Well it seems this is! I’ve moved to WordPress after some silliness which sounded a lot like computer words, computer words, computer words which made me Zzzzzz. So while my old site is still live, this is the space to now find me.

With 2022 coming to an end, I look forward to some fun stuff ahead for 2023. Along with in-person deliveries to Santa Ana in January, I’m teaching in April in San Jose. I will be adding a page on in-person classes in Victoria, BC shortly. There will be some beginner classes and classes more suited for those with some experience and classes made for experienced tutu makers who wish to up their technical game as it were.

More info in no particular order

• I’m no longer delivering to Vancouver. Vancity dancers will need to come to the Island for their fittings/delivery as I literally can NOT get on BC Ferries one more time. I loathe every moment of it and why do something you don’t like! So don’t forget see you crack of dawn day one, later that afternoon and again the next day for each costume requested.

• I’m off Aug and Sept to Europe which means my earliest delivery for 2023/24 will be end of October and very limited from then to mid December. So how to ensure you have a spot? Get a hold of me asap. For that coveted October delivery, I need your variations BEFORE I leave (so think end of July). For end Nov or mid Dec deliveries, pending on where you are, I’d need this info mid Sept. If you are putting a studio together for a group delivery, get ONE parent only to message me with parent/dancer names, how many costumes, where you are located and preferred delivery date. Please don’t say end of Oct with 22 tutus. I don’t get home til end of Sept so of course this will be impossible and I won’t even consider it.

• I am reducing my workload substantially. If you’d like one of my costumes, please message BEFORE you or your teacher commits your dancer to a competition date. Just because you compete in Dec does not mean I am available to help you. My next opening may be in February so your comp dates either move or feel free to check out other costumers that have a calendar less jammed then mine.

• I will be digitizing more patterns soon! There are new sizes and also new styles – one with straps which is quite exciting!

To keep up to date, follow me on WordPress as I will update this often. This allows you to see if I have openings left, where I am heading for deliveries and there may be a Pippin photo or two (and I’m sure some F1 stuff too 😀 )

Tunics and Tutus

March 31- April 7, 2023 San Jose, California

Tunic Class March 31-April 2

Learn how to make a well fitting 2 piece men’s tunic. We will cover drafting a basic tunic with sleeves on a separate stretch unit on Friday (or you may use a supplied pattern). Fitting and trouble shooting included. Saturday and Sunday will cover how to stitch these together and, if time permits, embellishments.

Liners and closures provided. Please bring fashion fabric and trims.

Sign up via Renee at reneeshaefferdesigns@yahoo.com

50% non refundable deposit is required to hold your space. Final payment is due March 1, 2023. Dog on premises at all times (small) and no smoking/vaping permitted on site.

Tutu Class April 3-7 $1300US

Choose between a classical or bell tutu and classical or “peasant” bodice. This session will cover how to use the measurements you’ve taken, alterations of the Basque, panty, bodice plus choosing nets and linings to best suit your dancer. Fitting of all elements of the tutu and bodice are included as well as smooth finishes, tacking and pleated tops. A “Good Karma” pattern of your choice, nets for one tutu as well as linings for the bodice/Basque are provided. You must supply a sewing machine, fashion fabric, trims, hooks/bars, boning, hooping, thread and an open mind.

Homework may be required in the evening. Some tutu experience requested. Please send photos of your work if you are unsure if this is for you. This class is also suited to the experienced tutu maker wishing to enhance their technician skills.

Sign up with Pamela at matryoshkarehearsaltutus@gmail.com $400 non refundable deposit required to hold your space with final payment due March 1, 2023.

***returning students have a choice of the new Pierrot inspired bodice and skirt of your choice. Nets, linings, and pattern included. Please provide fashion, findings and trims $700US***