Merrick Fashion Class Offers ‘Sew’ Many Options

The Fashion Class in Merrick teaches children ages 6-17 the skills needed to sew and make clothing and accessories. The fashion design program offers summer camps to teach sewing, designing, and fashion history.

girl sewing clothing
Students learn how to attach appliques to fabric in sewing class.

Aspiring designers and young fashionistas ages 6-17 can now hone their skills at a new location of The Fashion Class in Merrick.

This second location opened in October 2014. Kerri Quigley, owner of The Fashion Class, wanted to open classes in Nassau County because she thought it would be a great addition to the family-oriented area, and there was nothing like it nearby. “It’s a very creative place for children where they’re actually learning how to sew, so they’re learning a life skill that they can use going forward,” she says.

There are not many differences between the Merrick post and flagship site in Manhattan. However, while the Manhattan campers go on field trips, Merrick campers have the opportunity to meet guest speakers. For example, professional models are invited to teach the children how to pose and walk the runway. In a recent class, a fashion stylist helped the campers set up a photo shoot, for which they styled a look with fashion accessories and clothes. Quigley has even given lessons in fashion history and fabric science.

At the end of each camp session, the kids showcase everything they have made in a fashion show. Some of the pieces include skirts, dresses, and sweaters.

The teen camp runs June 26-July 1 from 9am-5pm, and children’s camps run in one-week sessions from July 6-Aug. 28. Registration is now open for summer.