Workshops are designed to fill half-day, one or two day, or longer, customized blocks of time. Upon selection of a workshop you will be provided with a detailed materials list and curriculum. Preferred class size is 18 for all workshops listed, please contact me at rachel@rdkc.com to discuss larger class sizes or customized presentations.
To inquire about new classes that are not listed here, please email me at rachel@rdkc.com
Following is a listing of Rachel's standard offerings:
Students will use Rachel's newest pattern, the A-Line Coat (or bring their own coat pattern) and choose between strip-piecing arrangement of units and blocks, or arrangement by pre-selected rows to create an elegant or fun coat in their size (pattern comes in sizes XS-XXL). Other design options include the choice of patch, keyhole, or side-seam pockets, and a choice of three collars: the convertible collar, mandarin collar, or the collarless version. Decisions, decisions! This coat provides an excellent canvas for quilt blocks, ethnic fabrics, conversation prints, or fabrics with special themes.
Return to ListingStudents are invited to join Rachel on safari! Many graphic interpretations of African designs can be used for artistic expression in creating patchwork, piecing, and appliqu³, quilting patterns, embroidery, stamps and stencils. Designs can be used to create various forms of embellishment such as painted designs on fabrics. Students can apply this design class to garments or the designs can easily be adapted for quilts. Sewing experience is preferred, but beginners are welcome too.
Return to ListingIn this lecture Rachel will take students from the beginning of a garment to the end, step by step. Students will learn a variety of approaches, hints and "designers secrets" behind the creation of a good wearable garment. For a longer class, this workshop may be combined with One Garment at a Time. This is a great class for all levels.
Return to ListingThis workshop is designed to engage the student in an exploration of the idea of clothing as an art form, or artistic expression. The workshop starts with a lecture as a source of stimulation for the development of ideas for an individual artistic piece of clothing. Next, students are guided through the experience of creating an individual and unique garment using a variety of materials and techniques. This class is very "hands-on" and involves lots of exploration and adventure. Basic sewing experience is necessary, but more important is an adventurous spirit, imagination, and a sense of humor.
Return to ListingThis workshop is designed to use the material that sewers inevitably collect over the years: the old quilt blocks, the rescued doilies, scarves, lace, buttons, and other odds and ends. Students bring their scraps to Rachel and she will help them to combine these treasures into a wearable garment using the coat pattern of their choice. The design and layout of the garment will be determined by what the student wants to highlight. The final look may be eclectic or orderly, depending on each student's preferences. Sewing experience is preferred, but beginners are welcome too.
Return to ListingThis workshop is designed to use some of the materials that have been saved for that special garment: the designer collection of fabrics, fabrics all in one color-way, buttons, beads, laces and treasured fabrics. Students will learn how to combine some or all into a fanciful designer coat. Students may also personalize their garment further by adding hand embroidery, machine embroidery or other fancy stitchery techniques that I will demonstrate. Sewing experience is recommended, but beginners are welcome too in longer classes.
Return to ListingSimilar to the fitting class for the vest or jacket/coat, this class will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design, and construction. As a two-day class the first day will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design options and customization. The second day will focus on garment construction. As a one-day class, students will walk through fitting, fabric selection and design only. This class can easily be customized to suit either beginners or the very advanced, simply let us know what your group is looking for.
Return to ListingSimilar to the fitting class for the vest or dress, this class will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design, and construction. As a two-day class the first day will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design options and customization. The second day will focus on garment construction. As a one-day class, students will walk through fitting, fabric selection and design only. This class can easily be customized to suit either beginners or the very advanced, simply let us know what your group is looking for.
Return to ListingSimilar, to the fitting class for the jacket/coat and the dress, this class will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design, and construction. As a two-day class the first day will focus on fitting, fabric selection, design options and customization. The second day will focus on garment construction. As a one-day class, students will walk through fitting, fabric selection and design only. This class can easily be customized to suit either beginners or the very advanced, simply let us know what your group is looking for.
Return to ListingThis workshop is designed to help students to create a garment that will "speak" for them. Whereas other classes focus on fabrics and/or techniques, this class focuses on what the student wants to express about themselves through fabrics and techniques. Using either a contemporary or traditional pattern, students will be coached through creating a one-of-a-kind garment to reflect their personality, ethnicity, sense of humor, or to create a mood or to make a social or political statement. A variety of construction and embellishment techniques will be explored. Sewing experience is preferred, but beginners are welcome too.
