Gail Yellen  teaches sewing and serger technique classes, garment construction and embellishment workshops. Chock full of valuable ideas and information for garment, quilt and home décor sewers, her classes are geared to all levels of sewing skills. Her “artful patterns with possibilities” have clear, easy-to-follow instructions and feature graceful, flattering lines. Gail particularly loves to teach sewers embellishment techniques that can transform the most basic garments into art-to-wear. An active member of the American Sewing Guild, Gail loves sharing her knowledge with enthusiastic sewers all over the country and would love to teach a workshop at your favorite sewing center/store or for your sewing association.

Fees and references on request at gail@gailpatrice.com.

1. Serger-y 101 Workshop

 Whether you’re a novice or an experienced serger owner, this comprehensive, hands-on workshop is great for learning and perfecting all of your serger’s stitches.What makes the edge of a rolled hem roll? How can you avoid stretching the seam on your beautiful knit tee? Learn how and why to manipulate tensions and change differential feed for various fabrics.We’ll talk about the wide variety of beautiful decorative threads sergers allow us to use and see loads of lovely samples. You’ll leave with a workbook loaded with valuable information, samples and the knowledge to tackle any serger project successfully.

This 8-hour workshop is geared for all skill levels of serger owners. Students must be familiar with threading and changing needles on their machine.

Students should bring: Serger with instruction manual, power cord, foot control and all accessories, extra needles, 4 cones beige serger thread, basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, seam ripper, pencil or pen. A kit (including fabric and workbook) is provided. Kit fee.

2. Cosmetic Serger-y Workshop

What is Cosmetic Serger-y? It’s the blending of construction and decorative serger techniques. While the serger is traditionally used for finishing edges,  it can also be an important embellishment tool in your creative arsenal. Whether you’re a new serger owner or have been using one for years, you’ll learn some very cool techniques that will add a whole new dimension to your garment, home décor or quilt projects. We’ll explore the wide variety of decorative threads that work well with your serger to create decorative stitches and take your artistry to a whole new level. Did you know that you can create braid trim and embellished elastic button loops with your serger? You’ll leave with a workbook loaded with valuable information, samples and the inspiration to tackle any decorative serger technique successfully.

This 8-hour workshop is for all levels of serger owners. Students must be familiar with threading and changing needles on their machine.

Students should bring: Serger, foot control, power cord,  instruction manual and all accessories, any specialty feet that they own, extra needles, 4 cones beige serger thread; basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, pen or pencil. A kit (including fabric and workbook) is provided. Kit fee.

3. Cover Hem Workshop

Because the cover hem has lots of built-in stretch, it’s a wonderful way to hem knits, but did you ever think of all the other ways you can use this versatile stitch? In this hands-on workshop we’ll do a separating zipper application, a lapped seam, a no-facing neckline finish, an elastic application, and stitch “in the round.” Then it’s time for fun! When you put decorative thread in the chain looper, watch what happens. Did you know that you can actually “draw” on fabric with a chain stitch? The cover hem is a workhorse and a whole new embellishment tool–all in one!

Students should bring: Cover hem capable serger, foot control, power cord,  instruction manual and all accessories, extra needles, 4 cones beige serger thread; basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, pen or pencil. A kit (including fabric and workbook) is provided. Kit fee.

4. It’s All About Embellishment!

The right embellishment can make any sewing project go from mundane to marvelous! And the best part is, you can create exquisite embellishments using a very basic zigzag-capable sewing machine. Applique, reverse appliqué, “windows,” charming window dressing,” shrink thread, 2 different “Un-Beweavable” techniques, cool button stacking combos and couching–we’ll experiment with all of them.  A trunk show with oodles of inspiration  is bound to spark your creativity. Photos are permitted. Great for novices as well as experienced sewers.

Students should bring: Sewing machine, foot control, power cord, all accessories and feet, instruction manual, 2 spools beige thread, 2 bobbins, extra spool pin, extra machine needles (size 80/12 or 90/14), basic sewing supplies.

A kit is provided. Kit fee.

Note: This class can be formatted as an 8-hour hands-on workshop or a 3-hour lecture/demo/trunk show.)

5. I Know How to Do It, But Where Do I Put It?

Now you know how to do lots of unusual and beautiful embellishment techniques, but the big question is, where do you put them? Whether it’s a garment, quilt or home decor project, placement of embellishments can be a dilemma. Let’s take the mystery out of composition, pleasing placement and combining techniques. We’ll explore how to avoid common embellishment mistakes, inspiration sources and the burning issues of when to say when and whether any embellishment is even necessary!

This is a lecture/trunk show. Students should bring a notebook and pen and camera. Photos are permitted.

6. Let’s Get Some Closure

Buttons, buttons combined with beads, covered buttons, stacked buttons; loop and tie, bows, grommets, snaps, frogs, decorative pins–we’ll look at them all. Closures don’t have to be expensive to be fabulous. We’ll talk about: placement, design continuity, subtle and eye-popping closures.

