” I was so lucky to find MACA, Ella and Rosemary. I had a bit of sewing experience, but not in clothing and thought the Beginning Couture – Skirt class was a great first step.  I constructed not one but two beautiful skirts ( a straight skirt and a half circle skirt).  From the first to the last class the instruction was well delivered and comprehensive; taking measurements, building a custom pattern, fabric selection, construction of skirt and finishing techniques. The highlight beside the beautiful skirts was making new friends that were just as enthusiastic as I was about sewing.  I can’t wait to start Beginning Couture 2 – Jacket!”    Karen Hescox

 

“I belong to a sewing lounge owned by Blondell Howard (Baltimore, MD).
Through her, I connected with Ella Pritsker. Ella is an expert in couture sewing. Awesome instructor and so willing to share her gift. I had the opportunity to take her beginning couture class and I learned so much!!! If you love to sew, please check… out her website. ~ Portia Smith

 

“I have been sewing garments for fifty years, but this class took my sewing skills to a new level. Not only have I learned how to make my own patterns and fit a muslin, but I learned more about constructing a garment than I had learned over those 50 years. I now have clothes of my very own that started with a sketch and are now a reality. My new garments fit perfectly, and I am thrilled with what I can now make.
Ella Pritsker is one of the most encouraging teachers I have ever had – she wants each of her students to succeed in sewing and design, and has given us the tools to do so”. ~ Susan H

 

“Being at MACA has reinforced my love for dressmaking and my desire to
be good at it. I’m thrilled for the experience under Ella’s tutelage to gain the skills and confidence I need to create professional success and personal satisfaction for myself.”~Tori

 

“In my hands, a sewing machine was only a means to an end. A tool that I used crudely, to nail stitches in the fabric, until it resembled a dress. Ella’s class has given me new ways to approach this tool. Elegant and graceful lines flowing over form…clean edges to balance my organic and tattered aesthetic. Through her guidance, I have a new understanding of garment construction and can now draft an excellent pattern. The attention to detail and the importance of planning ahead has affected all areas in my life. Through knowledge, a door has been opened that will take my art, style and fashion concepts to a whole new level.

When a woman is confident that her clothing fits her well and it feels good against her skin…she is reminded of her most beautiful, radiant self. I am inspired by this power to dress a woman on the outside and have  it  affect her on the inside. Michelle  M,

…this class has offered more varied experiences and opportunities for learning than most classes taught at a traditional university through your efforts and commitment. ~ Rosemary E, Towson, MD

 

” I started the beginner couturier in April 2010. For someone who has never sewn before, I didn’t know what to expect. But as I learned, I was amazed. There was more than “stitching” to make an outfit. There are different skills and techniques, and I have learned all the basic skills, which I will be needing throughout my career, in beginners class.”       Hye Park

“Prior to signing up for the Beginner Couturier class at MACA I didn’t know much beyond threading a needle. I loved fashion and I knew I  wanted to learn basic sewing skills, fitting techniques, and how to work with patterns. I kept putting it off.  Then finally last summer I stopped making excuses and I enrolled in MACA’s  Beginner Couturier. Although nervous to be starting at the couture level, I found Ella and her team’s guidance informative, motivating, and inspiring. What a treasure right in our backyard! I walked away with a wealth of information and a beautiful custom jacket fitted to my measurements that I will wear proudly this winter. Indeed, I walked away with far more than I anticipated. Taking the Beginner Couturier class inspired me to follow my passion for men’s fashion and I have since became a style consultant for the luxury mens’ clothier J. Hilburn .  I love helping men feel and look their best through custom fitted and well tailored clothes. I am currently enrolled in the Pattern Making class and I look forward to furthering my knowledge and experiences at MACA. Hopefully you will also!”    Tatiana Melo

“Besides the specific, technical skills you’ve taught us, I am very aware that I look at the the world differently! I am much more aware of design (not just in clothes) and color. Actually, I’m looking, really looking at everything! I appreciate how very patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic you are and realize what a difference that makes! It really makes me want to learn. And your standards for excellence
(attention to detail) make me feel want to make my work measure up. You have the nicest manner when you ask to have work redone! I’m thrilled to be part of your first class. I really feel it’s a privilege to be learning from you”. ~Hope C,