We’re nearly halfway through the year, and the rest of our workshops for 2018 are filling up quickly. We recently hosted our largest Three-Day Workshop—with 20 guests—and the popularity of our workshops continues to grow.
We normally wait until later in the year to announce upcoming workshops, but we have already set dates through part of 2019 and wanted to give you as much time as possible to plan your trip to The Factory. Whether you’re a sewing novice or a seasoned pro, The School of Making has something for you.
Intro to Hand-Sewing Workshop
Dates:
March 15, 2019
August 16, 2019
The Intro to Hand-Sewing Workshop is the perfect introduction to sewing, and it makes a great gift for a loved one (or yourself). During this workshop, you’ll learn the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and an overview of garment construction and other techniques from The School of Making. Work with our team to create a hand-sewn project from a selection of our most popular kits. Join us in The Factory Café for lunch immediately following the workshop and stay for a free, guided tour of our design and production studios as well as our Building 14 production facility.
One-Day Workshop
Date:
October 11, 2019
Our Classic One-Day Workshop includes discussion of the physics of sewing, reverse appliqué, and an overview of garment construction and other techniques from The School of Making. This workshop is suited to beginners and experienced sewers alike. Work with The School of Making team to create a hand-sewn project from a selection of custom kits. Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch from The Factory Café—a selection of gourmet sandwiches and salads, Southern-inspired sweets, and an assortment of teas and coffees.
Date:
September 6, 2019
Our One-Day Embroidery Workshop focuses on embroidery stitches and techniques from Natalie’s newest book, The Geometry of Hand-Sewing. Participants will receive a copy of the book as well as materials needed for the day. This workshop is suited to beginners and experienced sewers alike.
Three-Day Workshop
Dates:
May 16, 2019 – May 18, 2019
November 7, 2019 – November 9, 2019
Our popular Three-Day Workshop opens the studio doors at The Factory in Florence, Alabama, and allows participants to work with The School of Making team, a selection of our most loved DIY garment patterns, and our extensive DIY stencil library. Participants create a customized hand-sewn garment or project of their choice from The School of Making Book Series and newer styles from the Build a Wardrobe program. We offer a range of options that can be tailored to any skill level. The three-day schedule also includes a Swampette tour of the Shoals music scene, history of Alabama Chanin, and a studio tour.
Classic Studio Week
Date:
June 3, 2019 – June 7, 2019
This week-long event invites participants into The School of Making’s expanded studio for a total immersion into our philosophies, methods, materials, and products. Participants will experiment with several different techniques in hand sewing and will be guided through each step in the process of creating a garment from The School of Making. Techniques include design basics and the physics of sewing, stencil design and creation, airbrush and stenciling of garments, fit and basic pattern alterations, discussion, and critique. This Monday-through-Friday event includes yoga sessions, time for sight-seeing, and some delicious, locally sourced meals with optional time Saturday for any last-minute studio time, packing up, and purchases.
Keep an eye on the Journal for information about upcoming away workshops with The School of Making team, and check the Events calendar for added programming throughout the year.
P.S.: The Shoals is an area rich in history with many unique destinations to experience during your stay. We encourage you to plan an extra day or two to get out and explore. There are also a number of points of interest within a day’s drive if you want to see more of Alabama while you’re here.