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.

Classes will be organized as follows:

Sept. 14th, 2-3pm EST (11am -12pm PST): Optional First Class: Short class to discuss fit and determine size, talk about laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric, and answer any prep questions. Students will cut out their pattern and get their flightsuit cut out for homework, before the next class. This class is to make sure that everyone is comfortable with these first steps and to ask any questions that they have.

Sept. 21st, 2-4pm EST (11am -1pm PST): Class 2: We will work on constructing the whole back of the jumpsuit!

Sept. 28th, 2-4pm EST (11am -1pm PST): Class 3: Front assembly, including pockets

Oct. 5th, 2-4pm EST (11am -1pm PST): Class 4: Front zipper install, collar construction and insallation

Oct. 12th, 2-4pm EST (11am -1pm PST): Class 5: Putting it all together! Assembling and attaching the sleeves, and finishing up!

Oct. 19th, 2-3pm EST (11am -12pm PST): Class 6: Short class to 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 colour

• 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”. 14-32 Size Range: Sizes 14-16=22

• Sizes 18-26=24

• Sizes 28-32=26"

• Marking tool (pencil, chalk, marking pen, etc.)

• Point turner for collar

• Zipper foot

• Optional: Topstitching thread in contrast colour

• 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 or if you are in the Bay Area, check out Stonemountain and Daughter!

Classes will be held on Zoom. The instructor will send you a link to the meeting room a few minutes before the start of class. 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 be in the class and see what’s next and go from there! Sophie’s around to answer questions and help.

Classes will also be recorded so students can re-watch classes and watch any missed classes. Classes will be from 2-4pm EST, 11am-1pm PST.