Weave, Cut, and Sew Your Own
From Handwoven Cloth to Wearable Art
Transform your own handwoven yardage into a wearable garment. This three-day workshop combines online preparation with two days of hands-on instruction in pattern selection, layout, fitting, cutting, and sewing. With individual guidance from experienced handweaver and garment designer Karen Gelbard, participants will develop the skills and confidence to turn their handwoven cloth into wearable art.
Weave, Cut, and Sew Your Own
A Three-Day Workshop for Handweavers
You've woven the cloth. Now comes the exciting—and sometimes intimidating—part: cutting into it!
This three-day workshop is designed for handweavers who are ready to transform their own woven yardage into a wearable garment. Together, we'll explore the decisions and techniques involved in working with handwoven cloth, from selecting a suitable pattern to cutting, fitting, and sewing a garment that celebrates the unique qualities of your fabric.
Day One — Two hour Zoom meeting for Preparation
We begin with an online session focused on planning and preparation. We'll discuss pattern selection, fabric layout, fit considerations, and the special characteristics of handwoven cloth. This advance preparation will help participants arrive ready to make the most of our time together.
Days Two and Three — Hands-On Workshop
During two days of in-person instruction, participants will lay out, cut, fit, and begin sewing their own garments. With individual guidance and creative problem-solving throughout, each participant will make meaningful progress while developing the skills and confidence to continue construction independently.
Friday Meet and Greet — 4:00–6:00 PM
Before our in-person workshop begins, we'll gather at the Kiawanda Community Center in Pacific City for an informal Meet and Greet. This is an opportunity to get acquainted, discuss projects, and set up sewing machines so we're ready to begin the following morning.
Learn from Experience
Working with handwoven cloth presents unique opportunities and challenges. Drawing on years of experience as both a handweaver and garment designer, Karen Gelbard will share practical techniques, creative approaches, and lessons learned from transforming her own woven fabrics into wearable art.
Whether you're making your first garment from handwoven cloth or looking to expand your garment-making skills, this workshop offers a supportive setting to explore the possibilities of the cloth you create.
Three days of instruction: one preparatory Zoom session and two full days of in-person, hands-on instruction, plus a Friday Meet and Greet from 4:00–6:00 PM.
Duration / Format
Facility requirements: A well-lit workspace with sufficient tables and chairs for 7–10 participants, electrical outlets for sewing machines and irons, and large cutting tables for laying out handwoven fabric and garment patterns. A designated pressing area with ironing equipment is also needed. The room should allow adequate space for participants to move comfortably between workstations.
Workshop Information
Included in course price.
Fees & Registration
$625 includes all workshop materials, two catered lunches, and a Friday evening Meet & Greet from 4–6 PM.
This workshop is also available for guild-sponsored instruction. Instructor fees are $700 per day, plus applicable travel expenses. Preparatory online instruction is quoted separately. Facility requirements and scheduling arrangements are available upon request.