Sashiko Stitches! Japanese Mending Workshop
Sep
25
6:00 PM18:00

Sashiko Stitches! Japanese Mending Workshop

Immerse yourself in the art and history of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique rooted in practicality and beauty. Learn Sashiko's origins and its cultural significance as a form of mending, storytelling, and creative expression. Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to master this timeless technique.

Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned artisan, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this heritage craft—and your very own Sashiko masterpiece. Let’s honor AAPI heritage through art and tradition—reserve your spot today!

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October 4th Info Session & Tour with Live Demos
Oct
4
10:00 AM10:00

October 4th Info Session & Tour with Live Demos

Join us on Saturday, October 4th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for an engaging and free info session and tour tailored to aspiring fashion designers!  During this event, we’ll provide demonstrations such as sketching, draping, and our Computer Aided Design courses. Learn about our programs, see our studio classroom spaces, instruction demos, and have the opportunity to speak with our admissions staff! Come and ask all of the questions you have!

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Off Leash Fashion: Doggie Fashion Show and Auction
Oct
8
6:00 PM18:00

Off Leash Fashion: Doggie Fashion Show and Auction

You are invited to "Off Leash Fashion" - Doggie Fashion & Auction

A live doggie runway fashion show followed by a silent auction of couture doggie fashions to benefit the School of Fashion Designs, Jo Somers Bay Village Scholarship.

  • Cash bar & light bites for humans and dogs!

  • Wednesday, October 8th, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at SFD

  • General admission is $10 per person.

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Fashion Portfolio Prep for High Schoolers
Oct
14
to Nov 25

Fashion Portfolio Prep for High Schoolers

This course is for students currently enrolled in high school grades 9-12.

7-Session Online Course (6 Group Meetings + 1 Individual Review)

Are you a high school student dreaming of a future in fashion? This online course is designed to help you build a compelling fashion portfolio tailored for art and design school applications. Over six weekly group sessions, you'll develop two original design projects, learn how to present your creative vision, and explore what top fashion schools are looking for in a portfolio.

This class will cover essential elements like mood boards, sketching, fabric selection, and illustration techniques, with special attention to ready-to-wear design. You’ll also gain insight into application requirements—from essays to sewing projects—so you can confidently apply to your chosen schools.

In the final session, you'll receive a one-on-one 20-minute portfolio review to discuss your work and next steps for submission.

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Industry-Intergrated Fashion Business Systems, Online
Oct
15
to Nov 12

Industry-Intergrated Fashion Business Systems, Online

Broaden your understanding of the fashion industry through the lens of guest speaker Amrita Sokhy. With over 14 years of hands-on experience working with North American Fashion brands, across design rooms, textile mills, and manufacturing floors, Amrita brings her perspective of her working experience to the SFD classroom.

Designed for aspiring and early-career professionals, this online workshop introduces the roles across the chain—from textile and apparel design to merchandising and product development.

Learn how brand calendars align with production cycles, explore international sourcing and vendor management, and understand industry documentation. This workshop will leave you with real experience insights and an introductory understanding of post-production logistics and retail systems.

Modules:
- Critical Roles in the Fashion Value Chain
- Brand Calendar & Product Development Lifecycle
- Global Vendor Management & Cross-Border Operations
- Core Industry Documentation & Specifications
- Textiles Intelligence & Digital Transformation
- Post-Production Flow, Logisitics & Retail Systems

About the teacher:
Amrita’s journey across continents—from New York to Paris—has shaped her design sensibility. Amrita is delighted to share the skills and insights she has gained over the years, from visiting weavers and artisans in remote corners of her country to exploring the roots of craftsmanship. This is her story—an open invitation to learn from her work experience.

Online, Wednesdays, 6-8PM

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Short Course: Sustainability in Apparel – Innovating for a Circular Future
Oct
27
to Nov 17

Short Course: Sustainability in Apparel – Innovating for a Circular Future

  • School of Fashion Design (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This four-part workshop series is designed for fashion students, emerging designers, technical designers, product developers, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of sustainable apparel design and production. The workshop emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, with each session building toward a portfolio-ready final project.

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Beading & Embroidery Workshop
Dec
5
9:00 AM09:00

Beading & Embroidery Workshop

Unleash your inner artist just in time for the holidays! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn and practice essential embroidery and beading techniques—then put them to use transforming your own clothing into a wearable work of art. Bring something you would like to personalize and create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you're making a gift for a loved one or treating yourself, you’ll leave with a beautifully decorated garment and the skills to keep creating long after class ends. Perfect for all skill levels!

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Virtual Open House
Aug
20
12:00 PM12:00

Virtual Open House

Learn about our programs, see our studio classroom spaces, instruction demos, and have the opportunity to speak with our admissions staff! Come and ask all of the questions you have!

This event is free, please RSVP on our calendar below.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link on the morning of the event.

