Pamela's Workshop / Seminar List

Class Type: Lecture
Length: One hour, can be combined with other lectures.

Description: Pamela’s unique approach and simple pattern styles incorporates many of the common changes women have to make to commercial patterns. Learn what makes these patterns different and see garment samples that will make a basic and well fitted wardrobe a reality!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: One hour, can be combined with other lectures.

Description: If you are looking for a keynote speaker, Pamela's back story is fun to hear! She will take you on her sewing journey and career from childhood to present, incorporating a poignant slide show with her story.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-3 hours.

Description: Take the fear out of selecting, cutting and sewing stretchy, slinky knit fabrics. Find out the easiest way to cut, the best machine and stitches to use, plus ready-to-wear secrets to get your seams, necklines, and hems to lay smooth. Learn what you can do to make your garments fit better than anything you can buy and easy ways to correct the most common fitting problems.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-3 hours.
Booklet Fee: Includes instructions for all techniques.

Description: Are you ready to make that perfect garment but afraid that it will look homemade? The difference between "just OK" and "fabulous" are often simple techniques in stitching, pressing, and products. This class will show you tricks-of-the-trade to make your garments look professional. Master designer hems, serged French seams, perfect darts and collars, smooth facings, sew-in elastics, and more!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 2 hours.

Description: As our figures mature, it is a real challenge to get pants and skirts to fit properly. This class will show you how to identify the differences between a standard pattern and your unique shape. Learn how to remove the "baggies" from the back of pants, get the right depth in the crotch curve and get the waistband just right and comfy. For skirts, the key is getting the dart placement to hide, not accentuate, undesirable curves and have the seams hang straight for hassle-free hemming. Mastering great fitting pants and skirts mean no more frustrating shopping trips!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 2-3 hours.

Description: A great class for serger owners old and new! Pamela’s experiences with the serger have been chronicled since 2000 in Threads Magazine. Spend time and really learn what your serger can do for you besides just finish an edge. Maintenance, threading, tensions, differential feed, rolled hem, flatlocking, lace, and more will be demonstrated. Plus you will see a vast array of samples to inspire future projects. A wonderful way to learn the full potential of your serger. You will also get the latest scoop on Coverstitching!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-2 hours.

Description: Are you frustrated with interfacings selection you find in most stores? You should be since many of the interfacings available for home sewers are for craft projects and not suitable for fine garments. With the right interfacing you can have success with any garment! Perfect Fuse Interfacing by Palmer/Pletsch is a high quality weft insertion interfacing that is used by top designers all over the world. It is a simple-to-use system that can bring order and understanding to the whole "what interfacing should I use" question.

Controlling knit fabrics has become more challenging with the many blends and weights available. Learn about the new lightweight Stay Tapes and how they can improve and control those tricky knits.

Pressing tools and techniques have dramatically improved over the last decade. Get up to speed on the best irons, the best way to press during garment construction and what tools you will need to get the best results.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-3 hours.
Kit Fee: Includes fabrics and handouts

Description: Fabricholics everywhere love to collect beautiful silky and sheer fabrics, but then are afraid to use them! This class with eliminate the fear and empower you to get them out of the stash and into clothing! Learn how to choose the right project, stabilize and cut the fabric, proper needles and threads and durable seams and hems. There will also be a bonus blouse project offered to all who attend.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1 hour.

Description: A dress form is a useful tool for garments and design. The problem is getting one to fit your curves and "scallops". Custom made forms are expensive and can't be altered, and duct tape forms may collapse over time. Learn how to use an adjustable form that you will "build and pad" to look just like you! Other than the dress form, the supplies are simple - a bra and undies, batting and fiberfill and some bandaging from the drug store. The best thing is that you will be able to change it as your body changes!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1 hour.

Description: Do you have collections of over-sized T-shirts from vacations, activites, concerts, etc? What about ill-fitting polo's, sweaters, hoodies and knit tops? Thanks to the T-Shirt Makeover technique, you can take those items and turn them into fitted and stylish tops you'll be proud to wear anywhere. The technique is simple, fast and easy to learn - even for a beginner. In no time you could have nice fitting garments!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1.5 hours.

