August 21st - 25th, 2025
Cimarron, New Mexico
We are continuing our tradition of truly retreating in an amazing location and spending focused time with Garment Designer. So, we return to Cimarron, New Mexico and the 100-year-old inn we have grown to love.
Skill Level: All you really need is computer comfort and some sewing experience. It is advisable to get the software in advance and have experimented with it a bit, but even this is not critical. Those with more advanced Garment Designer Skills will simply work at a higher and faster level.
This year our theme is called ‘One Plus One = Two’. We will focus on how to design two ‘top’ garments that can be worn together. Typically this would be a top and a jacket, but you can choose to use any other top style you like such as a camisole, sweater, vest, etc.
Students will be asked to bring fabric/yarn samples for these projects as we will discuss the role a fabric plays while making decisions about the styles you choose to create. Ease, Drape, and Style compatibility are all considerations that need to be determined prior to building a pattern.
Your first garment will be the Top, and through the creation of the pattern for this, and then, the building of a full-scale paper pattern, we can test fit and style. If you bring some muslin, this can be stitched for even better results. We will evaluate the garment and make adjustments should you need them. It is a great skill to know how to take changes back to your Garment Designer pattern.
Once the first garment is set, you will proceed to design the second garment bearing in mind that the two pieces will be worn together. Often, this requires some basic changes to certain areas of the second garment if it is to be worn over the first.
The skills you learn in this workshop will serve you well for future projects. You will experience a great mix of design considerations used to create a successful project.
You will love learning more about the abilities of Garment Designer. In addition to the hands-on workshop, moving from project to project, there will be lots of talk on design, creativity, etc. You will be free to work into the wee hours of the night, as we have taken over an area of the Inn. We do take a partial day to explore the city of Taos for its fashion, fabric and yarn. There is lots of inspiration there.
Here is the flyer for the Retreat.
Here is the registration form.
Space is limited. You can submit the form via email or mail, and pay for the Retreat either by Zelle, Venmo, check or by credit card here on our Shopify store.