Core Conference Classes
Core Classes ~ October 24-27, 2024
Elevate Your Skills at the 29th Annual ASDP Educational Conference! Immerse yourself in a captivating lineup of classes led by industry experts during the Core Conference in Portland, Oregon. From October 24-27, 2024, you'll embark on an enriching journey where you can choose from a diverse array of sewing and design sessions tailored to your interests and goals.
Complete class listings can be found below, or you can use the links to navigate to a specific day. We encourage attendees to plan for the full Core Conference experience, which includes access to class selections on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, a limited number of single-day tickets will be available for those with specific scheduling needs or interests.
With an exceptional range of options available each day, you'll have the opportunity to personalize your conference experience based on your unique aspirations. Our meticulously curated class schedule offers a diverse range of topics, techniques, and skill levels, catering to both seasoned professionals and those embarking on their sewing and design journey.
Explore full-day intensives that allow for an in-depth exploration of a particular subject, or delve into half-day sessions that offer focused instruction on specific techniques. Please note that none of the classes repeat, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience throughout the conference.
Whether you're seeking to refine your craft, gain insights into business practices, or ignite your creative spark, the ASDP Educational Conference promises to be a transformative experience. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as you soar to new heights in the world of sewing and design.
To assist those interested in applying for certification, we have marked specific classes with the MSDP and MAS logos in the class listings. These classes have been evaluated and recognized by the MSDP Board as valuable education that contributes towards the certification process. |
Wednesday & Thursday ~ October 14-15, 2026
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Sculptural Sleeves: Advanced Pattern Design
Presenters: Lalon Alexander & Theresa Alexander
2-Day Master Class - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $20 Includes: Handouts, pattern paper, and slopers.
Description:
Sleeves make the statement. They transform simple garments into showstoppers, elevate basics into couture, and showcase your technical mastery like no other design element. This intensive two-day master class takes your pattern design skills to new heights as you create a professional portfolio of advanced sleeve patterns that will distinguish your work for years to come.
Dr. Lalon Alexander and Dr. Theresa Alexander guide you through the intricate world of sculptural sleeve design, sharing the techniques they've honed through decades of university-level fashion education. This isn't about following basic instructions — it's about truly understanding the geometry, proportion, and construction principles that allow you to design any sleeve you can envision.
Over two immersive days, you'll master three to six creative sleeve patterns, working at your own skill level and pace. Six unique professional sleeve designs are provided ranging in complexity, plus the sleeve slopers you need as your foundation. You'll learn the systematic approach to transforming basic patterns into dramatic designs — knowledge that extends far beyond these specific patterns.
You'll leave with professionally drafted patterns ready to use, comprehensive technique notes, and the confidence to tackle any sleeve design challenge.
Supplies Needed: Paper scissors, invisible (Scotch) magic tape, sharpened pencil, eraser, c-thru 18" grid ruler, fabric scissors, sewing pins, 3-5 yards plain muslin if you plan to test your patterns, any color sewing thread, your own sewing machine (if you don't want to use the shared machine in the room).
Custom Couture Skirt
Presenter: Helen Haughey
2-Day Master Class - Hands-on workshop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $65 Includes: Customized pattern, customized toile, silk organza, instructions.
Description:
What fits like a glove but covers your lower torso and thighs? Of course a custom couture skirt!
This hands-on master class is for sewers of intermediate skill. Previous skill in couture sewing is not required. You will need to provide your measurements so that your personalized pattern and toile can be constructed for you ahead of the class.(this is included in your kit fee)
We will construct a Bouclé Pencil Skirt using couture techniques and beginning with a well fitted pattern and toile that can be used again and again or altered for different style changes.
Couture techniques to be used:
- use of silk organza underlining
- quilting the bouclé from the right side through the underlining and lining
-use of wide seam allowances
-careful pattern matching
-hand stitching of the lining side and back seams
-hand picked zipper
-shaped petersham waist band
-lots of hand stitches
-a customized pattern that can be reused
-a skirt that is both comfortable and stylish!
Supplies Needed: Paper scissors, invisible (Scotch) magic tape, sharpened pencil, eraser, c-thru 18" grid ruler, fabric scissors, sewing pins, 3-5 yards plain muslin if you plan to test your patterns, any color sewing thread, your own sewing machine (if you don't want to use the shared machine in the room).
All About Closures
Presenters: Barbie McCormick and Ellen Miller
2-Day Master Class - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $50 Includes: Fabrics, zippers, buttons, etc. to make samples; printed instructions and pattern templates.
