WHAT  IS  THE  DIFFERENCE  BETWEEN  THE  "BASIC"  AND  "ADVANCED"  PROGRAMS?

Both COMPLETE programs contain comprehensive training that walk you through every step of the dressmaking process.

No short cuts or training is left out the “basic” program. No magic steps are included in the "Advanced" program.

Think of it in terms of cooking, a gourmet chef has impeccable must-know skills that allow her to make either a casual evening meal or a more complex 4-course dinner. No matter which type of meal she chooses to prepare, she uses the same basic skills.

More complex dishes require more ingredients and more sauces than quick meals. Gourmet dishes also require more time, more work and more experience to pull it all together.

So with that in mind, the concept of "basic" versus "advanced" is not as much sewing-related as it is design-based.

IS  THE  COURSE  CURRICULUM  DIFFERENT  FOR  EACH  PROGRAM?

A few of the items are exactly the same in both programs:

measuring and pattern making
bra cup & elastic bonus training in modules 4
the 1.5 hours of training of "must know" rhinestoning tips

Some modules overlap the types of information offered, but are further specialized for the particular program. These modules include:

design and materials
cutting, basting and sewing
fittings

By popular request I recently decided to co-share these two programs:

mesh sleeves and upper body mesh coverage = original to the Advanced program, is now included in the ballgown program. ​​​​​​​This includes training to make mesh sleeves that cover the chest and back but has no armhole seams.

complete basic ballgown skirt training = original to the ballgown program, is now included in the advanced program.

straight and fluted skirts
ruffles
godets and gores
hem techniques: fishing line, crinoline (horsehair), rolled edge

You can watch the two short videos directly below (one for Ballgown program, one for Advanced Program).  The videos were made especially to introduce each of the programs in the membership site.

You can also get more details about the exact curriculum in the following two questions on this page:

What is the flow of the 11-week Complete Programs?

What is the detailed curriculum taught in each weekly module?

WHICH  PROGRAM  IS  RIGHT  FOR  ME? 

If you are new to dance and skate dresses, the BASIC BALLGOWN PROGRAM is a the perfect place to start!

What if I want to make Latin dance or skate dresses? Is the Basic Ballgown still the best place to start?

Absolutely.

Each module in the ballgown program is introduced in the exact order in which I would make every "basic" design - no matter if it is a ballgown, a Latin, Country or Skate dress.

Also, for those of you who make short skirt dresses, I can exchange the ballgown skirt training and give you three short skirt options instead.

The Basic Ballgown Program walks you through every step of the entire dressmaking process, not matter what how long or short your skirt is.

NOTE: I do not recommend the Advanced Program for those who are new or have minimal experience with making dance and skate dresses.

If you are an experienced dressmaker, either program is great.
You will learn all the essential skills, professional tools and tips you need to improve speed and efficiency on your "basic" and "advanced" designs.

If you are a moderate-level dressmaker,
the ADVANCED PROGRAM may leave you feeling overwhelmed with using multiple types of fabrics, applying skirts yokes and/or creating special cut-away design areas.

Ultimately, the program choice is your decision based on your sewing skills and design needs.

I would love to chat with you to discuss which option is the best way to revolutionize your dressmaking needs so you can save money, make money and have flexibility in costuming.

Feel free to email me directly with any questions or to set up a time for an online video call: teresa@seamssensational.com

The two videos below are the actual module 1 introductory videos for each program. Watch these brief clips if you wish a visual representation of the written material you just read.

PLEASE NOTE:  Upper body mesh as shown in the Advanced Program is now included in the COMPLETE BALLGOWN PROGRAM! ... it was added after the video was made 🙂

Which program should I choose?

Have you never worked with stretch fabric or chiffon/georgette before?
Are you a beginning to intermediate dressmaker who has made less than four competition or show dresses?
Do you want to master all the "must know" sewing and fitting skills?

I recommend the ballgown course -- even if you make Latin or Skate dresses.

The answer to your question, "Why?" is in the next toggle bar 🙂

Are you comfortable working with stretch fabrics?
Are you an experienced dressmaker who has made more than five dresses that fit pretty well?
Do you currently make and sell dresses for a profit?