Description: Modern shapewear doesn’t have to be constricting or torturous – that is, if you make your own! Clothing will fit better, hang better, look better – and you’ll still be able to breathe and be comfortable. Ready-to-wear shapewear tends to squish your fluff elsewhere on the body, creating bulging in a different location. Most women want to achieve more of a smoothing silhouette under their clothing. This class will feature three shapewear garments – an under bust cami (you can wear your own bra!), high waisted undies and a control-top slimming slip. They are simple and inexpensive to make, and you will use all the materials, stitches, and techniques to make your own!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1.5-2 hours.

Description: Small and simple changes to your ready-to-wear jeans and pants can make a big difference in how they fit. A hour or two of your time can result in pants and jeans you will love to wear! Gapping at the back waist? See how to use a simple elastic method that eliminates taking off the waistband and still looks smooth and tailored. Waist too tight? Learn how to add a simple side seam gusset. Hate the bulk of zippers and buttons? See how to add a smoothing knit waistband. Baggy back legs? Magically take out fabric from only the back. Crotch too long? Yep, we can fix that too! In addition, you will also learn how to narrow and re-shape leg widths and professionally hem pants and jeans.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 2-3 hours.

Description: Hacking – usually a negative term in the cyber world – can be a lot of fun in the fashion world! Join Pamela for her new adventure in remaking and upcycling ready-to-wear and thrift store finds. She has committed to “30 Fashion Hacks in 30 Days” that anyone can copy or use as inspiration. There will be a step-by-step power point presentation that will take you through the selection, deconstruction, reconstruction and finished product of many types of garments, as well as how to make them fit and flatter. Remakes include a pencil skirt from jeans, a tank top and peplum top from a button-down shirt, a winter vest from a coat, a stylish cape blazer and quick sweater makeovers. There will also be fashion-forward alterations done to outdated clothing such as restyling a too blousy shirt, stylish additions for too-tight garments, changing pant leg widths and more. Don’t miss out on this fun seminar that will fuel your ideas and creativity!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-2 hours

Description: This class is for those who are interested in design. Pamela's method of teaching is to use an existing pattern to learn the design principals that are easy to learn and master. A perfect way to learn with instant gratification! Working from Pamela's Patterns, you will see how simple changes can make these patterns do double and triple duty! You will be creating pattern pieces and get instructions to make many variations. This class is guaranteed to get your "inner designer" inspired, and you will go home with several new self-drafted patterns, ready to be made and worn!

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-2 hours.

Description: Pioneers in pattern fitting, Palmer/Pletsch has been perfecting their approach to fitting for over 40 years. How do they do it? By fitting real women! Having long ago dispensed with tedious measuring or making a muslin to check the fit of a sewing pattern, they have mastered the process of tissue-fitting. This simply means "trying on" the pattern's tissue pieces to see where to alter the pattern for a custom fit. By following a systematic tissue-fitting sequence that has been developed and refined (wait ‘til you see the “wrinkle dictionary”!), the pattern pieces themselves become the muslin! Join Pamela Leggett, director of the two East Coast Palmer/Pletsch Workshop locations and fitting fanatic, to get all the new information and updates to this tried-and-true method of fitting.

Class Type: Lecture
Length: 1-2 hours.

Description: A fashionable cardigan jacket has been a wardrobe staple for decades and is worn in settings from professional to dressy to weekend casual. Now you can make a Chanel-inspired jacket from a knit fabric, combining the style and versatility of a structured jacket with the comfort of a sweater. Pamela will show you how to adapt a basic T-shirt pattern to create a jacket that rivals costly ready-to-wear by names such as St John, Escada and Missoni. You’ll learn how to select a suitable knit fabric, which interfacings to use, how to install a back half lining, and finish the jacket edges with statement-making trims. Ooh la la!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.

Description: A T-Shirt can be more than a comfy top you throw on to do housework. A nice-fitting T-shirt can be the most versatile top in your wardrobe. This selection from Pamela's Patterns addresses all the fitting issues women face (rounded shoulders and back, full bust, hip room, etc.), and gives you a T-shirt you'll be proud to wear anywhere! Make it casual, dressy, or anything in-between.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.

