Grading

Grading Breakdown

1. Blocks: Bodice Moulage, Sloper, Sleeves

• Grading: Pass/Fail (20 Points)
• Requirement: Up to three attempts necessary for a pass.
• Importance: These foundational exercises set the stage for the rest of the class. Failure to complete these tasks will affect performance in subsequent assignments.

2. Technical Samplers

• Grading: Pass/Fail (20 Points)
• Requirement: Up to three attempts necessary for a pass.
• Importance: These samples are critical to skill building for garment construction. Failure to complete them will hinder future projects.

3. Pattern Sleuths: Woven Tops

• Grading: Based on craft (20 Points)
• Criteria: Graded on the neatness, fit, and accuracy of the final shirt in fashion fabric.
• Submission Requirement: Pattern drafts and muslin toile must be presented before proceeding to final construction.

4. Barrel Pants (Sloper, Muslin Toile, Fashion Fabric)

• Grading: Based on craft (20 Points)
• Criteria: Graded on the neatness, fit, and accuracy of the final pants.
• Submission Requirement: Tagboard sloper and barrel muslin toile must be completed; failure will result in point deductions from participation.

5. Participation, Quizzes, Attendance, Organization, Pinterest, Attitude

• Grading: (20 Points)
• Initial Points: All students start with 20 points.
• Point Loss: Points may be deducted at the instructor’s discretion for missing or not completing quizzes, poor attendance, tardiness, poor attitude, failing to post on Pinterest, and/or failing to maintain organization and respect for classroom resources. Students may inquire at any point in the semester in regards to their standing in this category.

On Craft 
This class places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and the ability to absorb and process the information presented. Students are expected to show consistent improvement in their sewing skills, especially if their initial work lacks precision or neatness. The overarching goal is to learn how to create garments worth keeping—pieces that reflect care, effort, and skill. Embracing the process of making and remaking is essential, as failure is seen not as a setback but as an invaluable opportunity to improve and develop problem-solving skills. Perfect results are not expected on the first try; instead, students should anticipate multiple attempts—sometimes twice, sometimes thrice—to achieve their best work. This iterative approach is fundamental to mastering the craft and fostering a sense of pride in what they create.

Quizzes
Quizzes will be conducted weekly, with some weeks featuring two quizzes. These assessments are designed to reinforce understanding and improve recall of the material presented in class and assigned homework. Quizzes will be self-graded by students and will be retaken until the material is mastered. Participation in quizzes is mandatory, based on participation rather than the quiz outcomes; quizzes are not graded. The goal of these quizzes is not to penalize but to ensure comprehension and retention, supporting students in building a strong foundation of knowledge.

If You Have Fallen Behind
Please communicate with your instructor promptly if you have fallen behind or anticipate falling behind; do not wait to communicate that you need help or ask for an extension. Students can redo any assignment and resubmit for grading before the final class.

Attendance to all classes and class-related activities is expected. You are responsible for what happens in class whether you’re here or not. Check the website to find out what you missed. Organize with your classmates to get class information and materials you have missed. Students are allowed 2 unexcused missed classes before points start melting away.

Late Arrivals
Please work hard to NOT be late. As is, our classes are already really short for hands on type of learning: 1 hour and 50 minutes.   

Expected absences: Within the first week of our course, please look ahead and see if you need to miss class for any excusable reason (religious holidays, CMU-sponsored events, medical or family plans you cannot change etc.) and email me.

Illness: Let me know before class if you are ill and must miss class. I am understanding and accommodating about medical issues when you inform me in a timely and professional manner.

If students choose to attend class while displaying symptoms of a respiratory ailment, they are asked to wear an N95 mask to ensure the health and comfort of their peers and the instructor. This practice helps maintain a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone.

Mental presence and social media. Physical and virtual presence means nothing if you’re “checked out”; your mental presence is paramount. During the instructor’s lectures or guest presentations, open laptops and social media are prohibited. You can exist for a few hours without tweeting, facebooking, chatting, texting, and emailing. Any laptop or phone for social media, texting, etc. is banned during lectures, critiques and group discussion, unless specifically allowed/requested by the instructor.