The Advanced Program for Latin, Skate and Gowns is probably best suited for you. 

I am an experienced dressmaker who wants to make ballgowns.
Do I have to begin with the "Basic" Ballgown Program?

Is it mandatory you begin with the Ballgown Program? Of course not. You may absolutely begin with the Advanced Program if you wish.

Let me give you a few more details about why I think the ballgown program is a good way to begin.

1) The sewing and fitting skills you will learn in my Sew Like A Pro™ courses are very different from what you are currently doing.

You will master the concepts faster if you begin with the "Basic" Ballgown Program.

But it's "basic". I'm already making competition dresses.

2) The design of the ballgown is "basic". The pattern making, sewing and fitting skills are not. The skills I teach in the Ballgown program are classic, must-know construction principles that apply to all competition dress styles in Dancesport, Country or Skate no matter the design.

3) Andrea's dress in the Advanced Program has a lot of complex design elements:

• skirt yoke,
• mesh sleeves,
• accent fabric cut-outs,
• curved sweetheart neckline (which is one of the most difficult to make fit well)

Also, Andrea has scoliosis so I talk a lot of fitting curvy bodies and how to make straight design lines on curvy bodies.

Those are probably not principles you will use on the majority of dresses you make for yourself or your clients.

The training in the ballgown program are things you will use on every dress. On some dress or some clients, you will use all the "basic" skills and some of the "advanced" skills!

4) The layout of the Ballgown Program is set up in the simplest, most logical way possible. I presented the information in the exact same flow I use to make all "basic" dresses of any style dance or skate and for any shape client.

This simplicity in learning allows you to truly master the dressmaking techniques I teach in the courses.

Since you're an experienced dressmaker, you can certainly add complex design elements to your first Sew Like A Pro™ dress.

When you are implementing what I teach into your regular dressmaking, then doing a very complex dress like Andrea's in the Advanced Program will be much less stressful and faster for you to achieve.

P.S. For Roller/Ice Skaters or Latin/Country dancers, you will, of course, design your dress with a short skirt of your choice.

Please contact me directly so I can give you access to short skirt ideas and patterns that work well with "basic" designs. Also, by the time you are ready to make and attach the skirt, you will have access to the Advanced program so you can always upgrade your skirt design if you want... Or wait and do an advanced design on your next dress. 🙂

I look forward to seeing you in the sewing room!

Teresa Sigmon

I want to make Latin, Country or Skate dresses. I have not worked with stretch fabrics very much. Which program should I begin with?

By all means, please enroll in the ballgown program.

Why?

• The sewing is easier because the designs are simpler.
• The program is laid out in an easy-to-follow, do-this-step-next format.
• I will supplement the program with some of the easier skirt training from the Advanced Program so you still have short skirt options for your Latin, Two-Step or skate dresses.

1) The premise of the Ballgown program is making a dress using classic, must-know construction principles that apply to all competition dress styles in Dancesport, Country or Skate.

2) "Basic" dresses are much easier to fit and finish than dresses with more complex/advanced designs like skirt yokes, mesh cut-outs, overdress, etc. Therefore you will have less struggles making your first Sew Like A Pro™ dress.

3) The layout of the Ballgown Program is set up in the simplest, most logical way possible. I presented the information in the exact same flow I use to make all "basic" dresses of any style.

This simplicity in learning allows you to truly master the dressmaking techniques I teach in Sew Like A Pro™. When you are ready for a more complex/advanced design on your second or third dress, it will be easier for you to master those skills because you have the "basic" skills underway.

P.S. For Roller/Ice Skaters or Latin/Country dancers, you will, of course, design your dress with a short skirt of your choice.

Please contact me directly so I can give you access to short skirt ideas and patterns that work well with "basic" designs. Also, by the time you are ready to make and attach the skirt, you will have access to the Advanced program so you can always upgrade your skirt design if you want... Or wait and do an advanced design on your next dress. 🙂

I look forward to seeing you in the sewing room!

Teresa Sigmon

Scroll the remainder of this sub-page for all the written details in each module.

Truthfully, not all the training is included here.  It wouldn't all fit on each page ... and I keep adding things to offer more training!