This 1 1/2-hour lecture/demo is a relaxing, enjoyable format. A trunk show and plenty of question and answer time is included. Photos are permitted.

7. Collage It!

Go green and gorgeous with the ultimate recycling project! Do you have some favorite wool sweaters or sweatshirts that you no longer wear but just can’t part with or love to search for treasures in a favorite thrift shop? Here’s the perfect project for you! Using the Counterpoints Jacket pattern let me show you how to create a one-of-a-kind jacket using my Template Sets as the collage “puzzle pieces”. We’ll explore the felting process, interfacing, combining colors and textures, and stitch choices for butted seams. What are the various options for closures? And how do you get that perfect neckline fit? From initial sketches to the finished jacket, I’ll show you the step-by-step process of how to make a collage jacket from either felted sweaters or sweatshirts.

This is a lecture/demo class. Students should bring a pen and notebook. Can also be formatted as a hands-on workshop.

8. The Stockbridge Skirt

This 8-gore skirt will instantly become your new favorite wardrobe addition. It is absolutely beautiful on all figures and versatile. Make it in any fabric–denim for a casual look or silk for a special occasion. It’s easy to fit and comfortable. And the no-bulk elastic waistband technique is a snap. You’ll learn how to use a “fitting elastic” to assure a perfect fit and a level hemline. What works best for a gored skirt hem? We’ll look at lots of options. I’ve made this skirt over and over and I’ll show you lots of variations and embellishment techniques. This one-day hands-on class is perfect for all levels of sewers. The pattern construction is easy and attendees will learn a variety of new garment construction skills.

Students should bring: Sewing machine, power cord, foot control, instruction manual, fabric, lining, coordinating thread, basic sewing supplies. A kit that includes pattern and elastic is provided. Kit fee.

9. The Williamstown Skirt

With its unusual diagonal seam and graceful gores, the Williamstown Skirt is lovely as is, but lends itself to all sorts of embellishment possibilities. Learn how to eliminate distorting a bias edge and achieve a perfect fit. You’ll learn how to use a “fitting elastic” to assure a perfect fit and a level hemline. What works best for a gored skirt hem? We’ll look at the options along with lots of embellishment possibilities.This one-day hands-on class is good for all levels of sewers. The pattern construction is easy and attendees will learn a variety of new skills.

Students should bring: Sewing machine, power cord, foot control, instruction manual, fabric, lining, coordinating thread, basic sewing supplies. A kit that includes pattern and elastic is provided. Kit fee: $16.

10. The Islesboro Jacket

Make the Islesboro Jacket in casual fabric as the perfect complement to jeans or create it in silk with matching pants for a knockout evening outfit. On-seam side pockets keep the look sleek and slim. Create your own embellishments, follow the one in the pattern or keep it simple and let the fabric speak for itself–this jacket will be one of your all-time favorites. And we’ll explore a variety of closure options.

11. The Berkshire Jacket

This classic jacket is a wardrobe workhorse. It’s perfect with a dress, skirt, pants or jeans. Love the look of a welt pocket, but don’t feel confident about the technique? I’ll show you a Japanese tailoring technique that yields professional results every time!Dressy or casual, you’ll make this jacket over and over.

12. One Jacket Pattern–A Dozen Different Ways

If you think you need a plethora of patterns for casual, business and dressy jackets, think again. Let’s look at how different jackets from the same pattern can take you from a weekend football game to an elegant cocktail party. Whether it’s Polarfleece™ or silk, we’ll look at how easy it is to create a whole wardrobe of jackets from one pattern.

This is a lecture/trunk show. Students should bring a notebook, pen and camera. Photos are permitted.

13. Sew-ology

Whether you’re a sewing novice, want to sharpen your skills or are looking for tips to take your sewing to a higher level, this is the perfect class for you. You’ll learn how to select the correct foot for a technique and how tweaking the tension can make a world of difference. Check out how the latest notions can improve and streamline your sewing.

Hands-on workshop. Kit fee. Students should bring sewing machine, all feet and accessories, basic sewing supplies, beige thread and bobbin.

14. The Wonderful Welt Pocket

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to construct 2 versions of this beautiful pocket. It’s not as difficult as you may think. Give your jackets, skirts or pants a tailored detail  with professional results.

Kit fee.

Students should bring: sewing machine, all feet and accessories, basic sewing supplies, beige thread and bobbin.

15. Let’s Face it!

Facings aren’t just for the inside of a neckline. In this hands-on workshop we’ll create facings that are a design element for a neckline, sleeve and shaped hem. See how changing the shape of a contrasting color facing can totally change the look of a garment. And you’ll learn how to change a straight hemline into an eye-catching architectural detail.

Kit fee. Students should bring: sewing machine, all feet and accessories, basic sewing supplies, beige thread and bobbin.