Description:
Barbie McCormick and Ellen Miller are teaming up to teach All About Closures. This two day class will examine closures of all kinds, including the proper pattern work to make the closures look “right” and work well on any garment.
Students will learn how to adjust patterns to accept different zipper techniques, different buttons/buttonholes, cord loops and more.
Among the zipper techniques we will tackle: invisible zippers, fly front zippers, separating zippers, pocket zippers.
Among the button/buttonhole techniques we will tackle: better machine worked buttonholes, in seam/slot buttonholes, cord loops.
We will also make covered snaps- for discreet help keeping things closed.
Ellen and Barbie will show examples of all techniques with the students making as many samples of the different zipper insertions and buttonholes as time allows.
Kit will include handouts with not, pattern templates and instructions, plus a range of zippers, buttons, fabrics and interfacing to sew the samples in class.
Supplies Needed: Sewing machines (needles and thread), basic sewing supplies: fabric scissors, fabric markers, rulers, hand needles, etc.; note taking supplies.
Friday, October 16
Design Your Own Fabric
Presenters: Lalon Alexander & Theresa Alexander
Full Day - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $0
Description:
From Sketch to Print-Ready Repeat
Imagine seeing your original artwork transformed into custom fabric — fabric that sets your work apart and tells your unique creative story. In this hands-on, full-day workshop, you'll learn to design professional fabric prints from concept to production-ready file, opening new creative possibilities for your sewing projects and business.
We begin with the foundation of all fabric design: understanding repeats. You'll learn the mechanics behind seamless patterns — how designs tile perfectly to create continuous yardage — and discover the different repeat types that create distinct visual effects.
Using hand-drawing techniques, you'll create your own original design repeat during the workshop. Don't worry if you think you can't draw — approachable methods yield professional results. You'll leave with a completed hand-drawn repeat that's uniquely yours.
We'll walk you through the digital pathway that transforms your artwork into actual fabric. You'll learn scanning techniques and best practices for preparing files for print-on-demand services like Spoonflower.
In the final segment, we'll demonstrate how Adobe Illustrator takes fabric design even further — showing how digital tools create flawless seamless repeats, manipulate scale and color, and expand creative possibilities.
What you'll take home: your own completed original fabric design repeat, comprehensive handouts on repeat construction and digital preparation, and resources for print-on-demand services.
Supplies Needed: Plain copy paper, tracing paper, sharpened pencil, eraser, ruler, colored pencils (or markers or crayons).
The Business of Alterations
Presenter: Barbie McCormick
Full Day - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $10 Includes: Extensive handouts with instructions and sources; spreadsheets for personal use.
Description:
This class covers the “Business” part of your alterations business!
Fitting and sewing are one thing, but to have a successful alterations business, you need some non-sewing knowledge of running a business. Whether you have a home-based studio, or a brick-and-mortar shop, there is a lot more that goes into your sewing business than just sewing!
This class will cover a range of professional practices; business planning, pricing, estimates, overhead, basic marketing, basic accounting, sourcing supplies, budgeting, hiring, scheduling, policies and contracts, training, education, continuing education, etc.
These business basics, geared specifically towards a sewing business, will open your eyes to all aspects of how a business is run- not just getting the sewing done.
Barbie has successfully run and maintained her sewing and alterations business since 1994, and she completed her MAS Certification in 2021. She has learned so much along the way, and loves to share her knowledge!
Supplies Needed: Note taking equipment.
Arrowheads, Swing Tacks & More
Presenter: Ellen Miller
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $5 Includes: Embroidery & other threads, needles, fabric, instruction booklet
Description:
Arrowhead and bar tacks are used to lessen the strain on fabric at stress points in a garment. Swing Tacks connect fabric layers. The Tailor's Buttonhole stitch makes beautiful hand sewn buttonholes and more.
Once added to your repertory these simple stitches and tacks will help elevate your garments from home made to custom made.
Supplies Needed: Embroidery hoop (with stand), scissors.
Corsetmaking Techniques
Presenter: Julie Burnsides Diaz
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on workshop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $25 Includes: Pre-cut fabric, boning samples, corset busk, grommets, fabric samples, handouts.
Description:
While corset making has a significant degree of overlap with many skills that sewing professionals already possess, there are some unique quirks that must be learned in order to take structured creations to the next level. The class will begin with a brief overview of corset styles through history. Then, students will learn to choose the right fabrics, work with 4 different types of boning, install bust gores, grommets and busks like a professional, master precision stitching on bone casings and bindings, and troubleshoot common fit issues. The instructor will share her favorite tools and tricks to make every bridal, fashion, or costume corset project a success. The class will also discuss some of the safety considerations important in constructing and wearing a corset and talk about ways to clearly communicate those safety concerns to clients.
