We have a Dress Shop class room set up to help you through the learning curve. And it is FREE!

Your instructor is Kaaren Hoback also known as Patrns4u. She is a long time User and educator for all the Dress Shop programs. She is the designer of both Hat Shop and Illusions and generally coordinates the extensive Beta testing program on the products

There are classes available to learn what's new with Dress Shop, how to measure, how the patterns draft, what is ease and how it is applied, how to select a silhouette, how to adjust the fit from "default " to exactly what you desire and much more.

First even though this is a "chat room" it is a very secure real class room. We even have a white board so I can draw (roughly) a graphic aid. ALL questions on Dress Shop are welcome.

The current schedule for chat classes is as follows:

Tuesday 11:30AM
Wednesday 8PM
Thursday 10AM
Saturday 8PM
Sunday 1PM
All Times Pacific US
This schedule is subject to change!

To find out how to get there and set up your password just go to: http://www.geocities.com/patrns4u/classtexts/chat.html

Newbie Classes
Even though many newbies have been sewing for years or even hand drafting patterns for years if you are new to computerized pattern making these classes are for you. The following 1 hour chat classes will repeated in order starting Wednesday January 4. Newbie classes will be Wednesday evening at 8PM and repeated On Thursday morning at 10AM Regular classes will be held on the “other class days”. The topic on those will vary. The classes for new users or those that would like to start with the basics are

Session 1 :

What is a sloper and why do we use one How the patterns draft See and hear how the measuring points create the pattern draft for the upper torso

Pants sloper How the pattern drafts and how to use the crotch tool

What is ease? How is it applied? Where is it applied

Pattern Preparation what’s needed. Quarter scales and Mini Mannequins

What is a silhouette and how do I select the one for the design in my head What’s in a name?

How do I use the Fit Tool What is it, why should I use it?

How to use the neckline and shoulder extension tools

How to use the Sleeve tool

How to use the Collar tools

How to use dart adjustment and flare angles

The regular classes have a very varied topic line that I will not be locked into. They are repeated on occasion. Sometimes I post in advance what the topic will be. Sometimes its spur of the moment based on user questions.

There is always time for Question and Answers. The only “dumb” question is the one that’s not asked.

Class protocol- this is so your time is NOT wasted with miscellany chat.
To ask a question just type a question mark and hit enter. When I get to a good stopping point in the class I will tell you to go ahead with your question.

I am about the world’s worst artist. I cant draw a straight line to save my life but I can make a beautiful hand drafted or altered pattern. My drawings on the white board are sufficient to get the idea across. Since it is such an effort for me to draw anything I ask that you not draw or clear anything on the white board during the class session. Play all you wish before or after class.

This winter after the holidays I will be designing a class project. I will choose the base silhouette and you will chose the details and fit level. If the project I choose is not from the core program I will supply you each with an extra free pattern that you will be able to use for the project. The project will be offered during Regular class hours not during the newbies class times. There will be two levels: a simplified version and a fully lined version. We will be discussing specialty pockets and interfacings and linings. ( Hint- its gonna be a jacket)

A second project for beginning seamstress’s will be either a nightgown or robe. I hope you will be able to join us and that these classes will offer you the detail you need to get a new wardrobe that fits you wonderfully.

Class times are sometimes adjusted due to my personal and family needs. I will always attempt to post the change in advance. However; there are times I just don’t show up. As family needs rise unexpectedly.

Please remember these classes are Free and something I personally offer to Dress Shop users. This is Not a company function. (Though Livingsoft does endorse the program) The last thing is I am known as the Queen of Typos. Actually I am the Empress. :) There is no spell check and I’m typing as fast as the old fingers will work which is still a mile behind what I’m thinking. Its not a mark of disrespect and I have no intention of slowing down the process by making everything word perfect. I am also juggling back and forth with a graphire pen, keyboard and mouse.

Time zones : The times for these chats have been carefully selected to coordinate with my family life and the varying time zones around the world.

I am on Pacific Time from October to May and on East Coast time May to October. There will be a 2 week break as we move back and forth to each.

To find what time class starts in your time zone please visit http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Starting the first of the year we will be reserving the Wednesday and Thursday sessions for "newbies " going over a basic series of 10 classes on a repeating basis. All are welcome to join ALL class sessions.

To find out how to get there and set up your password just go to: http://www.geocities.com/patrns4u/classtexts/chat.html

Print out the instructions and once you have logged in (at any time) bookmark the site to your favorites so you can enter the room quickly.

Internet Explorer and Java are required. Email Kaaren Hoback directly if you need assistance
Patrns4u@aol.com