Sew a Custom Fit Woman’s Coat
In this workshop you will construct a woman’s wool coat that is fully lined. You will be taught how to custom fit the coat to you by making a muslin beforehand.
Not scheduled right now. Last taught 2026.
It's saved in this browser. Sign in to keep your saved workshops on any device.
The workshop
In this workshop you will construct a woman’s wool coat that is fully lined. You will be taught how to custom fit the coat to you by making a muslin beforehand. A muslin in sewing terms is a prototype of a pattern that allows you to test the pattern and make adjustments needed to ensure a perfect fit.
All supplies are provided (fabric, interfacing, thread, buttons, sewing machine needles) and will be given to you at the workshop. Students are expected to have intermediate sewing skills. It is not necessary to know the skills and techniques that will be taught, but the student must have used a sewing machine successfully to construct clothes or home decor items. This workshop is not for beginners. If you have any questions as to whether or not you would be a good fit for the workshop, please don’t hesitate to contact Sanborn Mills Farm who can put you in contact with the instructor.
The color wool and Liberty of London lining will be chosen by each participant with the guidance of the instructor, who will then purchase the material and present it to you at the workshop.
Joyce will work with each student at their own pace to master the techniques used in the construction of the coat so that they will go home with a beautiful custom fit classic coat to be enjoyed for years to come.
Skills and techniques
- Learn the art of making a muslin that becomes your custom pattern
- Learn how to do precise topstitching
- Learn how to line a coat
- Learn how to make French seams
- Learn how to make swing tacks
- Learn how to mark and make buttonholes
- Learn the use of a clapper and bristle brush
- Learn techniques to work with Tana Lawn and Wool
Before you come
Details for students
Where
One of the farm's studios, confirmed at check-in. See the campus
Staying on the farm
Housing, meals, the daily schedule, and places to stay nearby are on Prepare for your workshop.
Your instructor
Joyce Leblanc
My earliest memories of sewing were sitting at my Mom's side watching her create clothes for my siblings and me. I'd read and study the pattern instructions, so that when I was finally allowed to sew, I had already constructed the garment many times over in my head. I studied at the School of Fashion Design on Newbury St. in Boston, focusing on couture detail and pattern making. Designing and sewing children's clothing has always been a favorite for me, believing that you should appeal both to the parent and child. Fashion changes, but style endures, and it is my goal to maintain a strong sense of style in my creations, combining classic designs with fresh fabric. JL Designs was established in 2018 and it has been a joy for me to see a long sought after dream come to life. Joyce lives in NH with her husband Alan and Siberian Husky Minka.
Questions about this workshop, housing, or meals? Email registrar@sanbornmills.org or call (603) 435-7314. Please read the workshop policies before you register.