Nancy’s Notions invites you to join us for a year of apparel sewing that will build your wardrobe and skills by learning about a variety of fabrics and techniques. You will learn more about pattern composition, how to fit, and expand your confidence in sewing all types of apparel. Designer Joi will be guiding you through a different piece of clothing each month and will provide you all the tips and tricks that you will need to add a gorgeous new piece to your closet!
Meet the Instructor
Joi Mahon is a fashion sewing entrepreneur, founder of Dress Forms Design Studio, LLC and owner of Designer Joi’s Sewing Factory in Sioux City, Iowa.
She provides a variety of garment sewing and design services to the home sewing industry. She teaches at events nationally & in her onsite studio classroom.
Her passion is to convey real sewing and fitting solutions to her students while having fun along the way. She holds a degree in Fashion Design from Iowa State University.
Fashion Hoodie
Keep warm this winter with your very own spin on a sweatshirt! We will walk you through fabric styles, hem variations, finishing touches and more! Techniques you will learn:
Learn how to easily insert a zipper in a ¾ opening on any garment
Learn how understitching can create more professional garment edges
Learn pattern markings and why they are one key to professional and successful sewing results
Learn how to create a professional rolled hem and other finished
Create an easy hood with lining
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Swing your way into warm temperatures in this beautiful spring dress using the Betty dress pattern! We will use this wardrobe staple to teach bodice fitting, dart construction, and how different fabrics will drape. Join us on this classic journey!
Techniques you will learn in this video:
Learn how to cut, sew, and perfectly press darts
Learn how sew a perfectly fitted dress lining
Learn zipper installation and basting techniques
Learn how to create a professional rolled hem
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We are strutting into 2021 with incredible pants! Using the great Sasha pattern, we will use this wardrobe staple to teach pant construction, mastering a fly front and side pockets, and the proper order for sewing pants. Join us on this journey!
Techniques you will learn in this video:
Learn the basic sewing order for pants
Learn to master the fly front with professional results
Learn a beautiful pants rolled hem
Learn how to create front facing side pockets
Learn about fitting the pants pattern
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We're making denim shorts! We'll use the Morgan pattern to further our education on pant construction, building on what we learned in our pants video in March. Join us and show off those legs this summer in your own denim shorts!
Techniques you will learn in this video:
Learn the history of denim fabric
Learn to master sewing with denim
Learn the correct machine set up, needle, and thread for sewing with denim
Review the basic sewing order for pants
Review how easy a professional fly front can be
Understand the steps in sewing custom jeans
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We are ready to hit the beach in our very own swimsuits! Using the Sharon pattern, we will use this fun (albeit intimidating) wardrobe item to further our education on working with a variety of textiles and their construction. Join us and hit the water proudly this summer in your own swimsuit!
Learn how easy it is to sew your own swimwear
Tips for attaching elastic to the neckline, arm opening and other areas of a garment
Learn how to line a swimsuit and add a bra shelf for support
Learn how to use a serger for swimwear or use your conventional machine
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We are ready to take the skills we have learned in Wardrobe Builder to help us enjoy warm temperatures! Using the stunning Reef pattern from Megan Nielsen we will sew a wardrobe classic, the tank top/camisole, cut on the bias for a beautiful flowy piece to take on any warm weather adventures you have ahead of you. Join us and make a beautiful camisole that is all your own!
How to sew a bias neckline
Working with bias cut fabrics
How to use twill tape in a seam
Sewing in a facing
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Men's Dress Shirt
We are ready to take the skills we have learned in Wardrobe Builder to the next level! Using the incredible book, The Gentleman’s Wardrobe, we will sew a wardrobe classic to further our education on working with a variety of textiles and their construction. We are breaking this project into three lessons to cover all the details of this great project. Join us and make a perfectly fitted men’s dress shirt!
How to trace a pattern
Attaching a shirt pocket
Sewing a shirt yoke
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We are ready to take the skills we have learned in Wardrobe Builder to the next level! Continuing to use the incredible book, The Gentleman’s Wardrobe, we will sew another wardrobe classic to further our education on working with a variety of textiles and their construction. Join us and make a very dapper men’s vest!
How to sew a fully lined waistcoat
Reviewing fabrics used for vests
How to sew a vest welt pocket
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We are ready to take the skills we have learned in Wardrobe Builder to the next level! Continuing to use the incredible book, The Gentleman’s Wardrobe, we will sew another wardrobe classic to further our education on working with a variety of textiles and their construction. Join us and make a very dapper men’s vest!
How to sew a curved and vented shirttail hem
Creating an inset front placket
Sewing an inverted box pleat
Check Out A Few of The Products Used In This Video
