These classes are broken into beginner, some experience and very experienced makers. Please be prepared to send photos of your work to ensure my instruction will benefit you and you will fit in with the other students. Classes may be booked as private. There will be a maximum of 3 persons/per class (returning or experienced) maximum 2 persons/class (beginner). Instruction may differ pending abilities and experience of students. A 200$ deposit should be sent to hold your spot once your class dates are confirmed. This is non refundable. Full payment is due no later than 7 days prior to your class start date.

There are dogs on the property at all times and no smoking/vaping permitted. I am not responsible for any injuries or car/equipment damage whilst traveling to and from and during class. Please check your travel health insurance covers BC medical and private insurance covers any loss or damage of your equipment/transportation.

The Beginner –

Beginner tutu makers should know how to sew and how to use their sewing machine. This session will cover all elements of the classical tutu and bodice or romantic tutu and bodice. It includes smooth finishes, basic bodice fitting and alterations. Fashion fabric, nets, panty fabric and lining for one classical tutu and bodice OR romantic tutu and bodice is included as well as a “Good Karma” basque, panty and bodice pattern. Please note the beginner class will show alterations on an example but your class tutu will not be altered to fit a specific person. You must supply all hooping, boning, hooks/bars and threads. There will be homework to be completed at night away from the studio. If you choose to not finish assigned homework, the class will progress regardless. Catch up time may not be available.

1600$CAD plus tax romantic tutu/bodice

1800$CAD plus tax classical tutu/bodice

1300$US plus PayPal fees romantic tutu/bodice

1600$US plus PayPal fees classical tutu/bodice

More experienced makers to very experienced makers –

The more experienced maker may choose between a classical or bell tutu and bodice or romantic tutu and bodice. You may choose from three style bodices – the classical, long line “Russian” or peasant. The session will cover alterations of basques, panty, bodice plus choosing net and linings to best suit your dancer. There will be a focus on stitching skills for more improved technician abilities. Fitting of all elements of the skirts and bodice are included as well as smooth finishes, tacking and pleated tops. Sleeves and plates will be covered as well as design tips. Nets, panty fabric, lining and one “Good Karma” pattern for one tutu plus bodice are included. Please bring fashion fabric, embellishments, hooks/bars, hooping and threads. Your class tutu will not be altered to fit a specific person except if you have taken class with me before. Email for info on how to prepare for this with associated added fees. Homework to be completed at night away from the studio. If you choose not to finish your homework, catch up time may not be available and some skills will no longer be taught due to time constraints. Instruction for mail-out fittings and finishing is included.

1400$CAD plus tax romantic tutu/bodice

1600$CAD plus tax classical/bell tutu/bodice

1100$US plus PayPal fees romantic tutu/bodice

1300$US plus PayPal fees classical/bell tutu/bodice

Troubleshoot, skill building and the draft

This is a new class/series the experienced maker may request and will also be a group class scheduled for April 13-18, 2026. A finished costume is not the goal. The focus of this class is learning to draft a basque and panty and the quirks of fitting them. There will be dancers on site for the student to learn to take better measurements and learn to direct another adult to take the measurements incase you are working on line for custom mail outs. As the student progresses from measurements to drafting then stitching, troubleshooting any issues will be covered until the perfect fit is achieved. The final part of the class is then used to go over general fitting, running a costuming business and any other issues makers face. Stay longer and the student will be shown how to draft a bodice then use your sloper to create their own classical, long line Russian or strap bodice pattern. This will be a fast paced class with some drafting know how an asset but not necessary. Please note this will be a mixed group with some students moving quicker than others while other students need more support. Be ready to think fast but be patient as the group may learn at different rates.

1800$ CAD

1400$ US

400$ US deposit due Oct 1

500$ US payment due Dec 1

Remaining fees due Jan 7, 2026

All payments are ONLY refundable if I cancel the class (less banking fees). If you cannot attend (last moment) you can *sell* your spot to someone else.

Returning students –

This is a design your own class where the focus is less on finishing projects and more on perfecting technician skills and trying new things. Send a list ahead of what you wish to learn so we can ensure you have plenty of time (and bring anything prepped ahead) to achieve your goals. These may include – trying new bodice styles, more in depth plate work, sleeves, building for company wardrobe, drafting. You may request solo classes or to be partnered with another returning student. Pricing dependant on class request and will be discussed at time of booking (1000$CAD/750$US minimum) If this is for a specific dancer, email ahead as you will have prep is necessary before arrival.

Things to remember before booking classes –

• if you suffer from jet lag, you may wish to arrive early. Victoria BC is located on the very westcoast of Canada (Pacific Standard Time) which can have a time difference of 2-4 hours from other North American cities.
• my address will be made available when your deposit is paid. There are airbnbs in my area but most hotels are approx 15-20 mins drive. If you choose not to rent a car, be prepared to take public transit or a taxi. Do not depend on your fellow students to drive you to and from your accommodations with your costume and sewing machine. This is inappropriate
• please keep your religious and political opinion to yourself. This is a class in tutus and costumes. Gossip and cruel statements made about me, other students or other teachers will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave and your payment will not be refunded.
• you may use my kitchen for your lunch. No shellfish please.
• classes run 930-530 with 1 hour for lunch.
• please ensure your sewing machine is in good working order and you also know how to use it. I do not teach sewing machine lessons
• ensure what you are choosing can be accomplished in the time we have. Pattern matching or very in-depth designs may take longer so be prepared for homework. I will not sew for you to make up your time if you choose something beyond your abilities.

Classes are running as per below. Dates subject to change until deposits are paid.

2026

February 16-20 experienced or returning only ; 1 space left

March 24-28 Full

session 2 – March 16- 20 Full

April group drafting class (scheduled to run April 13-18 deposits Oct 1)

May 20-25 Full

June 8-12 Full

July 6- 10 experienced or returning only ;1 space left

US classes – this is available as a guest teacher only. Please contact me for information on how to hire me to teach your group.

Unless noted as “experienced makers only”, the other weeks are open to all level makers.