A kit will be provided including pre-cut fabric, boning samples, a corset busk, and grommets. If students wish to practice the demonstrated techniques in class, please bring some or all of the following: sewing machine (optional), zipper foot, stitch-in-the-ditch foot and topstitching foot, sewing kit including machine (90/14) and hand needles, thread, fabric scissors, thread snips, pins, measuring tape, and fabric marking tools like chalk or frixion pens. Safety glasses are recommended while sewing machines are in use.
Supplies Needed: Sewing machine (optional), zipper, stitch-in-the-ditch and topstitching feet, sewing kit (90/14 and hand needles, thread, fabric scissors, thread snips, pins, measuring tape, fabric marking tools). Safety glasses recommended.
Bodacious Braids
Presenter: Ellen Miller
Half Day PM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $25 Braiding cords of multiple sizes and kinds, Instruction booklet.
Description:
Braids: simple, yes? But what about a four-strand braid? Or a ten-strand braid?
Ranging from simple two-strand twists to complex ten-strand behemoths, braids can be made in an infinite variety of textures and colors. During this class you will learn multiple braid rubrics. We will also experiment with plaiting braids in different kinds of cords: thick and thin, plain and beaded.
Creating unique trims is as easy as making braids.
Supplies Needed: Hand sewing needle & thread, scissors.
Built for Balance: Stepping Away Without Stress
Presenter: Genna Engeman & Adrienne Gonzales
Half Day PM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $35 Inlcudes: Spiral bound workbook/reference book.
Description:
Entrepreneurship and hustle mentality does not come with a manual on how to step away from your business, whether for planned time off or unexpected emergencies. Time away can feel impossible, leading to burn-out or panic when life takes over. Many of us choose to become professional sewists to achieve the dream of flexibility and balance until the reality of owning a business sets in and we find ourselves overcommitted.
This highly interactive workshop will guide attendees through identifying the gaps in their business operations and creating both a break strategy and an emergency plan. By the end, participants will have a clear action plan to ensure that stepping away when life happens does not become a business disaster.
Adrienne and Genna have both steered their businesses through multiple life situations. They are especially passionate about empowering mothers who choose the sewing trades as a way to support and be present for their families.
Supplies Needed: Pen, notebook.
The Lucrative Line of Altering Leather Garments
Presenter: Barbie McCormick
Full Day - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $50 Includes: Leather or faux leather garment to alter; specialty supplies and notions for altering leather/vinyl/suede/faux leather.
Description:
Altering (real or faux) leather garments can seem daunting, but there are a lot of easy alterations that can be done on a basic sewing machine! And alterations on leather garments demand a higher rate than standard alterations — expand your wheelhouse AND your earnings!
Students will learn tips, tricks, and tools for marking, hemming, seaming, working around/with zippers, topstitching, and "blind" hemming. We'll cover how to tell real leather from faux leather, and the differences you need to know for successful alterations.
We'll discuss the capabilities and limitations of domestic machines vs. industrial machines (regular vs. compound foot), and industry techniques for working with each.
Kit fee includes a (faux or real) leather garment to practice alterations, leather and faux leather samples, tools and notions for alterations, and handouts.
Supplies Needed: Sewing machine (with standard needle, thread feet, etc.), fabric scissors, thimble, note taking supplies
Wardrobe Wizardry - for Yourself & Your Clients
Presenter: Nancy (Nix-Rice) Litz
Full Day - Lecture/demo
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $0
Description:
Not just a bunch of stuff in a closet — a true WARDROBE is a carefully curated collection of beautiful pieces that showcase a woman's best characteristics and work effortlessly together into an endless assortment of great outfits for every aspect of her life. Nearly impossible to create from off-the-rack retail, but absolutely attainable when style savvy meets custom dressmaking skills.
This workshop will equip participants to be role models of personal style themselves and become indispensable partners for their clients.
Color Certainty: Nothing is more critical to an optimal wardrobe than one's personal best colors. This section will demonstrate the immeasurable impact color choices have for every woman — from identifying warm/cool coloring and value balance, to choosing key neutrals and color placement for a balanced figure.
Figuring Out Figures: Optimal garment styling can make any body appear sleek and well balanced. We'll explore five basic body types, typical pattern alterations for each, balancing strategies for figure irregularities, and the impact of fabric and design details.
Wardrobe Wizardry: This implementation plan puts all the pieces together — from how to purge a closet to how just 12 carefully chosen garments can create up to 96 different outfits.
