The traditional folk dress of Sweden is colorful and ornate. Replete with hand-stitching, the garments are cherished for generations and still worn for festive occasions today. This five-day sewing course with guest instructor Johanna Runbäck from the Sätergläntan Institute of Handicraft in Dalarna, Sweden will immerse participants in the living traditions of Swedish folk dress. Using historical garments as a guide, participants will pattern and sew a Swedish fitted vest, modifying the pattern to their personal measurements and creating a muslin mockup to ensure a tailored fit. Skills covered include traditional hand sewing stitches (backstitch, hemstitch, and buttonhole stitch and more), as well as techniques for modifying patterns, pressing wool fabric, and properly cutting and lining your garment. These skills will be useful for anyone interested in making similar fitted garments. Some experience with hand and machine sewing is helpful.

You will need the following tools for this class:

You are encouraged to also bring along any sewing tools that you enjoy using for hand and machine sewing.

• Paper scissors
• Fabric cutting scissors
• Smaller scissors for clipping and trimming
• Seam ripper
• Tape measure
• Hand needles
• Pin cushion
• Pins
• Thimble
• Fabric marking tools (such as pencil, disappearing marker, chalk, wax)
• Clear plastic ruler (suggest 2” x 18” type used by quilters which cost about $9.00)
• Tape
• Spool thread - white and a color-of- your-choice that works on your sewing machine
• Pens, pencils
• Notebook

Sewing machine – If you own a portable sewing machine, please bring it to class. Test it before coming to class to check that it is in working order, and know its basic operations. If you cannot bring one, North House has machines you can use, and you will be given basic instruction for their use. Also bring needles and bobbins to fit your machine.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.