Description: If you feel that tank tops are too revealing for your figure, The Perfect Tank Top pattern will change your mind! This pattern is designed to help hide your problem areas--upper chest and bra straps--and accentuate the positive. A flattering V-neckline, optional full bust front, fuller hip area, and "essence of waist" make this tank top a pleasure to wear alone or under sweaters and jackets.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Half day.

Description: Do you have collections of those oversized T-shirts from vacations, school activities, concerts, etc? Thanks to Pamela's Patterns, you can take those big T-shirts and turn them into fitted and stylish tops you'll be proud to wear anywhere! The technique is simple and fast. In no time you could have a whole new wardrobe of cute tops.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.

Description: Cardigans are a popular fashion accessory, and these two fashion-forward styles are perfect! Choose between the stylish "draped front" or the more tailored "banded front" but get instructions for both- all in one class! As always, Pamela's Patterns give you a great fit, concentrating on women with real curves and fitting issues.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.

Description: The Peplum Top is a figure flattering style that gives a nice waistline illusion and hides any tummy and hop "scallops". Made from knit fabric, it is easy and fast to construct on a sewing machine or serger. The neckline features a keyhole opening that can be put in front, back or left plain. Not only will you finish class with a great top, but you will learn about sewing with knits, stay tapes, fit and proportion.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 1-1.5 days. This works well as a 3 hour evening class followed by a full day workshop.

Description: A nice twin set combo can be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe, and this one really delivers! Both the sleeveless top and cardigan or bolero style jacket are designed to flatter a woman with real curves. This pattern has been designed with the most common fit alterations built right in - high roundback, forward shoulder, full bust and hip/tummy, and a great fit in the neck and shoulder. The sleeveless top covers that extra skin in the armhole area, and both pieces feature an "essence of waist". Choose the classic cardigan length jacket, or show some style with the modestly designed bolero.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.

Description: Pick one, two, or all three styles for your workshop - you can give everyone a choice!

A bias skirt is a flattering style for almost all figures and is guaranteed to make you look and feel thinner! It features two lengths – above the ankle for an elegant look or just above the knee for something more casual. Choose between the full or slim silhouette, and add a smooth sew-in elastic technique with Pamela’s Fantastic Elastic!

The pencil skirt silhouette is an improvement over the traditional straight skirt. It tapers in from hip to hem giving a more slimming appearance no matter what your body type! The secret is in the fitting process and Pamela will teach you how to get the best fit ever with her proven dart and side seam placement methods. You will achieve a smooth look that is traditionally found in skirts with a waistband and zipper, but the “magic” is done with comfortable Fantastic Elastic!

The column skirt is a slimming silhouette that looks great on everyone! Consider wearing this skirt instead of shorts or pants - you'll be pleasantly surprised how versatile and comfortable it is for all seasons! You can make it short or maxi length, or use the templates for a high/low shaped hem style. The Column Skirt features a comfortable 1.5" yoga-style elastic waistband that will fit perfectly. It is smooth at the waist, with no darts or gathering, and falls straight to the knees or ankle. It looks great made in the beautiful thin ITY knits, sweater knits, ponte, border prints - just about any knit fabric you can imagine! Add an optional lightweight tricot or knit lining that will help the skirt look smooth - even over your fluff and scallops!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Half day.
Kit Fee: Will include fabrics and supplies.

Description: Come and sample the newest pattern from Pamela's Patterns! This pattern includes three styles of "no VPL” (visible panty line) underwear, two styles of slips to wear with the bias or pencil skirt (or any skirt for that matter!) and a modesty inspired “cami illusion” for those lower cut tops. You will have fun learning how fast, easy and inexpensive it is to create beautiful lingerie pieces!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 1.5 - 2 days.

Description: Pick one or both styles for your workshop - you can give everyone a choice!

The Softly Pleated Dress is a feminine and figure flattering style that gives a nice waistline illusion - or "essence of waist" - and hides any hip and tummy "scallops". This style is a lesson in proportion - the dress looks great on a wide variety of figures when the waistline, soft pleats and skirt width are in the proper places - and Pamela's Patterns will show you how it's accomplished! The neckline features a choice of high scoop or square styles. Multiple sleeve options, including cap, three quarter, long and ruched make this dress seasonless. Made from a knit fabric, it is easy and fast to construct on a sewing machine or serger.

