Art of Clothing at Fiber Craft Studio

Empowering Individuality and Sustainability in Garment Making

Led by Miho Suzuki, Lectures by Chris Marlow

In this course, we design and sew four garments using four natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool and silk) to create a complete outfit. Drafting simple patterns and sewing by hand gives us the opportunity to center ourselves and practice a meditative way of working. Over the course of the year we experience different sewing techniques, plant dyeing, and embroidery as we create our own unique fabric and garments.

Each class meeting includes art and movement activities, bringing enlivening impulses to us individually and as a group.

All levels of experience, from beginners to experienced fiber artisans, are welcome.

Flow of the Day
10:00–11:00 am: Conversation and Handwork
​​11:00 am–12:00 pm: Art or Movement
​12:00–1:30 pm: Lunch Break
​1:30–4:00 pm: Handwork

Between Classes
Each project begins with dyeing fabric in class; students then rinse and iron their fabric at home to prepare it for cutting at the next class.
Ample time is allowed for sewing at each class. However, some students find that they need to do sewing at home between classes in order to complete their projects.

Flow of the Year
– September–November: Plant dye linen fabric, sew small pouch for hand sewing practice, create top or tunic. Basic hand sewing stitches are introduced.
– October–January: Plant dye wool fabric, create jacket or poncho. Simple embroidery stitches are introduced.
– December–March: Introduce techniques for creating your own silk fabric: shibori dye, over dye, nuno-felting etc.. Create a scarf, shawl, poncho, or top.
– February–May: Plant dye cotton fabric, create a skirt or pants, make something out of scraps as a supplemental project.

2022-2023 Dates
September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10, 2022
January 21, February 18, March 18, April 8 & 29, May 20, 2023

Tuition and Payment Plans
Tuition for the course is $1,100, including all materials and registration fees. Payment plans are available in two installments (total cost $1,130) and ten installments (total cost $1,160).