This course will explore the world of couture sewing by fully constructing a garment using hand-sewing techniques. No machines involved here. You will develop an appreciation for the skill of the human hand and its role in quality constructed garments. These are skills that anyone can learn.

Students will gear their garment towards evening wear, lingerie, and/or detailed items with a focus on hard-to-handle fabrics such as silk, organza, chiffon. satin, lace, velvet, and others.

Students will learn a variety of couture finishes specific to their projects.

Couture techniques covered include basic hand stitches, darts, pressing, seams, hems, seam finishes, decorative edging, button holes, fastenings, lacework, and decorative details.

This is an advanced workshop. Students must have a strong understanding of garment construction. Students will be required to purchase a commercial pattern of their choice with corresponding materials. A detailed supply list with guidelines will be given at registration. Pre-course consultation with the instructor will assist you in selecting a suitable pattern and fabric.

The fashion industry thrives on creativity, diversity and innovation.

The same 3 concepts can be used to describe Sheila Wong Fashion Design Studio, or SWFDS as it is more commonly known in the Vancouver fashion circuit. The company, founded by Sheila Wong, who herself is a walking example of diversity (being French-Chinese Canadian), helps develop all aspects of fashion design, whether it be skills, creativity, marketing or simply making the numbers work.

Sheila Wong started showing interest in design at a very young age. While other teenagers aspired to be models on a runway, she was much more interested in the garments and accessories that made the models shine.  At the age of 18 she started her first company designing outfits and managing dance performers at music festivals in her home town of Calgary, Alberta. She knew she had found her passion the first time she saw her designs showcased in front of a large energetic crowd.

But ideas and talent don’t always guarantee success, so Sheila made sure she was ready to tackle whatever obstacles the industry might have. She first completed a Bachelors of Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Degree at Mount Royal University, with a focus on International Business. She then went on to obtain her Fashion Design Diploma from Vancouver’s own Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Center. It was here that she fine tuned her skills and developed her ideas. Her time at Blanche Macdonald allowed her to shine in front of her peers and industry professionals, earning her the Design Portfolio of the Year award. After years of making sure she had the education to support her goals, she sought real-world experience, taking on positions like Studio Assistant at the Fashion Exchange building, Production Manager at clothing retailer Aritzia, and even instructing at Blanche Macdonald Fashion Center and Vancouver Community College in the Fashion Design programs. 

What truly makes Sheila Wong stand out in the industry, however, is her desire to help other artists succeed. Sheila loves collaborating with other designers and artisans, and has this to say to anyone who has ever wanted to see their own name on a piece of clothing: 

“Anyone can design and construct a garment, you just need the right amount of guidance and motivation. My goal is to help inspire people to create beautiful things. If you are passionate and driven, there is no reason why you cannot be creative every day.”