September 2019 Quarterly with Jan Bones

Join Columbia River Sewing for a special 3-day quarterly event with Jan Bones, clothing designer and author of Lingerie Secrets. We will be meeting at the Greater Portland Bible Church on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 and Mill End Store – Beaverton on Sunday, September 22.

FRIDAY, 7-9 PM
An Introduction to Draping
Registration Required
SATURDAY, 10AM-Noon
Quarterly Meeting, Trunk Show and Working with Bias
Open to ALL – No Fee – No registration
SATURDAY, 1-4 PM
Pattern Design Magic
Registration Required
SUNDAY, 11 AM-2 PM
Sew a Knit Cami
Class is Filled
SUNDAY, 2-5 PM
Lingerie Finishes for Daywear
Class is Filled

An Introduction to Draping
Have you ever wrapped fabric around your body, looked in the mirror and wondered what it might be or what you could do next? Draping is the answer. Draping is the art of creating clothing on a body or a dress form—no pattern required. Jan will demonstrate draping skirts and bodices on real people! Draping appeals to sewists of all levels. Once you learn draping basics, the sky is the limit. This will be a “can’t-wait-to-try-it-at-home” class. You will love it!

Working with Bias
A bias cut design is comfortable and amazing. Jan will discuss methods for accurate cutting, sewing and finishing in many garments made with the bias grain direction. She will showcase the wide variety of fabrics that can be used on the bias and innovative sewing techniques and professional finishing methods.

Pattern Design Magic
A basic pattern or your pattern stash is a gold mine for magic! Jan will teach you the answers to the most asked questions. What can be done with that bust dart? Could I add or change the seams? How do I add flare or pleats to skirt and pants designs? Will my pattern sew together properly if it is changed? Come and gain the confidence to invent and create designs from basic patterns or learn to add a touch of magic to an “oldie but goodie” favorite pattern. You’ll take home a stack of pattern experiments and valuable knowledge you will use again and again.
Supply List : pencil, eraser, 2 colored pencils (red, blue), ruler (at least 18”), French curve, paper scissors, Scotch tape (“invisible”/green label preferred), notebook and pen.
Kit fee includes booklet and all precut patterns for use in class.

Sew a Knit Cami is filled. Join the waitlist.
Sew a camisole in this class and gain experience in sewing knit fabrics, elastic, and lace. You’ll learn techniques for successfully sewing seams, elastics, straps, beautiful mitered lace necklines, hem edges, and many other great tricks. Each student will work on a pre-cut camisole from Jan’s pattern Camisole and Nightie for Knit Fabric. You will provide your measurements when registering so Jan can have a precut camisole in your size.
Supply list: sewing machine, your sewing supplies, white polyester thread, ball point needle for the sewing machine (size 70-10).
Kit fee includes ‘Camisole and Nightie for Knits’ pattern (sizes S-4XL, 34″-54″), precut cotton knit Camisole, lace, elastic.

Finishes for Daywear is filled. Join the waitlist.
The hallmark of lingerie is simplicity—finishes are light, non-bulky and flattering to both fabric and figure. Jan will teach you how to transform these ideas into your daytime wardrobe sewing. Learn unique edge, seam, neckline and hem finishes. Gain experience with knit fabric, woven fabrics, trims, lace and elastic. Students will complete many precut samples and fill a notebook to take home for future reference.
Supply list: sewing machine, white/black polyester thread, your sewing supplies, sewing machine needles.
Kit fee includes notebook and all samples.

DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, and FEES (kit and class fees will be collected at registration)

Coffee, tea and water will be provided Saturday morning. Bring your own lunch and beverages Saturday and Sunday.

Jan will have some her patterns available to purchase.

Class registration is closed. Even if you’re not registered for a class, you’re welcome to attend the Quarterly Meeting, meet Jan, and learn about Working with Bias.


For 31 years I taught pattern design, garment construction, pattern drafting, tailoring, draping and fitting at the University of Manitoba. I continue to enjoy educating classes of enthusiastic clothing design students at both Red River College and MC College, both located in Winnipeg.

In 1994, I started my sewing pattern company, ‘Lingerie Secrets’ and currently there are over 40 designs to fit ladies in all shapes and sizes! Travelling across Canada and the United States, I have the fun of teaching sewing enthusiasts in seminars, hands on workshops and weekend retreats. Also, there are nearly 1000 Dress Forms adorning sewing spaces across the country, courtesy of my workshop on Dress Form creation.

Writing books, produced sewing DVD’s, creating articles for Threads magazine and working as a design consultant for the garment industry are other adventures that keep me busy and happy!