Sara Alm Mastering Construction (Facings & Linings) | Craftsy class review

I have been mentioning this class an awful lot, so time has come to do a proper review. No secret, I absolutely love Sara Alm, her classes on Craftsy and the concept of Craftsy in general. So spoiler alert, this is a positive review!

Disclaimer: This is not an affiliate post, I have purchased the class on my own, during a 50% sale. All images are screen shots from the actual class and remain property of  Craftsy.

For those of you who are not familiar with the concept, Craftsy is an online learning platform. I explain a bit more bout it in my previous review here.

MASTERING CONSTRUCTION – FACINGS & LINING, with Sara Alm – £45.48 (as of Aug ’16) 

This class is part of a series, Mastering construction, which consists of other courses:

1. Foundation Techniques
2. Zippers & Waistbands
3. Facings & Linings
4. Collars & Closures
5. Sleeves

They are all taught by Sara Alm. After graduating from the Apparel Arts patternmaking program in 2005, Sara has worked as a patternmaker, designer and sewing instructor at Apparel Arts. She is also the co-author of Famous Frocks  book, which was also available in the UK.

You can dip in and out of all classes, but Sara recommends watching the zippers class before this one, as there are techniques that would help to know, like the burrito method.

Content of the class

The class covers the following topics:

1. Intro to facings & linings
   • Role of facings & linings
   • Creating and modifying linings
   • Attaching facings to garments
   • Clipping curves and pressing
   • Understitching
   • Sewing side seam
   • Finishing tips
2. All in one facings
   • All in one facings overview
   • Adjusting the pattern
   • Stitching & turning the pattern
   • Turning right side out
   • Alternate turning method
3. Intro to linings
   • Linings overview
   • Pattern pieces for linings
   • Adjusting hems of linings
   • Sewing tips for linings
4. Simple bagged linings
   • Bagged linings
   • Adjusting the pattern
   • Sewing prep
   • Finishing the centre back seams
   • Sewing lining to inner waistband
   • Sewing waistband extension (burrito method)
   • Tack waistband seams
   • Secure lining to hem
5. Bagged linings with sleeves
   • Lining garments with sleeves
   • Jacket back pattern
   • Jacket front pattern
   • Sleeve pattern
   • Sewing prep
   • Join facings, linings and garment
   • Join lining and garment hem
6. Lining garments with vents & slits
   • Vents & slits
   • Pattern for vents & slits
   • Sewing prep
   • Sewing the vent overlap
   • Sewing a slit
   • Sewing the vent underlap
   • Zipper fly similarities
7. Bagged linings with vents & slits
   • Bagged vents
   • Adjusting the self pattern
   • Adjusting the lining pattern
   • Sewing prep
   • Sewing the sleeve
   • Sewing the underside of the vent
   • Mitering the corner
   • Finish attaching the lining
   • Attaching the sleeve to jacket
   • Attaching sleeve lining

Method & Approach

The method is a mix of show & tell, where Sara explains a technique, shows some pre-made samples to exemplify and in some cases, executes the techniques on video. She works with full garment samples, which include a dress, a skirt and a jacket. Please note the class works in imperial only, but there is a conversion chart available in the course materials.

Materials

The course includes a great questionnaire to determine what type of lining you will need. Also, there is a fab flowchart for lining skirts and trousers. Very handy!

Supplies

The required supplies are a bit more specialised than in the previous course, especially the pressing ones. The blindhem foot is available in the accessory kit of most regular sewing machines, but you can also hand sew if you prefer where necessary.

What I loved

Although I bought the class to make the lining for my MIL’s jacket, one of the techniques that I loved the most was the alternate option for all-in-one facings, which can also be used for fully lined bodices. I described it in this post 

The lining for jackets is, of course, great; it was totally worth the price of the class! I have yet to go through the section on vents, as I didn’t need that yet, but I’m sure it will deliver the same great quality as the rest of Sara’s classes.

What I missed

I really wish Sara posted a flow chart for jackets as well!

Summary

Skill level: Intermediate
Equipment you have to have: Sewing machine, home printer or option to print, supplies as requested in the list above.
Sleep-inducing level: Quite fast paced, there is a lot of information and you might want to go back a few times over certain aspects.
What it assumes you already know: How to use a sewing machine, grasp of basic sewing terms, although some are explained in the course.
Annoying Host Habits: Nothing. She has a bit of a self-deprecating style and I really love watching her!
Level of Helpful Hints Learned: An absolute ton, I feel I will be going back to it over and over again for all types of garments.

OVERALL:  Highly Recommended

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This is my second Craftsy class review and I loved it! Anyone knows when the next sale will be on? I have a list of courses as long as my arm on my Wishlist!