About

Hi, I'm Alexandra.

I teach experienced sewers and budding pattern makers how to make and adjust patterns for fit and style.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, with a major in clothing and textiles, from the University of Saskatchewan (BScHEc, 1990) as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Fashion Design from Ryerson University (BAA Fashion, 1995). I've worked in the fashion industry as a pattern maker, designer, technical designer and fit technician since 1995 specializing in women's wear.  In 2010 I founded In-House Patterns, and have been designing and teaching apparel development courses and workshops since 2012. 

I work with home sewers like you who want to learn about pattern making and fitting for their more mature figures. Sorting through the fitting challenges faced by others like you ultimately lead me to launch In-House Patterns Studio in response to requests for more in-person workshops and online courses that teach experienced sewers how to make and adjust patterns to fit them.

If you are interested in building your pattern making and fitting skills, please join me in one of my online courses. You can learn more about each of them HERE.

About the Sewing Patterns

I am currently working on incorporating additional sizing options for In-House Patterns sewing patterns. All the original patterns are designed and developed for sizes 0 - 16 and in most cases include A, B, C and D cup sizing to help personalize your fit. These patterns include Belle, Chelsea, Diana, Sophie, Jenny, Claire, Ellen, Cool Cowl, and New York Mini.

Fitting Essentials sewing patterns are developed in two sizing categories: 2-14 and 12-24 (see the size guide). These patterns are based on the fitting philosophy I teach in my online course Fitting Essentials: How to Make Sewing Patterns Fit You. Fitting Essentials patterns have the balance lines clearly marked on the pattern and include access to an In-House Patterns Studio account where you get additional video tutorials that offer fitting and construction guidance as well as design projects that will take the pattern styling even further. You can see all the currently available Fitting Essentials patterns HERE.

Be sure to check the sizing of the pattern you plan to purchase so be sure the size you need is included. Our patterns offer refined styling with detailed sewing instructions featuring fashion industry techniques to help you achieve a professional "ready to wear" finish. I appreciate your patience as I transition to the new sizing.

All patterns are sold in PDF format which include US letter, A4, and 36" wide print shop files. Due to the nature of digital goods, refunds are not issued for PDF sewing patterns. If you need help printing or assembling your PDF pattern, or have any other questions about the patterns, please send  a message to info@inhousepatterns.com.

Here’s what others have to say:

“Alexandra is a skilled teacher. Her clear, concise and organized instructions give you confidence that you can do it! She has a warm and generous way of sharing her expertise.”
“Alexandra is extremely knowledgeable and so well prepared. Her lessons were well planned and easy to understand, with lots of hands on learning.”
“Very clearly organized and presented, excellent pacing, really good hands-on practice. Relaxed but professional. Perfect.”

 

If you are new to In-House Patterns I invite you to get a glimpse of my teaching style with this introduction to the foundational video tutorials on this site: START HERE: YOUR GUIDE TO THE IN-HOUSE PATTERNS VIDEO TUTORIALS.

If you'd like to get started right now, download The Perfect Fit Guide. It's a free step by step workbook that will get you to a better fit faster in just 6 steps.

If you're ready to jump into a pattern making or fitting workshop or course, CLICK HERE to get started. I'll chat with you soon. Alexandra

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