Turn oversized or unloved clothing into something you would actually wear! In this introductory 1-day workshop at the Fibershed Learning Center near Point Reyes Station, CA, we will take a closer look at how to implement SMART Fashion in your life.

• Sort out and source fabric and pattern ideas from your closet
• Make a decision — reuse the fabric or use an article of clothing as pattern inspiration
• Affordably refashion clothing as fabric or use to create a pattern
• Reimagine the garment or fabric & make it happen — sewing and drafting process
• Try it on and treat yourself!

The class will include:

• Going through the process of deciding which garments to repurpose as fabric and which garments will be used as pattern examples.
• Discussion will include: fabric type, layout, and piecing to have larger fabric options.
• Creating a pattern from a garment
• Cutting the pattern from repurposed fabric (Instructor will have some basic pattern pieces to use as samples if student does not.)
• Tips and tricks on how to sew knit garments
• Optional: Sewing garments if time allows. Instructor will have a couple of machines for sewing samples. This is not a construction workshop.

Students will learn:

• How to assess their options by looking through their existing closets. Students are encouraged to bring knit fabric articles of clothing from their closets to use in our discussion.
• How to best disassemble and cut garments to repurpose
• How to draft a pattern using an existing garment. For this workshop we will repurpose a Basic T-shirt as a class example.
• How to best layout pattern pieces on repurposed fabric
• How to measure garments and themselves or recipients correctly

Students will take home:

• Pattern pieces and a plan to repurpose their garment, or garments sewn in class!

Experience:

• No experience needed, minimal sewing knowledge helpful

Instructor will provide:

• Paper and drafting supplies
• Simple sewing supplies
• Basic T-shirt to repurpose
• Measurement cards (handout)
• Cut cards (handout)

Students should bring:

• Knit fabric articles of clothing from their closets to use in our discussion, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, knit jersey sheets, etc.
• Notepad, pencil, pen, sharpie
• Personal snacks, beverages and lunch
• Optional: Sewing machine (in good working order)

Enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/291068051377

The class is limited to 12 students, and will take place at the beautiful Fibershed Learning Center at Black Mountain Ranch near Point Reyes Station, CA. (Address provided upon registration.)

BONUS: Students will get a sneak preview of Fibershed’s Clothing Swap Closet, which is filled with donated natural fiber clothing (launching publicly in October). You are invited to bring a quality natural fiber garment from your own closet to swap with an item of comparable value.

Important note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, and depending on conditions at the time, masks may be required in indoor spaces for all participants, and we will maintain appropriate physical distance during the class. If conditions change and it becomes necessary to cancel because of the pandemic, your tuition and fees will be refunded.

Fibershed Scholarship Program
Fibershed is offering two scholarships to most workshops; one scholarship if it’s a small class. If you would not otherwise be able to attend, and would like to be considered as a scholarship recipient, please answer a few brief questions on this Google Form. Responses will be reviewed by Learning Center staff and kept strictly confidential.

Gynna Clemes received her first sewing machine at age 7, and began designing and drafting patterns and sewing her own clothing during high school. She taught herself to knit during college, and after college added weaving and spinning to her fiber journey.

A mostly self-taught maker, Gynna has a relaxed view on creating — there are many tips and tricks to learn but few steadfast rules. She enjoys learning from others and adding different views and tips to her arsenal.

Gynna’s latest clothing line — Hank and Momma Clothing — was born of necessity as an outlet to redefine and re-find herself after feeling lost under the role of being a new mother. Hank and Momma Clothing was truly the pivotal point in Gynna’s creative career. She’s passionate about creating comfy, cozy clothing that instills confidence and promotes creative exploration for all. Today you can find Gynna’s clothing lines on her website GynnaMade.com and on FibershedMarketplace.com.

Gynna believes that anyone can learn to create a wardrobe that helps ground them and gives meaning to their lives, wherever they are on their creative journey.

Rooted in smart fashion, she is excited to share her experiences, tips and tricks and creative process through her new SMART Fashion workshops. Smart fashion incorporates simple materials that actively regenerate textiles in daily life.

• Simple and sustainable
• Materials that
• Actively
• Regenerate
• Textiles

Read Gynna’s story in Fibershed’s blog: fibershed.org/2022/07/06/a-handmade-zero-waste-wardrobe-for-mother-and-child-by-gynna-made/