Southwest Fashion & Needlearts

Southwest Fashion & Needlearts

5.0(3 reviews)
Top Pro
Top Pro

About

Do to life changes, I will not be available until after the start of the new year.

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While COVID is still a concern, I am willing to work with new students, with both of us following current CDC guidelines to keep all of us safe. I have completed the vaccination process so am fully vaccinated but still using a mask where it seems sensible.

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My love of sewing and the needlearts grew out of watching my Mom, and I began hand-sewing and crocheting at 8. After moving to the west coast, I found that I could take my skills and passions to a whole new level with time spent in Fashion Design school, where I earned my BFA in Fashion Design. The move to Phoenix opened the door to my discovery of teaching, a surprise, a delight, the ultimate expression of my love of all things fiber and textiles. With over 25 years of classroom teaching experience in apparel and textiles, I bring a diverse set of sewing, needlearts and teaching skills.

I will work with students in exploring their personal interests, in a variety of subject areas, including:

Sewing - all levels from beginner to advanced, as well as Tailoring and Couture.

Patternmaking - all areas of Patternmaking including Drafting, Draping, and Flat Patternmaking.

Vintage pattern use - working with patterns that pre-date printed patterns, with patterns that were not made for current figures, with patterns for which sizes are limited or difficult to find. I love vintage patterns and vintage clothes in general, for the level of detail in the actual garment construction.

Pattern Grading - because sometimes you just need a size that you cannot find, when working with commercial patterns; and because your custom-made patterns might do well if you can offer them in more than one size.

Surface Design - tie-dye, batik, silk-painting, screen-printing, block-printing, fabric painting.

Needlework - hand or machine embroidery, tambour hook embroidery and beading, machine-applied beadwork, applique, trapunto, and many other varieties of embellishment.

Pattern Alteration and Fit

Custom Dress Forms

Textiles - the information you need to make good fabric choices for your projects.

Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Design

Patternmaking with Patternmaker software

Sewing Fashion Accessories

Costume History

If there's a topic in Textiles or Fashion that you don't see here, please inquire!

I have long enjoyed the interaction with students who are sincerely interested in the topic at hand. I like finding different ways to explain or demonstrate a concept, until I find one that works for the specific student. The lightbulb of understanding turns on and we both smile at knowing that the information has successfully transferred.


Highlights

Current Top Pro
Hired 1 time
5 years in business
Serves Scottsdale , AZ

Social media


Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    LL

    Lloyd L.

    I received clear instructions and guidance in learning how to sew. Laurie gave me that push I needed to improve my sewing skills and the creative freedom to create the designs.
    ... Show more
    June 08, 2019

    MG

    Mari G.

    Laurie Taylor is one of the best teachers that Ive ever had. Her knowledge of sewing is encyclopedic and she is brilliant at thinking outside of the box.
    Ms. Taylor is a generous & conscientious teacher.
    ... Show more
    June 05, 2019

    E

    Ellen

    Very knowledgeable about a wide variety of sewing, textile, costume and apparel design-related topics.
    ... Show more
    May 24, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    Pre-meeting discussion to determine student's interests and prior experience can be continued during the first meeting.  The rest of the process is determined by the student's needs.  We can talk on-line or by phone, but to make sure that the first actual meeting is productive, we need to make sure that we both understand the student's needs. 

    Given that sewing and fashion classes involve lots of supplies and tools, it's good for both of us to know what the student already has, before we get together for that first lesson.

    BFA Fashion Design

    Over 25 years teaching all levels of Fashion Design courses, in all areas of a degree program.

    As I am new to Lessons.com, I am still learning what will suit my students' needs.  As I determine what works best for all involved, I will update this section.  For now, I charge by the hour, with adjustments for private vs. small group lessons, for 1-hour lessons, vs. longer lessons, and based on what I may need to supply for the student's use.

    I would also like to invite students to inquire about a barter opportunity!

    I was in Fashion Design school, pursuing 9-month certificate in Patternmaking.  Within a few weeks after beginning the program, I was asked to work as a tutor for students who needed extra help in their Pattern and Design classes.  I knew immediately that I had found something special.  Upon graduation, I was asked to take over the Textiles class as the regular instructor was retiring.  I was hooked.  My passion for teaching blossomed in Phoenix, as I became Adjunct Faculty at Phoenix College, where I have taught for 24 years.

    The need for a change of scenery brought me to Lessons.com.  I can continue to teach from the comfort of my home studio.  It's the best of both worlds.

    I have worked with adult students in college and community college settings.  My students have always been in my classes because of their personal interest in the topics covered.  From brand-new High School graduates, to full-time employees looking to pursue their own interests, to retired people with time to explore new areas, I've had a wide range of ages, backgrounds, goals and personalities in my classroom.

    Ask questions.  Ask lots of questions. 


    Services offered

    Adobe Illustrator