Supplies Needed: Note taking supplies.
Restyling the Sentimental
Presenter: Andrea Hoover
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Advanced
Kit Fee: $20 Includes: Actual wedding gown, photo, 4 croquis drawing sheets, 2 yards of muslin (per group of 2–4 students); each person receives an outline.
Description:
Finally, cutting into a Wedding Gown or any other gown won’t be scarry! Come and join Andrea Hoover, of A Stitch n’ Time LLC, as she explains how to gather your courage and decipher the customer’s dream idea for their special day. Draw, cut, splice and sew their sentimental gown into a restyled reality. You will be considered the “Fairy Godmother” to your client once you can tackle this challenge and the sample gowns that go with this class.
In the first half of the class, we will be going over the logistics of changing a gown, along with viewing all kinds of eye-catching pictures designated to wet your whistle and get your creative juices flowing. During the second part of the class, you will be divided up into small groups and contemplate how you are going to change the given gown (This lace goes here, this fabric goes there, this gets cut…) Class ends with a group show-and-tell. After finishing this class, hopefully, you will have the confidence to cut and restyle that sentimental gown with ease of mind.
Supplies Needed: Colored pens and #2 pencils.
Textile Mastery: From Fiber to Fabric
Presenters: Lalon Alexander & Theresa Alexander
Half Day AM - Lecture
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $10 Includes: Handouts, fiber samples, yarn samples, and fabric samples.
Description:
Ever feel uncertain when a client asks about fabric performance? Wonder if you're recommending the right textile for a project? Whether you're preparing for MAS or MSDP certification or simply want to deepen your professional expertise, this comprehensive half-day workshop will transform how you understand and work with textiles.
This session moves beyond surface-level knowledge to give you the confident, technical understanding that distinguishes true professionals.
We'll build your textile knowledge from the ground up: fiber properties (why cotton behaves differently from polyester, why silk drapes beautifully, how fiber content affects dyeing and durability); fabric construction and properties (weaves, knits, specialty constructions and their impact on performance); yarn types (how twist, ply, and texture affect the final fabric); and textile finishes (from water repellents to wrinkle resistance).
Bonus: For those pursuing professional certification, we'll share proven study strategies and test-taking techniques.
You'll leave with the confidence to tackle any textile challenge and the professional vocabulary to communicate expertly with clients, suppliers, and fellow professionals.
Supplies Needed: Magnifying glasses if needed, note-taking supplies.
Analyze your Marketing/ Increase Your Bottom Line
Presenter: Linda McCoy
Half Day PM - Lecture
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $5 Includes: Handout/worksheets.
Description:
No matter how long you've been in business, this class presents things to consider to level up and grow your business. We'll look at the low or no cost marketing ideas you may have overlooked to add value, build goodwill and in turn increase your bottom line. Come analyze your business and deep dive where your customers are coming from, and attract new ones.
Supplies Needed: Note taking supplies.
Industrial Techniques and Tools for Professional Results
Presenter: Nancy Petersen
Half Day PM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $25 Includes: Printed handouts, sewn samples, related supplies.
Description:
Continually sharpening our sewing and design skills helps us build our businesses and elevate our work product. Techniques, tools, equipment, and practices utilized in apparel manufacturing improve productivity, efficiency, and result in more professional and predictable outcomes.
In this class, you will learn industrial design and construction methods and techniques that are less commonly known in the U.S. due to nearly all garment manufacturing being outsourced overseas. Industrial tools and equipment are more specialized and designed for daily professional use and results. The various types of machines, attachments, feet, and tools will be explored and demonstrated, along with tools and equipment available for you to view, try-out, and test.
You will have greater confidence and better understanding of industrial techniques and equipment and how they can help you improve your skills and work. Prepared samples, samples to make and take home, informational handouts, and a list of sources will be provided.
Supplies Needed: Bring feet attachments you'd like to learn, basic sewing tools, brand(s) and model(s) of machines you currently own or are interested in.
Customizing the Custom Pant Block
Presenter: Karen Bengtson
Full Day - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Advanced
Kit Fee: $35.00
Description:
What comes next with the Custom Pant Block?
Now that you have your pant block, learn how to design different pants and styles for yourself or your clients without buying and fitting multiple patterns. You will learn to design different waistline finishes, styles and types of front and back pockets, yokes, and leg styles.
We will be working on full-scale patterns, so you will be able to take your designs and start your next project right away.
Supplies Needed: Folder to hold patterns, book, handouts, roll of paper.
Harnessing Hairbraid!
