Virtual Workshop: Sew a Valo Dress or Top

The Valo pattern includes two variations: a midi dress with an elastic waist and large patch pockets, and a relaxed-fit top with a gathered drawstring waist. Both variations have a distinctive heart-shaped yoke with a scoop neck to front and a V-neck to reverse. 

The dress hip seam is reinforced with a flat-felled seam, which gives it a lovely shape, and works as a subtle little detail. The dress features elegant half-sleeves whilst the top comes with perky short sleeves. 

In this intermediate level, 4-part workshop, you'll learn how to:

• Measure the body accurately to create a perfect fit
• Work from a commercial pattern, including size selection, deciphering instructions, cutting from paper pattern pieces, and more
• Understand garment sewing basics such as proper fabric prep, pinning, cutting, ironing and troubleshooting
• Become familiar with sewing jargon commonly found in commercial patterns
• Sew a heart-shaped yoke, flat felled seams, patch pockets, waistband casing for elastic or drawstring, and more!

This is a four-evening workshop being held on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 9/22 at 6:30-7:30pm - The instructor will demo how to properly cut your pattern & fabric. Students are to complete these steps at their own pace between the first and second session.
• Friday 9/24 at 6:30-9pm - Students will sew along with the instructor during this session.
• Saturday 9/25 at 4-6:30pm - Students will sew along with the instructor during this session.
• Sunday 9/26 at 4-6:30pm - Students will sew along with the instructor during this session.

 **There may be homework between part 2, 3 & 4 depending on workshop pace!**

Skill Requirements

Please note this is not a learn-to-sew class. Students must have strong machine sewing knowledge, be comfortable using a sewing machine, and have sewn a few garments in the recent past. 

Materials + Tools Required

• Valo Pattern by Named Clothing 

• 1.5 - 4.15 yards (depending on size, dress/top version selected, and fabric width) non-stretch, medium weight fabrics. You can opt for a low drape fabric, like the linen blend in the sample images, or a more drapey one, depending on the desired result. We recommend choosing a contrast color for the yoke, or using the wrong side of your fabric for contrast or cutting it cross-grain, if your fabric allows. See size chart above to determine yardage needed for main and contrast fabrics.

• 1 spool of all-purpose sewing thread

• Straight pins

• 1/2 yard interfacing

• For dress: 1.5-inch wide grosgrain ribbon (2 yards) & 1-inch elastic (length of your waist measurement)

• For top: 3/4-inch grosgrain ribbon (2 yards) & cording of your choice for the drawstring (your waist measurement + 3/4 yard) 

• Fabric Scissors

• Sewing machine -- please make sure your machine is in good working order before registering for this workshop :)

• Iron and ironing board or mat