Tailor Craft Summer School:
Master The Art of Tailoring & Alterations w/ Denise McBride
Master Tailor
Summer School
with Denise McBride
After 44 Years at the Machine, I'm Opening the Studio Door.
I have spent four decades tailoring, altering, and constructing garments at a professional level — working on industrial machines, with professional precision, in a real working atelier.
This summer, I am offering private, one-on-one instruction for a very small number of individuals who want to finally learn the practical skills of sewing and alterations — from someone who has spent a lifetime mastering them.
No fluff. No classroom. Just you, the machine, and 44 years of knowledge.
What You Will Learn
This Summer
Your First Time at a Sewing Machine
Threading, tension, stitch types, and foot control. We break down the machine completely so nothing feels intimidating. By the end of your first session, you will be sewing clean, confident straight seams.
Hems, Seams & Everyday Alterations
The single most valuable skill in any wardrobe. Hemming pants, skirts, and sleeves. Taking in or letting out seams. Repairing splits. Making your clothes fit the way they are supposed to — on your body.
Why Nothing Fits Off the Rack & How to Fix It
Learn to read a garment on your own body — identify where it pulls, gaps, or bunches — and execute the alterations to correct it. This changes how you shop forever.
Starting & Finishing Your First Real Project
Bring a vision — a garment to make, a pattern you have been afraid to try. We work through pattern reading, fabric preparation, cutting, and clean construction from start to finish.
Hand Sewing & Finishing Techniques
Buttons, hooks and eyes, slip stitched hems, invisible repairs. The small hand-work that separates a garment that looks homemade from one that looks professional.
Pressing, Structure & Professional Finishing
The difference between amateur and professional sewing is almost entirely in the pressing and finishing. Learn to use steam, interfacing, and edge finishing techniques that make work look polished and intentional.
"Once you understand how a garment is built, you stop settling for clothes that were never made for you."— Denise McBride · Master Stylist · 44 Years
This Is for You If —
You have never touched a sewing machine and want to start the right way — learning from a master, not a YouTube video
You have a closet full of clothes that almost fit and no idea how to fix them yourself
You tried to learn once, got frustrated, and want hands-on guidance that actually sticks
You have a project in mind — a garment to make or alter — and want a professional beside you through it
You are tired of paying alterations prices for simple repairs you know you could learn to do yourself
You simply want to learn a valuable, lasting skill from someone who has spent 44 years perfecting it
A Real Working Studio. Not a Classroom.
Sessions are held in my private Prior Lake studio — the same space I have used for professional tailoring and alterations work for decades. You will be working on heavy industrial sewing machines that you will not find in any hobby class or community center program.
One student. One instructor. No distractions. The kind of focused, professional environment where real learning happens.
Twin Cities Metro
In-Studio Only
Consultation First
Summer School Is
Now Enrolling.
Spots are private, personal, and extremely limited. Enrollment begins with a brief conversation so I can understand exactly what you want to learn.
612-730-7323 Call or Text · Prior Lake, MN