Creating Shape and Structure

Building shapes with seams and internal support. How do you design for big sleeves or a giant head? Whether constructing a clothing garment or a fantasy creature, you need some special skills to make clothing and costumes defy gravity. Learn sewing techniques and framework construction techniques to support your creation. Please bring some plastic milk/water jugs for our construction techniques session.

 Instructors: Jeanne Flanagan, Cindy Durkee, and Liz Helfer

 Jeanne: Most recently I taught Fiber Arts at Artisans Asylum, a makerspace in MA.  Sewing has always been a part of my life - beginning with clothing, quilting and embroidery, boat covers, cockpit cushions, upholstery and even a harp cover, in my mother's marine canvas shop. More recently my fiber arts include tatting and sculptural basket weaving. I love teaching fiber arts to inspire the creativity in all of us.

Cindy: A graduate of the Pratt Institute, Cindy spent her early career as a fashion designer in New York. She brings extensive sewing, patterning, and advanced technique experience.

Liz: Liz is a graduate of Kingswood Regional High School, and received her BFA from Alfred University, and Masters in Museum Studies at Harvard University Extension School. Liz Helfer Studios is located in Waltham, MA, where she creates metal and mixed media sculpture. In addition to creating commissioned work, she is the Public Arts & Culture Planner for Watertown, MA.

Participants should bring own paper bag lunch and water bottle.

All materials and equipment will be provided and participants are also encouraged to bring along any materials intended to be used in their design.

Workshops are free to those registered to participate in the Upscale Fashion Show. You can register to participate in the Show HERE.

To qualify for the discount Member rate, you must be a member in good standing of the Governor Wentworth Arts Council.

The workshop locations are not available at this time, however save-the-date for:

1. What Is Upcycling? A dive into repurposed materials for fashion.  10AM-1PM on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

2. Intro to Sewing. A lesson in hand and machine sewing techniques.  10AM-1PM on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

3. Creating Shape & Structure: A look at structural undergarments. 10AM-1PM on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

4. Attachments 101. A look at fasteners and adhesives. 10AM-1PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Register for the workshops HERE.

The Upcycled Fashion Show event on April 23, 2022 will be ticketed at $3 for Makers Mill and GWAC members, $5 for non-members before the event, and $7 at the door for all. Participating designers and design teams will each receive two free tickets to give to friends or family for the event. Ticket sales will be made available online at www.makersmill.org early in the new year.  If pandemic restrictions still apply, the event will be held in accordance with all federal, state, and town COVID-19 requirements.

If you would like to get involved or have any questions, contact Liz Helfer at info@GovernorWentworthArtsCouncil.org.

The registration form to participate in the Upcycled Fashion Show is found HERE.