Tired of patterns that never quite fit? In this 8-week class, you’ll learn how to use your personal bodice sloper as a template to adjust commercial patterns for your unique shape. From bust, back, and shoulder adjustments to sleeves and final fittings, you’ll gain the skills to make any pattern your own—with comfort and confidence.

The student will learn how to draft a pattern from measurements that fits the figure exactly. This is the moulage - no wearing ease added. Upon completion of the draft, the student will make a muslin test garment to check and adjust the fit. The student then creates a pattern, based upon that moulage, that includes wearing ease. This is the bodice sloper or bodice block and can be used as a starting point to create blouses, dresses, jackets, and coats. Once you have the bodice sloper, you will create an accompanying sleeve sloper. The sloper with sleeve will be sewn up in muslin and fitted as well.

This class, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for Drafting a Jacket/Coat and Altering Commercial Patterns.

Bring your unfinished sewing projects and finally get them done! In this 4-week live Zoom class, Lynda provides personalized guidance, troubleshooting tips, and motivation, while you work alongside supportive peers to complete your projects.

Step into fashion history with this 8-week live Zoom course taught by Lynda Maynard. Learn to draft your own pattern for the classic government-issued pea coat—a timeless, double-breasted style that works as both casual and formal wear. Traditionally made from heavy navy Melton wool, this coat can also be modernized in lighter fabrics, bold colors, or even plaid.

With weekly live sessions, personalized feedback, and supportive video tutorials, you’ll gain the skills to bring this iconic coat to life. Prerequisite: a bodice sloper with sleeve or a blouse pattern with sleeve that fits well.

Create couture-quality gowns from start to finish in this 8-week live Zoom class. Learn muslin fitting, corselet construction, hand-finished details, and professional hemming. Finish the course with a stunning gown you can be proud to showcase!

NOTE: Dress shown above was made by Richard Paras, a student of Lynda's

Silk charmeuse is a luxurious fabric known for its luminous surface and fluid drape—but it can be challenging to sew well. In this six-week online course, Lynda teaches the professional techniques she uses to work confidently with silk charmeuse, from proper layout, cutting, and marking to precise stitching and refined finishes. You’ll learn how to handle this delicate fabric with control, accuracy, and ease.

This technique-focused class covers all the essential construction skills needed to sew a silk charmeuse blouse, including darts, seams, baby hems, plackets, collars, sleeves, cuffs, and edge finishes. While you won’t complete a full garment during the course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how silk charmeuse behaves and the skills needed to apply these techniques successfully to your own projects.

Start your hand-tailored jacket journey! Learn to fit muslins, adjust patterns, choose fabrics, and master essential hand-stitching techniques in this 6-week live Zoom class—laying the foundation for a perfectly tailored jacket.