A modern classic, imagine a Classic T-Shirt Dress that fits your upper and lower body - at the same time! The classic style is perfect for any occasion - dressy, casual or work. The best part of a nice dress? You one need one piece of clothing to look fabulous!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Half day or full day, depending on how many pieces you would like to make.

Description: Modern shapewear doesn't have to be torturous - that is, if you make your own! Clothing will fit better, hang better, look better - and you"ll still be able to breather and be comfortable. Reducing shapewear squishes body "fluff" to a new location, but Smoothing Shapewear will do just what it says - make you look smoother. The Secret? Pamela's Power Panels! Finally - you can have shapewear that is simple to fit and inexpensive to make.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Full day.

Description: This adaptation of the popular cold shoulder style is thoughtfully designed with the modest woman in mind. Pamela makes it appropriate by creating a scaled down version that shows just a “peek” of shoulder and covers any bra strap. If this isn't your style, choose the classic shoulder option - the choice is yours! The swing-y tunic shape shows off an “essence-of-waist” and hides a lot of fluff. There are multiple sleeve length options including a flattering elbow length and a bohemian style "fit & flare". Choose a modified or lower scoop neckline, or the stunning asymmetric style. Very chic!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Full day.

Description: This will be your new fave go-to top! It's casual and polished at the same time and perfect to throw on over jeans, capri pants and slim pants. The silhouette is flowy and tunic length, with a slightly longer back - which means it will hide a multitude of fluff and scallops. The front has a nice semi-fitted look, but when you turn around, the back is what really sets it apart. The lower back has a shirt tail hem and box pleat, sewn into a slightly curved low back yoke. As a detail option, add an exposed zipper at the back neckline for a cool trendy look. Choose between two scoop necklines and several sleeve lengths, including a flattering roll back cuff.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 2-4 day workshops.

Description: Finally a class that will empower you to fit yourself and others and be successful sewing any garment you would like! Pamela, a certified Palmer/Pletsch Fit Specialist and director of the East Palmer/Pletsch Schools, will show you how to determine your pattern size with just one measurement, and how your body type varies from most commercial patterns. You will learn the process of tissue-fitting, which simply means "trying on" the pattern's tissue pieces to see where to alter the pattern for a custom fit. By following a systematic tissue-fitting sequence, the pattern pieces themselves become the muslin! This class will address fitting issues found in most women such as forward shoulder, high round, narrow/broad and sway back, full bust and/or torso, large arms, and much more. You will have the opportunity to fit a commercial pattern and see the transformation into fashion fabric with just minor tweaking.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 2 day workshop.

Description: Great fitting pants are within your reach with Pants... Perfected! Pamela has addressed the issues many women face when trying to fit pants such as baggy back legs, waistbands that don't fit, darts that pull and crotch seams that are never in the right place. You'll learn how to achieve a great fit using "tissue fitting" and professional sewing construction techniques. During the workshop you will construct a pair of Classic Pants from woven fabric that will fit beautifully, and leave with a pattern reflecting your changes. Then see how easy it is to use your pattern for the amazing smooth elastic waist Magic Pants! Option: This workshop can be structured so that attendees can have a choice of making the Classic Pant or the Magic Pants.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 2-3 days.

Description: Do you want a total fitting experience? This retreat workshop will give you all the tools to fit yourself - no help needed! Start with the Personalized Dress Form Workshop where you will transform a dress form into an exact duplicate of your shape using Pamela's methodical padding technique. Then learn the amazing art of Tissue Fitting - or draping - commercial patterns using your dress form as a model, addressing all of your fit issues before ever cutting into your fabric. Just think of how much easier fitting will be when it is done on your body double. Best of all, you will be able to do your own fitting at home - no fitting buddy necessary!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Full day.

Description: This class is for all of you interested in a more in-depth look at adjusting commercial patterns to fit a full (C or more cup size) bust. You will have hands-on instruction to learn how to size a commercial pattern to a body using "tissue fitting" and to increase the cup size on all types of patterns, including armhole and shoulder princess seam patterns. You will also learn how to change where a dart is placed (rotation) move a bust dart into a waist, shoulder, gathers, etc. Don't pay college tuition costs when you learn it here!

*This is all based on Palmer/Pletsch pattern fitting techniques.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Full day.

