Course Description

Sew along with Rae Cumbie as she makes a Tabula Rasa Jacket,* Fit for Art Pattern’s signature jacket with a kimono band and square armhole.

Rae demonstrates all the basics through 17 video lessons, which you complete at your own pace. You will be encouraged to construct the mock-up, alter the pattern, choose and cut fabric for the first jacket, sew, finish it beautifully and enjoy the results.

You can ask questions at any point in the course using the discussion forum, and Rae or Carrie will respond personally.

Mastering the fit and construction of this versatile jacket will lead to endless design possibilities supported by Fit for Art’ s variation patterns, photo gallery and archive of weekly blog posts.

*Pattern must be purchased separately.

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Cost

Course Overview

Take this online sewing course at your own pace. This course includes:

  • Unlimited access to short, engaging video lessons to give you the skills you need to create this versatile garment.

  • Support materials, such as documents and blog posts, to offer additional guidance.

  • Trunk shows and samples to provide all the inspiration you need to sew jacket after jacket.

Tools & Skills Needed

  • The Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern (paper or digital).

  • Basic knowledge of how a sewing machine works, including how to thread, change the needle, wind and change the bobbin, change the stitch length, and reverse and forward stitch.

  • Understanding of basic sewing terms.

  • Sewing machine in good working order with a straight stitch and extra size 80 universal needles.

  • Iron with steam setting and ironing surface.

  • Cutting tools for fabric, including small snips, sharp fabric sheers or rotary cutter and mat, and paper scissors.

  • Basic sewing tools, including seam ripper, thread to match fabric, hand-sewing needles, pins and a holder for pins and clips (optional).

  • Rulers, including one straight ruler with 1/8” markings, such as a 2” by 18” see-through flexible ruler, and a fashion ruler, like the Sew Successfully curved ruler.

  • Tape dispenser, pattern paper and writing instruments for pattern adjustments. Fine black permanent marker for fitting lines on mock-up.

  • 2 1/2 yards of fabric for a mock-up that is woven, light-colored and cotton and 2 to 3 yards of woven fabric with no spandex for the jacket.

Course Curriculum

    1. What You'll Need

    2. Introduction to the Class

    1. Unique Features of the Tabula Rasa Jacket

    2. Setting the Stage to Sew Successfully

    3. The Tabula Rasa Jacket Journey

    1. Find the Best Fit

    2. Sewing Basic Jackets

    1. Mock-ups and Fit Preferences

    2. What's the Big Deal About the Fitting Grid?

    3. Common Fitting Adjustments for the Tabula Rasa Jacket

    1. Preparing Patterns and Pattern Terminology

    2. Dots and Notches

    3. Sew with Fit for Art's Digital Patterns

    4. Sew Successfully Curved Ruler

    5. Digital Pattern Printing

    1. Step-by-Step Directions to Construct a Mock-up

    2. Mock-up Kits

    3. Constructing the Square Armhole in the Tabula Rasa Jacket

    4. Making a Mock-up for the Tabula Rasa Jacket

Course Details

  • $120.00
  • 8 hours of video content
  • 17 lessons

Instructors

Rae Cumbie

Creative Director, Fit for Art Patterns

As Creative Director, Rae gets to spend her days dreaming up new designs and sewing new clothes! A nationally respected teacher and author, Rae inspires sewists and the Fit for Art community to learn new skills, express their creativity, and sew themselves the wardrobe of their dreams.

For over 20 years Rae was known for her skills as a custom clothing professional, receiving many awards and accolades for her skill and creativity. Rae began creating wearable art jackets for herself and clients in the Baltimore area. As a result of teaching jacket making to weavers, Rae began to envision a pattern that offered the versatility and fit textile artists wanted. A grant from the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild provided Rae with an opportunity to collaborate with quilters and weavers that ultimately resulted in the introduction of the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern in 2011. The company and pattern line has grown by leaps and bounds ever since.

You can find out more about Rae and her work at RaeCumbie.com. Contact Rae directly at [email protected].

Carrie Emerson

Managing Director, Fit for Art Patterns

As Managing Director, Carrie spends her days keeping the business running and products flowing. Her eye for detail and organization, and experience as a lawyer, is a natural fit for managing the business side of the company.

She is, however, no stranger to sewing and fitting garments.  Carrie began sewing in middle school when she made her first quilt and “Home Ec” projects.  Since then, she has cycled through sewing for the home and gifts, sewing garments for kids and herself, and ultimately designing garments that incorporate piecing and quilting as well as her mother’s weaving. In 2011, Carrie joined forces with Rae to start this independent pattern company.  Over Fit for Art’s decade plus, Carrie has polished her sewing skills, learned pattern drafting and garment fitting, and grown as a teacher and author.

Like many small business owners, Carrie wears many hats! Contact Carrie directly at [email protected].

Worried about getting stuck?

Ask questions of Rae and Carrie at any point in the course using the discussion forum. Or sign up for one of Rae's personal virtual coaching sessions.

Let's Sew!

Jacket Samples

  • SewBatik Rayon Jacket
  • Black lace mother-of-the-bride jacket
  • Home Dec Jacket with Lilies

“I learned so much from this class, especially about fit. Making a muslin first using the balance lines helped me make my own alteration. I am looking forward to making more jackets from this wonderfully versatile pattern.”

“Rae and Carrie kept the momentum going, so they were able to cover so many topics. I really liked seeing all the sample jackets! Gave me so much inspiration. I will definitely take another class from Fit for Art Patterns!”

“The class covered everything that was advertised. The amount of thought and planning put into the preparation of the class was very obvious. I can't think of anything to change.”