3 Saturdays
November 8th, 15th, and 22nd 2025
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
$225
Level 2
Have you been dreaming about creating your own party dress for the holidays but the thought of working with silks, satins, and velvets is intimidating? Put on your dancing shoes since this workshop is for you!
We have selected a few dress patterns to provide a lot of options while still giving a more forgiving fit so you don’t have to stress about a lot of pattern modifications. We will also provide a “tips and tricks” PDF when you sign up that will help you select the right fabrics for the various patterns and give you tips for cutting the fabric at home prior to the class.
We will discuss various techniques and tools to help you be more confident working with more difficult evening wear fabrics that typically have a slippery mind of their own or require a careful hand to work with (velvet – we are looking at you!).
We will also discuss various seam and hem finishing options that will take your garment to the next level. The workshop may include some homework, but it will only include tasks covered in class so you have the confidence to work on them at home or at Bolt’s Community Creative Studio.
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Elodie is a modern take on a classic wrap dress. Romantic and flowy with multiple skirt and sleeve options, it’s equally appropriate at a park picnic or a special wedding.
Elodie features a softly flowing bodice, with release pleats under the bust and a dolman style sleeve. Choose between a short sleeve or a longer, more formal option that ends at the elbow. The skirt is swishy and voluminous and comes in three lengths, above the knee, midi or maxi, with optional patch pockets.
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Cielo is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe building favourite.
Make an easy fitting dress with or without sleek inseam pockets and a choice of a sleek short sleeve or a voluminous gathered lantern sleeve -
The supplies you need will depend on which pattern and size you choose, the width of your fabric, and whether it has a directional pattern or nap.
The envelope of the pattern, the back of envelope image of the pattern on our website, or the webpage for the pattern at Closet Core should give you the information you need.
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how to thread and use a sewing machine
basic sewing vocabulary
able to read and understand a pattern
sewing a straight line and maintaining a seam allowance
hemming
handling curves
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working with difficult fabrics
seam finishing options
embellishment options if desired
This is a Level 2 class. You’ll find more information about our class levels here!
Taught by Kelly Gillard
Ages 18 and up.
Our classroom is on the second floor and is currently only accessible by stairs. We are working on a solution to make our space accessible to everyone. Thanks for your understanding and patience while we work this out. You may e-mail us at classes@boltfabricboutique.com if you have any questions about this process.
This class requires a minimum of 2 participants. The class may be subject to cancellation if the minimum enrollment is not achieved.