Fashion Atelier for Teens and Adults

Develop your own garments with professional guidance in a small, project-based fashion studio.

Fashion Atelier is an ongoing fashion design and sewing program where every student develops their own project.

Some students make garments. Others learn draping, fitting, patternmaking, portfolio development, or upcycling.

Unlike traditional sewing classes, everyone works on something different while receiving individual instruction.

Independent Fashion Design | Sewing | Garment Construction

$380 | Four 90-minute classes | Ages: Adult and Teens 15+

Each student works on an individual garment or fashion project while receiving personalized instruction in a small-group setting. Classes meet once a week for 90 minutes over a four-week session. At the end of each session, you're welcome to register again and continue your project or begin something completely new.

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  • Fashion Atelier is an ongoing, project-based sewing and fashion design program for teens and adults who are ready to take their skills beyond the basics. With a maximum of five students per class, you'll enjoy the freedom to work at your own pace in a professional fashion studio equipped with industry-quality tools and expert guidance every step of the way.

    Throughout the course, students may explore:

    • Fashion illustration

    • Mood boards & inspiration

    • Textile exploration

    • Sewing techniques

    • Garment construction

    • Pattern modification

    • Surface embellishment

    • Portfolio development

  • Fashion Atelier is taught by Dominique Kurzawa-Howe, founder of Sew Dandelions, a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City, and recipient of the Golden Thimble Award for excellence in design.

    With a career spanning apparel design, commercial textiles, bridal and eveningwear, children's fashion, and arts education, Dominique brings decades of professional industry experience into every class. Her work has ranged from designing garments and textiles for national retailers to teaching sewing, fashion design, and visual arts to students of all ages.

  • Fashion Atelier is designed for creative teens and adults who already have basic sewing experience and are ready to move beyond beginner projects.

    Students should already feel comfortable operating a sewing machine independently, including threading the machine, winding a bobbin, sewing straight seams, and using basic sewing tools safely.

    We recommend completing Sew Dandelions' Intro to Sewing plus at least six additional hours of sewing instruction before joining this program, or having equivalent sewing experience.

    If you're unsure whether this class is the right fit, we'd be happy to help you choose the best starting point.

  • Students have access to Sew Dandelions' fully equipped fashion studio throughout class, including professional sewing machines, sergers, dress forms, large cutting tables, industrial pressing equipment, patternmaking rulers, and specialty sewing tools.

    Basic practice materials used for demonstrations are included.

    Because every student creates something different, project-specific materials such as fashion fabric, commercial patterns, lining, interfacing, zippers, buttons, trims, and specialty notions are purchased separately.

    You're welcome to use one of our studio machines or bring your own sewing machine if you'd like to become more comfortable using it at home.

FaQ.

  • Yes. Fashion Atelier is designed for students who already have basic sewing skills. You should be comfortable threading a sewing machine, winding a bobbin, sewing straight seams, and using basic sewing tools. If you're brand new to sewing, we recommend starting with our Intro to Sewing class before joining the Atelier.

  • Absolutely. You're welcome to bring an unfinished garment, a commercial sewing pattern you've been wanting to try, or an original design idea. We'll evaluate your project together and help you determine the best approach for moving forward.

  • Because Fashion Atelier has very limited enrollment and each student's space is reserved for the full four-week session, missed classes cannot be refunded, transferred, or made up. Please consider vacations and other commitments before registering..

  • Basic practice materials and demonstration supplies are included. Because every student works on a different project, you'll purchase your own project-specific materials such as fabric, commercial patterns, zippers, interfacing, lining, buttons, and other notions.

  • Yes. Our studio is fully equipped with sewing machines and professional sewing equipment, but you're welcome to bring your own machine if you'd like to become more confident using it at home. Please bring your machine, power cord, foot pedal, bobbins, presser feet, and instruction manual if available.

  • Lucky you.

    If a group class runs with just one student, they receive a private lesson for the group rate. Win-win.

    The owner is the instructor. Always. You are in experienced hands.