Couture Sewing Class / Dressform Class
DoubleTree Hotel, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
January 8-14, 2024
9AM - 5:30PM
Choose your own project for this 7 day class. Maybe you’re hesitant to work with specialty fabrics. Do silks make you nervous? Need expert advice on how to handle a particular fabric or design? Have a stalled project and would like some help completing it?
This class is the perfect opportunity to start or finish a French jacket. Several students have begun a French jacket in another class, then returned to complete the project.
Those working on a French jacket will receive a 100 plus page manual of helpful construction hints. I will also cover creating custom trims to compliment your jacket, handworked buttonholes plus finishing tips. I offer a selection of couture (with designer logo) buttons if you’re interested in adding them to your jacket. Refer to the description of the November French jacket class for additional details.
Want help with fitting and pattern adjustments? Join this class for 7 days of couture sewing to take your skills to the next level.
I’m also offering an opportunity to create your own custom dressform in this class. You will create a cover for your dressform that duplicates your figure. I will guide you through the process of padding your form and installing the cover. You will also draft a personal sloper which can be used to create custom styles or as an aid in altering commercial patterns. Both right and left detachable custom arms complete the form. You will need to bring or ship a professional style dressform, well fitting bra you can leave inside the form plus a large bag of polyester fiberfill for pading. Professional quality muslin, linen thread, garment steamer (used to compress the padding) etc., will be supplied in class. I can help with logistics of obtaining a dressform and arranging to have the completed form shipped back to your home. Several previous students have taken their forms home in a checked golf bag. Please contact me for additional details: mf953@aol.com
The class is held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We have a large workroom (on first floor in the Conference Center which is 50% larger than the 2nd floor classroom) with plenty of natural light, cutting tables, pattern tracing paper and professional pressing equipment. Please bring your own personal tools, labeled to avoid mix-ups. Sewing machines complete with walking foot are supplied. Please let me know if you wish to reserve a machine. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish.
Link for room reservations: MARY FUNT'S SEWING CLASS (hilton.com)
If you need assistance with hotel reservations, contact Mariel Montalvo at 561-776-2909
Our group code is 90P
If you would prefer calling in to make a reservation, please call 1-800-445-8667 and mention the group code in order for the agent to pull up the discounted rate. You may also call Mariel Montalvo directly at 561-776-2909. If you prefer to follow the link and book directly online, you should not need the group code as the link will take you directly to the discounted room block rate.
You are free to arrange alternate accommodations if you prefer. The DoubleTree Hotel is located at the corner of PGA Blvd. and Military Trail. A shopping center is located across the street with Publix grocery, restaurants in all price ranges, Starbucks plus other shops. A car is not necessary.
Closest airport is Palm Beach International. Ubers are plentiful; average cost about $40. I’ll put you in touch with others if you want to share a ride.
About the instructor:
Mary Funt has more than 25 years of experience in creating couture garments including bridal and evening wear. She has studios in New York and Palm Beach. In addition to working with private clients, Mary also writes a blog, Cloning Couture, which discusses many details of couture sewing and is a regular contributor to Threads Magazine. She teaches privately in-person and on-line and is a member of Association and Design Professionals (ASDP). Mary’s entry for the 2022 Threads Challenge was awarded “Finest Garment Construction.”
Cost of the class is $1925 ($50 discount if paying final balance by check). A $400 deposit will reserve your place. Balance of $1525.00 ($1475.00 for checks) due by December 7, 2023. Cancellations prior to December 7, 2023 are refundable less administrative fee of $50.00. Cancellations after December 7, 2023 are non-refundable unless your place can be filled. You may also transfer to a future class with no penalty.