Conselle Institute of Image Management - Orem, Utah

N. W.

I have mixed feelings about the six-day Fabulous Fit Retreat taught by Judith Rasband, with assistance from Lorraine Henry and Susie. On the one hand, the technique they teach (using the seam allowance to make the alterations rather than the slash or pivot method) makes so much sense. I give her a lot of credit for developing this. Lorraine is the one who is doing the bulk of the instruction now, with Susie assisting and learning to eventually take the lead. They were both great and I did return home with personal slopers for the bodice, skirt and pants, although I was not completely happy with the way they fit. On the other hand, the conditions of the retreat were brutal. We were picked up at 8:30 each day and did not arrive back at the hotel before 7 p.m. At one point we were expected to stay until 9:30/10 p.m. to complete our bodice sloper (with no break for dinner). The classroom was a small room in the back of a sewing and vintage store. It was cramped, with poor ventilation. There was no water or snacks provided, which I had assumed there would be, especially in the hot Utah summer. We were taken to a restaurant for lunch each day for an hour break (at our own expense even though the pre-workshop email Judith sent stated that three lunches were provided). Would I recommend the retreat? As it is now: no. Instead I would recommend seeking out Lorraine Henry and Susie at a sewing expo and purchasing Judith's book, Fitting and Pattern Alterations. I think as new generation takes over the workshop will evolve. It is very affordable; they could easily charge more and make the experience more humane.

Celina H.

I just finished a 6-day garment fitting workshop with Judith, as well as Lorraine Henry. I have quite a few figure variations, but these two women were more than up to the task of helping the participants learn how to fit our bodies! Anyone taking this clinic will get more than a full semester's worth of knowledge in these six days. It is worth twice the cost! I now understand why sewing patterns are just a guideline.

Sylvie D. G.

We discovered (screenshot attached) that Judith Rasband used a fake name in order to manipulate an assessment and receive all personal reports, materials and educational lessons available. This is not the first experience we have had with Judith and Conselle Institue of Image Management taking our words, ideas, concepts—the labor of our work—and make it their own. This is in particular disappointing when a training provider who shall teach and set ethical standards for the industry is caught in the act. As a student I'd want to learn from someone who spends time in researching current information, developing content and creating outstanding learning experiences on their own and not just providing anyone's IP.

s N. R.

Wonderful!

Jyothi P.