Want to tackle an ambitious project but don’t know where to start? This is the class for you! Join me in a series of 6 classes and make the Blanca Flight Suit from Closet Core Patterns. We will go through all of the steps and skills bit by bit, making this project very doable! From pockets, to zippers, to collars, cuffs, and sleeves, we will cover it all! Students should be comfortable with their sewing machine and be comfortable with basic sewing techniques. This is an advanced project, but by breaking it into smaller chunks, it can be very achievable, even by confident beginners. This class will have homework! To keep up, students will have to finish up work that was started in class, at home - so please be prepared to do some homework during the week, in-between classes.

Classes will be organized as follows:

Feb. 6th, 6pm - 7pm: First Class - short informational class to prep for cutting. Discuss fit and determine size, talk about laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric, and answer any prep questions and/or fabric questions. Students will cut out their pattern and fabric at home in preparation for the next class. There is an Assisted Open Sew scheduled for Feb. 8th if you’d like to come and get help with the cutting process - sign up here.

Feb. 13th, 6-8pm: Class 2 - We will work on constructing the whole back of the jumpsuit! Please make sure to come to class with your jumpsuit cut, labeled, and ready to be sewn!

Feb. 20th, 6-8pm: Class 3: Finish back assembly. Front assembly, including pockets.

March 6th, 6-8pm: Class 4: Front zipper install, collar construction and installation.

March 13th, 6-8pm: Class 5: Putting it all together! Assembling and attaching the sleeves.

March 20th, 6-8pm: Class 6: Finishing up! We will cover any last questions and look at our finished suits, talk about alterations and fit.

For this class you will need:

Fabric: For a structured look, use sturdy woven fabrics like denim, twill, canvas and mid to heavyweight linen and cotton. For a softer effect, choose mid-weight fabrics with drape, such as tencel twill, cupro or silk noil. Consult the sizing and fabric requirements list on the pattern to determine amount of yardage needed - if you need help with this, please email sophie@littlebirdsewing.com .

—> I highly recommend using a fabric that you don’t care too much about for the first rendition! Be that muslin, or something that you just have a bunch of, or get for $2/yd haha! Jumpsuits are hard to get the fit right on the first go-around. It is 100% worth making a mock-up/wearable mock-up for the first attempt!

You will also need:

• Medium weight fusible interfacing (0.5yd/0.5m for 45” wide interfacing) (If you have particularly thick/stiff fabric, you probably don’t need interfacing, just fyi)

• Pocket lining (0.25 yd/0.25m) - this can be quilting cotton, or some scrap fabric that’s not too heavyweight.

• Polyester thread in matching color

• Non-separating zipper (use metal teeth for sturdy fabrics and plastic for lighter weight fabrics). Please note a longer zipper may be used and trimmed to size- separating zippers can also be used if properly closed with a bar tack. 0-20 Size Range: Sizes 0-4=20”, Sizes 6-14=22”, Sizes 16-20=24”, Sizes 14-16=22”. Sizes 18-26=24. Sizes 28-32=26"

• Marking tool (pencil, chalk, marking pen, etc.) - supplied by studio, but you should have something to use at home.

• Point turner for collar - also supplied at the studio, but again, have one available for working at home.

• Zipper foot - available in the studio, but make sure your machine at home has one too!

• Optional: Topstitching thread in contrast color - for your first rendition, you don’t need this unless you want to practice with it.

• Optional: 2 x 5” non-separating zipper for zippered breast pocket

• Optional: 2 x 1/2” snap buttons for optional tapered sleeve

• Optional: 4 x 5/8” regular buttons for optional tapered pant hem tab

• Optional: 1.5” buckle closure for optional buckle belt

You can purchase the pattern here or at your local sewing store! (If you're in Burlington, VT definitely check out Stash Fabrics!) If you get a PDF pattern, make sure to print it at 100% scale, or order prints online - if you have any questions about this process or need any recommendations, please email sophie@littlebirdsewing.com. You can purchase fabric and supplies at Stash Fabrics in Burlington, VT. Also check out The Makery for second-hand fabrics and craft supplies.

Classes will be held at Little Bird Sewing Studio at 28 Day Lane, Suite 10. There will be homework! Students are expected to finish up what we work on in class over the week so that they are prepared for the start of the next steps in the following class. Don’t worry though! If you have a busy week and can’t keep up, you can still come to the class and see what’s next and go from there! Sophie’s around to answer questions and help.

Things happen and sometimes a cancellation is unavoidable. Please contact Sophie as soon as you know you need to cancel so that plans can be made to reschedule. For pre-paid workshops, cancellations are only accepted up to a week before the scheduled workshop and you will be refunded in full. Any later than that and only 50% will be refunded with the remainder going towards class costs (time and supplies), unless we are able to fill your spot with someone else. Please don’t come to class sick - we will work with you to reschedule! Thanks so much!