Want to learn to sew or improve your sewing skills? Take a class with Dame. Class sizes are limited to six, so you'll get plenty of personal attention. You may bring your own sewing machine or use one of ours—please indicate whether or not you will need a machine when you register.

All classes require full payment via PayPal at time of registration. The "Buy Now" button below each class listing will take you to the PayPal site; once you've paid, you'll be taken to a page that says your registration is complete. We'll e-mail you to confirm.

If you have questions about classes, or would prefer not to pay by PayPal, please contact us at 773-463-2162 or info@damecouture.com. You can also call with any questions about classes or check out our FAQs.

Simple Skirt Workshop (Advanced Beginner)
Saturdays, March 4 and 18, 11 AM ‚2 PM
$85

It's almost spring, and you need a new skirt. Why not make one that fits perfectly? Using our pattern (the style is a slightly flared a-line with a waist yoke), learn how alter a pattern to fit your waist, insert an invisible zipper, and construct a waistband yoke or facing. "Advanced beginner" assumes you are comfortable using a sewing machine (threading, winding a bobbin, etc). You must attend both sessions in order to complete your project.

You provide: one and a quarter yards of sturdy fabric (think suiting fabrics, lightweight denims, even old curtains; avoid stretchy or slinky fabrics are not), one 9" INVISIBLE zipper, and matching thread.

Dame provides: skirt pattern (in S, M, and L), scraps for practicing techniques, zipper feet (if you don't already have one).

Click Buy Now to reserve space in this class:

Vintage Smocked Gingham Aprons (Advanced Beginner)
Saturday, March 11, 1 ‚ 5 PM
$70
Instructor: Erika Fitzgerald

Ah, the magical combination of smocking and gingham…you retro purists understand! Instructor Erika Fitzgerald will teach you how to put together your own retro-style apron, taking you through the ins and outs of smocking as well as the basic design concepts of repeating pattern and composition. You can examine vintage samples from Erika's collection, then choose your own smocking pattern from a variety she'll provide. "Advanced beginner" assumes you are comfortable using a sewing machine (threading, winding a bobbin, sewing darts and seams).

You provide: One yard of half-inch or one-inch gingham, matching thread, matching embroidery floss, hand sewing needle.

Dame provides: Apron pattern.

Click Buy Now to reserve space in this class:

Alterations Clinic (Advanced Beginner)
Saturday, March 25, 11 AM ‚ 2 PM
$70

You don't need to shop—you just need to fix the clothes you already have! Techniques taught will vary based on what you bring in, but we will probably cover a few ways to take up a hem, how to take in the waist of skirt or pants, and how to make an unfitted blouse fitted. "Advanced beginner" assumes you are comfortable using a sewing machine (threading, winding a bobbin, pivoting, sewing darts and seams).

You provide: About three items to alter.

Dame provides: Thread, seam rippers!

Click Buy Now to reserve space in this class:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where are the classes held?
A. All Dame Couture classes are held at 4316 N. Elston in Chicago, Illinois.

Q. How do I register?
A. We prefer you pay via PayPal; if you want to mail a check instead you may, but we will not be able to confirm your spot in the class until the check clears. Fifty percent of payments are nonrefundable unless the class is canceled by Dame Couture.

Q. How far in advance do I have to register?
A. Although we don't have an official registration deadline, we encourage you to sign up at least a week before the class date. Not enough enrollees = postponed or cancelled class, in which case we will contact you via email or phone to let you know. So basically, sign up as soon as you can. Even better if you sign up with a friend!

Q. What happens if I can't make it to the class I registered for?
A. If you notify us up to seven days before the class date, we will happily transfer your registration to another class or refund 50% of your money. (All refunds will be issued via check and snail mailed.) No refunds will be issued for notice given less than seven days in advance, though you may send a friend in your place.

Q. What if I don't see a class that covers the project I want to work on?
A. Hey, we're open to teaching whatever you want to learn. If you want to suggest a class, send us an e-mail and we'll consider putting it online to see if other people want to register. If you can bring four or more people in to take the class, all we need to work out is a price and a time that works for all of us.