchase.)
Optional: Magma Fashion Sketchbook. $12.00
Price
Class: $110. / Materials: $35.-48.00 Register Here
Class size limited to 5 students.
Sign up for more than one workshop and receive a complimentary copy of the Magma Fashion Sketchbook. One sketchbook per person.

Intermediate Sewing Skills
Turkish Dancer Coat
Dates 19, 26 Jun, 3, 10 Jul
Time Sunday 11am-4pm
Preparation: Prior to our first class, please visit one of the fabric stores one of the fabric stores in the resource list to select your fabric and thread. Pre-shrink your fabric by washing it as you will the finished garment.
Week 1
Measure twice, and cut once! We’ll start by taking measurements to determine your size, discus the pattern, cut the fabric and start sewing.
Week 2 & 3
Fitting and sewing.
Week 4
Fitting, sewing and final touches.
Materials
You are responsible for the purchase of these materials: 4-6 yards woven cotton fabric, thread, Est. cost $30-60.00
Notion: minimal cost, advised on Week 1
Pattern: Folkwear Turkish Dancer. $19.95 Order >> Here
Optional: Magma Fashion Sketchbook. $12.00
Price
Class: $145. / Materials: $49.95-$75.00 Register Here
Class size limited to 5 students.
Sign up for more than one workshop and receive a complimentary copy of the Magma Fashion Sketchbook. One sketchbook per person.

Here is more Info and a resource list!

Sewing Class Information

Experience:

The classes are designed to introduce you to Basic and Intermediate Skills. If you have no sewing experience, we recommend you start with Basic Sewing Skills: Pantaloons. If you feel comfortable with a variety of skills, you can take the classes in whatever order you like.

Do you have your own machine?

If you have a portable machine we recommend bringing it to class so you can work on your own machine. If you don't have,or can't bring a machine we have several to use at the studio.

Location:

FatChanceBellyDance, Inc. Studio SF

670 South Van Ness Ave.

(btwn 17th/18th Sts), San Francisco, CA 94110.

Parking: street parking is available, but not guaranteed, paid parking lot at 17th St/Shotwell (your best choice), occasional paid parking at Whiz Burger (ask *very politely* at the window) 18th St/South Van Ness Ave.

Resources:

Good to know facts for new sewers: Most stores have mailing lists that will mail you info concerning sales and discounts. Some stores - esp. the chain stores cater to the home sewer only. Some stores cater to a more affluent or professional clientele. Jo-Ann Fabrics has an app for your phone full of coupons. Fabric Outlet usually has an ongoing "sale" and other generous sales throughout the year. Britex has an occasional sale, but generally carries imported fabrics that are hard to find in this country. Watch for their remnant sale! Stone Mountain and Daughter carries the biggest selection of designer cottons and blends. Etsy and Ebay are also a good place to search for fabrics.