It works! The cut of these shirts has been’ tried and true’ for close to 200 years, originally designed for full-range of movement for vigorous work such as blacksmithing, gardening, child care, fishing and forestry. Learn a life-long skill while being immersed in the culture and background of this ‘back to the land’ garment. You will be creating a shirt you will love to wear. Students purchase their own natural fiber striped fabrics of cotton, or cotton/linen blend in many colors and textures so each shirt is unique. When made of imported blue or red striped cotton fabrics, Scandinavians often wear these work shirts (Busserull in the Norwegian language) to reflect their heritage. Patterns are based on squares and rectangles with zero waste, which is also excellent for using handwoven fabrics. As you create your shirt, you will be guided step by step, adjusting your pattern, marking, cutting, machine and hand sewing, and adding the finishing touches such as your choice of pocket design. Scandinavian work shirts are ideal for men, women and children, with ten pattern sizes available for students to choose. The class welcomes advanced beginners with a basic knowledge of machine sewing, and accomplished garment makers who will learn techniques specific to making the classic Scandinavian work shirt. The materials fee includes a pattern, instruction packet including historical background, and some classroom sewing supplies. After registration, the instructor will consult with each student about individual fabric choice, which will cost an additional $30-100, depending on personal preference. Students age 16+ may register for this class. This course requires some standing at tables for cutting as well as vision and hand skills for seeing and manipulating small sewing tools and sewing machines.

Required Tools 

• Fabric, matching thread, buttons – approximately 3 yards of woven fabric of all natural fibers (suggest cotton. cotton/linen blend). Please email or call Carol Colburn (email address will be provided after registration) to discuss the type of fabric you wish to use. We will discuss your fabric needs, based on color and texture, pattern size and fabric width. 5 - 6 buttons; thread that is compatible with your sewing machine.

• Sewing Machine - Please bring a sewing machine if is convenient to do so. If it is not easy to bring a sewing machine (for instance if you are flying to the workshop), then the instructor can bring an extra machine for you. Please let North House know as soon as possible.

• Sewing Kit - each student should bring scissors, handsewing needles, pins, measuring tape, marking pencils and any other favorite handsewing tools.

Optional Tools 

• Some sewers have preferences for sewing room aids such as magnifying lenses, portable full-spectrum lights, rotary cutters to use instead of scissors, cutting mats etc.  All these are welcome, but not necessary.