From Fabric/Yarn to Garment
August 21st - 25th, 2026
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.
We are continuing our tradition of truly retreating in an amazing location and spending focused time with Garment Designer software for pattern making. So, we return to Cimarron, New Mexico and the 100+ year-old inn we have grown to love.
This year our theme is called ‘From Fabric/Yarn to Garment’. The focus of the retreat is to walk you through the design process of translating your chosen fabrics or yarns to a garment (and pattern) that suits the fabric and your figure.
Students will be asked to bring two to four different fabrics or yarn swatches, each with a different hand and weight. These can be commercial fabrics, handwoven, hand knit, machine knit or crochet swatches.
From Fabric through the Design Process to Pattern
We will begin with an overview of fabrics and the role they play in your design. Susan will have samples for you to see and touch, and together we will determine how those fabrics are going to play a role in decisions made for garment design and Garment Designer pattern work.
After a brief figure analysis exercise, you will combine those results with the knowledge you gained from the fabric exercise and begin to plan the perfect garment. Students will choose an inspiration (from online or other), and using their personal measurements, sketch and plan a garment. The last step will be to build the pattern in Garment Designer and if there is time, test the results.
You will repeat the process for a second garment using a different fabric. In addition, you will learn how to modify a pattern you have created for a one fabric to work with a different type of fabric that has its own unique characteristic.
The skills you learn in this workshop will serve you well for future projects. You will be better equipped to know how your fabric plays a role in the styles you choose. You will also be more familiar with the process one goes through in garment and pattern development.
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 (which includes the re.
Here is the registration form.
Space is limited. You can submit the form via email or mail, and pay for the Retreat here in our Shopify store or by Zelle, Venmo, or check.