As the school year comes to an end, many organizations in Evanston and Chicago are set to host camps this summer for kids focusing on sewing and fashion.
Open Studio Project: Fashion Forward
From Monday, Aug. 11 to Friday, Aug. 15, Evanston’s Open Studio Project will run a class teaching students to hand and machine stitch. The camp is open to kids ages 6 through 12 and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. The total cost is $295 and extended hours of open studio time are available from 1-3 p.m. for an additional $30 per day.
Making It SewFun
This Chicago sewing school will host sewing camps running from July 7 to 11 and July 14 to 18, along with Saturday classes from June 21 to July 26. Materials are included in the camp’s $275 fee, and projects are available for all skill levels. Kids ages 7 through 16 are eligible to enroll and can choose to attend morning sessions from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., afternoon sessions from 1:30-4 p.m., or both. Those interested can register on the Making It SewFun website.
One River School of Art + Design
For students in third through fifth grade, this local arts school will offer a week-long course on fashion illustration. Classes take place from June 16 through 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from Aug. 18 through Aug. 22 from 12:30-to 3 p.m. Students will work with ink and brayers to create a fashion illustration of their own. The camp costs $365, and registration is on the One River School website.
Additionally, students in grades six through 12 can take One River School’s summer camp on fashion design. Attendees will learn to paint fabrics and create cohesive looks and garments using students’ textiles. This camp runs July 28 to Aug. 1 from 12:30-3 p.m., and will cost $365. Register on the One River School website.
Sew on Central
This Evanston sewing boutique will offer a camp for kids ages 7 through 13 of all skill levels. These half-day camps will run every week, Monday through Friday, from June 16 to Aug. 15, excluding the week of July 4. The morning session is 9-11:30 a.m., and the afternoon session is 1-3:30 p.m. For young sewists, ages 5 and 6, Sew on Central will host specialized hand-sewing classes from 1-3:30 p.m. the weeks of June 23 and July 21. Each half-day camp will cost $280, and payment plans are available. You can register on the Sew on Central website.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
SAIC will host two-week-long on-campus summer programs for middle schoolers aged 10 to 13. Courses run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fashion Camp is offered July 7 through 18 and July 21 through Aug. 1. A camp on accessories and embellishments is offered from Aug. 4 through 15. The total cost is $1,260. Registration should be completed on the SAIC website.
For high school students, SAIC offers early college programs on fashion design and construction. These programs grant college credit and cost $3,696 each, not including housing costs, with merit scholarships and financial aid also available. Courses run for two weeks each, during three different sessions. The registration deadline is noon on Monday, June 2. You can register using the SAIC website.
Evanston Art Center
Evanston Art Center will host camps on fashion illustration and fashion construction for students ages 12 to 14. Both camps cost $385 for non-EAC members and run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fashion illustration camp is July 14 to 18 and will teach the art of drawing fashion figures using markers, watercolors and more. Students will complete the camp with a lookbook of their designs. The fashion construction camp is July 21 to 25, and will teach fundamental skills for hand sewing and using a sewing machine. Registration can be done on the EAC website.
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