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Improvisational Upcycling: From Scraps to Yardage
Aug
15
10:00 AM10:00

Improvisational Upcycling: From Scraps to Yardage

A transformative journey into fabric reincarnation! Learn to repurpose scraps and discarded fabrics into vibrant new yardage for stylish tops, tunics, or dresses. Under the guidance of fiber artist Sharon Chandler Correnty, discover innovative techniques to breathe new life into forgotten textiles. Celebrate sustainability as we repurpose and revitalize fabrics, reducing environmental impact while honing creativity and resourcefulness. Celebrate the spirit of sustainability as we repurpose, reimagine, and revitalize fabrics that would otherwise go to waste. Embrace the challenge of working with what's available, honing your creativity and resourcefulness while reducing your environmental footprint! All supplies are included.

Prerequisite: Students should know how to operate a sewing machine with ease.

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Virtual Open House
Jul
15
12:00 PM12:00

Virtual Open House

Learn about our programs, see our studio classroom spaces, instruction demos, and have the opportunity to speak with our admissions staff! Come and ask all of the questions you have!

This event is free, please RSVP on our calendar below.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link on the morning of the event.

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Sunday Speaker Series at Franklin Historical Museum with Lisa Micheels
Jul
13
1:15 PM13:15

Sunday Speaker Series at Franklin Historical Museum with Lisa Micheels

’Tis the Bridal Season!  Celebrate it in style with a Sunday afternoon at the Franklin Historical Museum, where SFD History of Costume instructor Lisa Micheels will be the featured speaker on July 13, 2025!

Lisa will dive into the fascinating world of bridal fashion — past and present — exploring iconic styles from decades gone by, what’s made a comeback, and how history continues to inspire today’s trends.

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Short Course: Draft A Personal Size Basic Pattern Sloper Set
Jul
7
to Jul 23

Short Course: Draft A Personal Size Basic Pattern Sloper Set

  • School of Fashion Design (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Students will create a personal fit basic pattern set following textbook instructions, increasing patternmaking proficiency by facilitating a deeper understanding of the textbook used in Patternmaking at School of Fashion Design.

Class 1: Introduction & gather measurements, prep paper for drafting
Class 2: Draft Skirt Block & Oak Tag
Class 3: Draft Bodice Block & Oak Tag
Class 4: Draft Skirt & Bodice Patterns, sew muslin to test fit, adjust skirt & bodice slopers if necessary
Class 5: Draft Sleeve Block & Oak Tag
Class 6: Draft Sleeve Pattern, sew muslin to fest fit, adjust sleeve sloper if necessary.

Prerequisite:
SFD Patternmaking I course or similar sewing and patten making beginner skills

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Sashiko Stitches! Japanese Mending
May
1
6:00 PM18:00

Sashiko Stitches! Japanese Mending

Immerse yourself in the art and history of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique rooted in practicality and beauty. Learn Sashiko's origins and its cultural significance as a form of mending, storytelling, and creative expression. Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to master this timeless technique.

Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned artisan, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this heritage craft—and your very own Sashiko masterpiece. Let’s honor AAPI heritage through art and tradition—reserve your spot today!

Note: Our workshop program operates independently of our Certificate in Fashion Design core curriculum. Enrollment in SFD workshops does not count toward completion of the Certificate program.

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YOLANDA!  90 Years of Fashion & Glamour - Scholarship Fundraiser & Cocktail Reception
Apr
11
6:00 PM18:00

YOLANDA! 90 Years of Fashion & Glamour - Scholarship Fundraiser & Cocktail Reception

90 never looked better!

1934 was a very good year!  As you know, I celebrated my 90th birthday this year.  The School of Fashion Design in Boston is also celebrating their 90th anniversary, and I’m proud to partner with them this year to support student scholarships.

SFD is a special place, and a landmark institution dedicated to preserving the craft of fine garment making and nurturing local fashion designers. SFD alumni include such notable talent as Denise Hajjar, Daniel Faucher, Candice Wu and so many others.

Fashion design takes hard work and commitment, and SFD students need our support to succeed. That’s why I’m pleased to partner with SFD to launch the Yolanda “Glamour” Scholarship Fund!

Please consider making a gift today. Your donation automatically enters you into a Door Prize Drawing on April 11, 2025.  You do not need to be present to donate and/or win.

Donations of $500 or more are entered to win an Anthony Ferrara designer metal mesh halter top;
Donations of $250 or more are entered to win a felt hat from Elore Designs;
Donations of $100 or more are entered to win a seat in an SFD fashion workshop of your choice.

I appreciate your gift in any amount.  Two convenient and secure ways to give:

  • Mail your check to the School of Fashion Design, 31 St. James Ave., 2nd floor,
    Boston MA 02116.  Please write “Yolanda” in the memo line of your check.

  • CLICK HERE to donate securely online to the “Yolanda Glamour Scholarship Fund”

Please RSVP to attend the cocktail reception

Together, we are helping prepare the next generation of local fashion talent.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Yolanda

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Tour and Info Session, See Yourself at SFD!
Apr
5
10:00 AM10:00

Tour and Info Session, See Yourself at SFD!