Presenter: Barbie McCormick
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $15 Includes: Selection of hairbraids (various sizes, colors, stiffnesses), supplies for samples and practice, printed handouts.
Description:
It's not just for hems! Learn about the different types and properties of various hairbraids. We will cover several different ways to hem — which fabrics work best with which widths of hairbraid, and numerous methods for hemming! Demonstrations with small, tubular hairbraid from 1/4" up to 6" wide will show the different effects hairbraid can have on a hem.
Then we'll cover different uses: from decorations and embellishments to additional inner structures in bodices, waistbands, necklines, and sleeves.
Learn how creative you can be with this weightless, buoyant notion!
Supplies Needed: Sewing Machine (with thread, needles, etc). Hand sewing supplies (basic needle and thread), note taking supplies.
Welt Buttonhole
Presenter: Ellen Miller
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $25 Includes: Fabrics to make samples, Patterns, Instruction booklet.
Description:
Welt Buttonholes: do you curse a blue streak every time you need to make them? There is a better way.
This class will explore several methods of making welt buttonholes so you will find a favorite method and master it!
Supplies Needed: Sewing machine, scissors, marking pen/chalk, hand sewing needle, pins, thread for machine, ruler.
Pocket Power! Designing Creative Pockets
Presenter: Shawnelle Cherry
Half Day AM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Kit Fee: $10 Includes: Pattern paper, paper slopers & handouts.
Description:
Pockets are one of the most practical — and most expressive — design details in sewing. In this three-hour class, participants will explore how thoughtfully designed pockets can enhance a garment's function, improve proportion, and add personality and visual interest.
This class is designed for sewists of all levels, including those who have never drafted a pattern before. The pocket is an ideal entry point into pattern drafting: it's small, approachable, and immediately useful.
The class begins with a visual slide presentation showcasing a wide variety of creative pockets — from classic and utilitarian to playful and unexpected. We'll look at how pockets have evolved historically, how designers use them as focal points, and why pocket placement, scale, and proportion matter as much as the pocket style itself.
Participants will learn how to design and draft three versatile pocket styles: a Triangle Welt Pocket for clean lines and graphic interest, a Pleated Patch Pocket that adds dimension and design impact, and a Gathered InSeam Pocket that blends softness with practicality.
By the end of the session, sewists will leave inspired, informed, and ready to add — or redesign — pockets that truly elevate their garments.
Supplies Needed: Clear ruler, pencil, paper scissors, French curve & tape (if you have).
Bone-Appetit! All About Boning
Presenter: Barbie McCormick
Half Day PM - Demonstration
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $12 Includes: Variety of bones, casings, tips, and coutil; printed instructions with sources.
Description:
Learn about the different types and uses of boning! From super stiff to softly structured. From building a corset to lending a smooth appearance to fitted garments, and supporting necklines, collars, structured shoulder pads, bras, and waistbands!
This class will cover the different kinds of boning available (metal, plastic, polyester, nylon, woven, coiled, combinations, etc), their individual qualities, how to tip them, how to sew them into different areas of garments, and many, many, different applications!
Students will learn the variations in usage-like sewing a separate support structure, such as an inner corselette, vs sewing directly into garment sections. We’ll cover how and where to add additional support to an existing garment. An array of sewing and structure techniques will be demonstrated and discussed.
Supplies Needed: Note taking supplies.
Practical Pattern Grading
Presenter: Bonny Carmicino
Half Day PM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $0
Description:
Do you find yourself needing to make garments a size or two larger (or smaller) than the pattern size range?
If so, this is the class for you!
We will start with a general description of pattern grading (what it is and what it isn't), then move to grading a multi-size pattern up or down a size or two.
Bring to class a new (uncut) multi-size pattern and you'll leave with a graded pattern and the confidence to do more when you get home! This class is suitable for all sewing levels — and also suitable for non-sewers.
Supplies Needed: New (uncut) multi-size pattern(s), pencil, eraser, gridded ruler, French curve (optional).
Trims Galore!
Presenter: Ellen Miller
Half Day PM - Lecture/demo with hands-on
Difficulty: All levels
Kit Fee: $40 Includes: Lace trims, ribbons, gimps, other trims and instruction booklet with step-by-step directions and photos.
Description:
Trims: lace trims, gimp, soutache, Russian braid — which is which and how to use them?
In addition to learning the technical names and classifications, we will explore taking trims apart and combining the parts to make unique trims. The class will also cover sewing trims to fabrics, by hand and machine.
Supplies Needed: Sewing machine, general sewing kit.
2885 Sanford Ave SW #19588, Grandville, MI 49418
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