Description: A dress form is a useful tool for garments and design. The problem is getting one to fit all your curves and "scallops". Custom made forms are expensive and can't be easily altered, and duct tape forms collapse over time. In this class, we will use an adjustable form that you will "build and pad" to look just like you! Other than the dress form, the supplies are simple - a bra and undies, batting and fiberfill, and some bandaging from the drug store. The best thing about this form is that with the skills you learn in this class, you will be able to change the dress form as your body changes!

We'll finish the form with a custom cover. You will now be ready for your fitting and design challenges.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.
Kit Fee: Includes all fabrics and instructions.

Description: Are you ready to make that perfect garment but afraid that it will look homemade? Are you frustrated by the minimal instructions given in patterns? The difference between "just OK" and "fabulous" are often simple techniques in stitching, pressing, and products. This class will show you tricks-of-the-trade to make your garments look professional. Master designer hems, serged French seams, perfect darts and collars, smooth facings, sew-in elastics, and more. You will create samples to cement your knowledge and give you superior skills for your next fashion project.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Half day.
Kit Fee: Includes all fabrics and instructions.

Description: Bound Buttonholes and Welt Pockets - both are indicative of a well made garment, but have always been a time consuming endeavor. Now you can throw out the "old school" methods and learn how to make them accurately and quickly.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Half day.
Kit Fee: Includes all fabrics and instructions.

Description: Did you know that properly set-in sleeve doesn't require ironing? This workshop will teach you how to check your sleeve before cutting to get a "puckerless" cap, put in a flawless bound sleeve head and set shoulder pads that will never show through. Then finish off the sleeve with a mitered vent that takes only minutes to learn and perfect.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.
Kit Fee: Includes all fabrics and instructions.

Description: This class will show you some innovative new twchniques to let you achieve the best -and most accurate- collars and lapels ever! The techniques are not limited to just tailoring, but are also very useful on blouses, dresses and unstructured jackets. They are guaranteed to cut your sewing time by a third and always look professional. You will learn about no fail interfacings, understitching, perfect corners, and linings.

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: All day.
Kit Fee: Includes workbook and fabrics.

Description: A great class for serger owners old and new! Spend time and really learn what your serger can do for you besides just finish an edge. In just one day, you will learn everything you need to know to be comfortable and skilled at using your serger. Maintenance, threading, tensions, differential feed, rolled hem, flatlocking, lace, and more will be done on your own machine. Plus you will see a vast array of samples to inspire future projects. This class has been the inspiration for many of the articles, books and DVD's Pamela has authored for Threads Magazine. A wonderful way to learn the full potential of your serger!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: Each project is a 3 hour class.
Kit Fee: Varies, please contact Pamela for more details.

Description: So many to choose from! You can have your pick of 1 project for a half day class, or two projects for a full day class. Pamela has been teaching the Serger clubs and project classes at stores and shows for over 25 years and has a multitude of fun projects that combine and include many useful serger skills. Contact Pamela for more details and descriptions.

Here are just a few of the fun projects to choose from:

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 1 day.

Description: This class is for those who are interested in design. Pamela's method of teaching is to use an existing pattern to learn the design principals that are easy to learn and master. A perfect way to learn with instant gratification! Working from Pamela's Patterns, you will see how simple changes can make these patterns do double and triple duty! You will be creating pattern pieces and get instructions to make many variations. This class is guaranteed to get your "inner designer" inspired, and you will go home with several new self-drafted patterns, ready to be made and worn!

Option: Why not make this a retreat? Schedule a two day class and spend Day 2 making one of your new pattern designs!

Class Type: Hands-on
Length: 2 days.

Description: What a great way to get creative! We will take a simple T-Shirt dress pattern, Pamela’s Patterns #116 Classic T-Shirt Dress, and transform it into something spectacular! You can do color blocking, add godets, seaming and details – the choice will be yours. Day 1 will be spent going over ideas, altering and recreating patterns and cutting out fabric. On Day 2 we will work on construction and garment fit. Depending on the complexity of your design, you may have to do some finishing details at home. Pamela encourages you to bring in ideas of your own (although she always has plenty to share!) from catalogues, google searches or a similar garment you may already own and want to duplicate. This will be a fun hands-on experience with time to really develop some great fashion ideas!