Get Your Fall Fashion Crafting on at Workroom Social

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New York Fashion Week may be over, but Workroom Social has a new lineup of fall classes to help any budding designer.

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced designer, the local sewing and screen-printing boutique invites hobbyists and wannabe experts to learn new skills from professionals in the fashion industry. Instead of fumbling through basic techniques, these two-day intensive classes will teach novices to produce garments that look professionally made.

“You’re only making clothes on your Singer at home, but you’re using the same techniques professionals use,” said Jennifer Wiese, who opened Workroom Social in 2011.

Though the hybrid studio-boutique has been around for almost two years, Wiese said this is the first time she’s offered classes to the public. She’s been working to transform the space from a private studio into a hub for those interested in creating their own apparel.

Wiese worked in the film industry prior to opening her studio. When she left film, she knew she wanted to take her hobby – sewing – and make it into a profession. She wasn’t interested in fashion because it reminded her too much of the entertainment industry she had left, opting instead to teach and share her craft with others. Workroom Social was then established.

The classes, which begin on Sept. 21, are all-day events. The first class, a dressmaking intensive unit, will last from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Only five students can be admitted to the class for a $395 enrollment fee, which includes use of all studio equipment but does not include materials.

Starting on Sept. 28, Weise wil offer a two-day “learn to screen print” course for up to six students. The course costs $495.

Enrollment for all classes can be done through Workroom Social’s website.

Wiese stressed that all skills and techniques learned in the comprehensive sessions are transferrable to “your kitchen table”; those who want to sew or screen-print don’t need a lot of space or elaborate tools.

“Work with the space you have,” she said. “You live in a New York apartment – you don’t have that space.”

Wiese wants to help people learn professional skills and have fun while doing it. She hopes to create a safe, welcoming space where anyone who wishes to improve his or her skills feels comfortable and connected to others.

“When you walk in the door, you’re greeted and you immediately feel welcome,” she said. “The social aspect is strong.”

All classes are held at Workroom Social, at 96 Madison Street, between Franklin and Bedford Avenues. Advanced registration is required for all classes. Check out the shop’s calendar, which is being continually updated, on the studio’s website for more classes and updates.