Return to ListingThis lecture/workshop is a discussion of a variety of concepts and techniques to inspire students to make that "one-of-a-kind" garment that will express a personal statement, personal sense of flair, or speak to individual ethnicity and culture! Students are encouraged to bring along their favorite pattern. There is no sewing in this class; all levels are welcome.
Return to ListingStudents use my pattern, the "Picture This" Vest Pattern, or bring their own, to create a wonderful and unique vest. This class explores building a vest around a batik panel, large-scale novelty or pictorial fabric, quilt block, mola, and other ethnic textile. Sewing experience is recommended, but beginners are welcome too.
Return to ListingDuring this workshop students will explore various concepts and guidelines to creating a complete garment ensemble. Students will be encouraged to look beyond preconceptions and explore new territory that permits free license in planning and designing of a total piece. This is a lecture and demonstration which uses a variety of images as "idea pushers" to help students translate ideas in to their own designs. Combine this workshop in a half-day or one-day session with Clothing for the Body and Soul or Let Your Clothing Speak for You, for a longer workshop. All levels are welcome, however more advanced levels may find this class more useful.
Return to ListingIn this workshop students will explore a variety of techniques such as fast piecing techniques, appliqu³, folded technique, fake bound button holes, piping, covered buttons and anything else that may pop into Rachel's head! The goal is to give both beginning and intermediate sewers some ideas to improve and enhance their work. An illustrated booklet is provided for a small materials fee. The booklet is designed for a full day class, so those choosing Techniques as a half day may not complete all of the exercises.
Return to ListingIn this workshop students will mix and match their favorite fabrics to make a skirt or a shirt that is fun to wear. The garment can also be a great way to use ethnic textiles such as batiks and African fabrics. In a longer class, both the tiered skirt and the big shirt can be made to complete an ensemble. Sewing experience is preferred, but beginners are welcome too.
Return to ListingStudents will be creating units that are cut from long strips, and then sewn together and remade in a Seminole pattern. The strips can be very colorful and are suitable to be used in a small quilt, wall hanging, or as accent to brighten up a garment. American Indians originally developed the Seminole technique. Please note: this class will focus on Seminole techniques, as opposed to Seminole piecing.
Return to ListingStudents will create a small quilt or wall hanging using Nigerian figures, design and the technique of Nigerian applique, which is a reverse applique technique. Rachel will supply some fabrics and designs. Students may alternatively choose to use Rachel's vest pattern and the Nigerian applique designs included with that pattern. After creating a design on freezer paper, then transferring it to fabric, the design is hand appliqued to the garment or quilt. Rachel will reluctantly allow students to machine applique, if they must. Although it is possible to present this class as a half-day, students will complete set-up only in a half-day session and for a beginner level class a one-day minimum is recommended.
Return to ListingScraps galore! Pins wheel, stars tweak, and shoos fly in the scrappy combo of 3 blocks: Pin Wheel, Rachel's Tweaky Star, and Shoo Fly! Students can have fun creating a small, whimsical quilt using light, medium and dark fabric, or if they prefer a longer project they will be shown how to size up to a larger quilt. This is an excellent way to incorporate treasured fabric scraps and embellishments into a keepsake that can have many uses. Everyone will also go home with Rachel's Shoo Fly! Pie recipe. Although it is possible to present this class as a half-day, students will complete set-up only in a half-day session and for a beginner level class a one-day minimum is recommended.
Students will use Rachel's Monster Purse pattern to create a REALLY big purse, or a smaller one, or a quilt. The pattern contains directions for all three, as well as directions for a portfolio sized purse and students can make the item that they prefer. Those who watch Alex Anderson's Simply Quilts on HGTV will know why we call this The Monster Purse, and no it isn't just because it's so huge! Rachel was invited to do a creative challenge on Simply Quilts. Several artists were chosen to make something creative using the feathered star block. The feathered star block is, well, it is a bit of a monster and so they called the show the monster block challenge. For Rachel's part in the show she made a large portfolio sized purse featuring the feathered star block. Students can make a purse or quilt with the feathered star block using paper piecing and the provided template, or use another more friendly block of their own choosing, or piece together the feathered star block.