Contact: Erika L. Forsythe (304) 766-3363 eforsythe@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.VaFashion design specialist, educator and author Connie Crawford is bringing her talent and expertise to West Virginia State University (WVSU) on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a special “Fitting and Designing for the Girls” workshop to be held at the Cole Complex.
“During this program, I will cover the draping and fitting techniques that are the same professional techniques that I learned during my 35 years in the Los Angeles fashion industry,” said Crawford. “I will also cover how to take a pattern and create designs from looking at a sketch or photograph. These techniques are easier for attendees to understand and learn because of the ‘tricks of the trade’ that are used in the fashion industry.”
Registration for this event is $65 and participants need to bring a stapler, paper scissors, scotch tape and an 18″ x 2″ gridded plastic ruler. Space is limited for the workshop so those interested are encouraged to register early.
Everyone in attendance will be fitted with a pre-made blouse pattern by Crawford and learn how to interchange various pattern pieces to make a blouse, vest, dress or jacket design in addition to many pattern and draping techniques. This pattern covers ladies in sizes 8-20 and 1X-6X.
“This class would be beneficial for anyone who wants to learn about the special sewing, fitting and design skills used in the fashion industry and how to produce a design easily and quickly,” Crawford said.
Crawford encourages everyone to bring one design that they would like to learn how to make.
Crawford is a licensed designer for the McCall Pattern Co., a member of the Sewing Hall of Fame and is president and CEO of Fashion Patterns by Coni. She is a nationally recognized lecturer, fashion specialist, educator and author of sewing and pattern textbooks, including “A Guide to Fashion Sewing,” “The Art of Fashion Draping” and “Patternmaking Made Easy.”
For more information, or to register for the workshop, contact Nathan Gainer, director of early enrollment and continuing education, at (304) 206-2448, or by e-mail at Ngainer@wvstateu.edu.