Join us on Saturday, April 5th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for an engaging and free info session and tour tailored to aspiring fashion designers, fashion and textile arts enthusiasts, and high school students.  Learn about our programs:  Professional Certificate, Workshops, and High School Program.  Tour our bright studio classrooms. Meet our teachers, see live demos in fashion sketching, pattern drafting, French Draping, computer design, and more. 

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Fashion Statements: How did I get here? With Jennifer Fournier
Apr
4
1:00 PM13:00

Fashion Statements: How did I get here? With Jennifer Fournier

“How did I get here?” with Jennifer Fournier
Los Angeles costume designer, puppetry and doll fashion
SFD Class of 2002 alum
April 4, 2025, 1-2 pm EST
Live via Zoom from Los Angeles
This is a FREE event, please RSVP. The Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the start.

You never know where your SFD education will take you! Join 2002 alum Jennifer Fournier live via Zoom from Los Angeles, CA as she shares her fashion career journey and wild pivot into the niche field of doll clothing and puppetry costume design!

Jennifer makes patterns and samples for the production of doll clothes for OMG, OMG Tweens, and Rainbow High, as well as animatronic costumes for Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios. She has also done costume work for special effects shops for Aquaman 2, Shazam 2, Secret Headquarters, the most recent Exorcist film and more. She’s worked at Jim Henson Creature shop for Dark Crystal Age of Resistance and Fraggle Rock.

Jennifer will share images of "showroom dolls" that are styled in production quality clothing. She will take us through her career trajectory, and explain how the nature of her work, often produced in editions of only one or two, is very similar to couture design work. “How did I get here" dives into the different jobs you may have as a designer. Jennifer touches on the way we work, how to work with others, meet deadlines, high level work expectations, working with designers, client etiquette and running your own small business.

Jennifer has given this talk to students from Otis College of Art Design, California Institute for the Arts, and now returns to her alma mater School of Fashion Design!

Jennifer’s work can be seen on her website at: www.thevintagesmalls.com

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Weave your own designer scarf
Mar
20
to Apr 3

Weave your own designer scarf

  • School of Fashion Design (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a hands-on workshop and craft your very own cozy scarf on a rigid heddle loom. Using the clasped weft technique, you’ll create stunning, staggered color blocks for a unique, textural masterpiece.

Learn about yarn composition and how it transforms your creation. Leave with a stylish accessory that’s as warm as it is beautiful. Sign up now and weave your way to winter!

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Tatted Lace
Mar
1
9:00 AM09:00

Tatted Lace

Discover the timeless art of creating tatted lace in this hands-on workshop! Students will explore the perfect threads, tools, and essential terminology needed to bring their designs to life. You will learn foundational stitches and be ready to craft your own lace designs—whether it’s delicate ornaments, jewelry, or elegant trims to elevate your wardrobe.

The morning will consist of an introduction to the instructor, terminology and technique. The afternoon will be practicing the stitches and following patterns.

About the teacher Elaine O'Donal and her company:
Tatted Webs has been a company selling handmade tatted lace for almost forty years. Elaine creates historic and classic pieces as well as patterns with a modern twist. She consistently participates in craft shows along the East Coast as well as shares her technique in classes around the New England area. Every class taught included a demonstration and hands-on portion.

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Embroidery for Health and Wellness
Feb
22
1:00 PM13:00

Embroidery for Health and Wellness

Thanks to a generous underwriting donor, our Embroidery for Mental Health & Wellness workshop is now nearly free of charge! We only ask for a small $5 administrative fee to reserve your seat so that we can monitor class capacity.

THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT. IT WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN IN JUNE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED, PLEASE EMAIL: FASHION@SFDBOSTON.ORG

Learn how embroidery can be a tactile self soothing tool for anxiety, ADHD, or general well-being! Join us to create a tactile soothing article of clothing for you or someone you care about.

In this workshop, fashion meets inclusivity and sustainability. Be a part of engaging discussions on inclusive design practices, and learn embroidery techniques that prioritize wellbeing and comfort.

Through insightful discussions, hands-on activities, and expert instruction, students will work towards a final project: creating their own recycled, embroidered piece.

Megan Burke explains the "why" behind specific stitches you will learn as you create the perfect texture for self-soothing tactile input. Students learn about proprioception, pairing physical movement & tactile input with grounding breaths to practice self-regulation and ground in support of mental health. While learning how to create a self-soothing texture, students find comfort and peace in the workshop themselves. The action of embroidery requires both hands and eyes of each participant which simultaneously soothes the mind through repetitive tractile action and prompts open conversation by taking away the pressure of eye contact. This creates a low-stakes environment for open conversation and connection while teaching students a skill that will serve them in their careers in design.

Note: Our workshop program operates independently of our Certificate in Fashion Design core curriculum. Enrollment in SFD workshops does not count toward completion of the Certificate program.

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