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Update on classes (this is so cool using the plural!)

3/26/2011

Hello classes :) ! As I had said in class you are to create a bodice base front and back using your own measurements and bring it into the next class. Also bring in the first sample using the same measurements and the measurement sheet. We will be creating a story board like reference of the steps taken to create the darts starting with step one that was last week's class. It will be very enlightening and easy to follow in the future when you get stuck on a step, just go back, lift up the sheets and there it will be! I am hoping to start up sewing classes soon at another location that will help the new sewers decipher the sewing techniques in order to execute the projects in best most professional way possible.

I also have been considering sewing retreats for people that must travel a great distance to come here so they can get condensed classes on a topic in a relatively short period of time. Is there any interest in this I wonder...?

Classes start on Wednesday and Thursday and I couldn't be HAPPIER!

3/20/2011

Hello all, module 3 begins on Wednesday and Thursday of this week at Georgian! This is very exciting as this is the only fashion focused course at this school. Seeing that my specialty is evening and bridal wear, the tops module will prove to be VERY INFORMATIVE and very interesting. There are so many ways to make the pattern fit the body perfectly, just by changing some lines on the paper and voila` it works on the fabric! Don't know exactly how it works but let me tell you that the lines on the paper transfer to fabric seamlessly (no pun intended!).

I am currently working on something that can prove to be challenging to say the least..... the dress is very simple only 3 seams on it, the simplest lines are usually the hardest to execute because you have very little to work with in the way of adjustments, the pattern has to be perfect BEFORE it is cut on fabric. The line in this garment is like an A-line/mermaid(y) look, fullness at the hemline with a sleek fit on top. Also it can't be cut on the bias because there is not enough fabric. The fabric itself is only 90cm (36 in) wide and I only have two full heights to work with. The dress is full length, 140cm in height. Yes, it is challenging especially when as you know a mermaid dress has all the princess seams cut into the style, this one does not, like I said only 3 seams, sides and back.... perhaps I can get some helpful hints on how to accomplish this, unfortunately I can't post any pictures yet, not until June at the earliest on this project.
If you have any ideas please feel free to fill out the contact form, I would appreciate any input I can get.
thanks
Maria

2 classes

3/16/2011

It's official! We now have TWO classes on pattern drafting at Georgian College! This is the best news ever!!! Students that are being considered for the Thursday night class will be contacted by the school to make the necessary arrangements. Please try to make it work if you are one of the chosen ones, it will be to your benefit as the decision has been made based on experience and in class understanding of drafting and sewing. For the new students it would much more beneficial for you to attend the Thursday class, it will be slower paced tailored to beginners. Sorry for any inconvenience this may pose to you.

Split class

3/12/2011

Hello all, just letting you know that I still have not heard on whether the school will be adding a second class on Thursday evening or not. In light of enrolment upswing I think it would be wise to have the less experienced in one class on Thursdays and the more experienced on Wednesdays. It makes more sense as I can pay more attention to everyone with a smaller class size and similar learning curves. So as soon as I hear something I will let you know.

Also if there is anyone who needs more instruction on sewing, the Learn to sew course is coming again starting Monday April 11 to May 2. It is a 3 hour class on Monday evenings focussing on sewing only, no drafting. The syllabus is from week to week based on the students' progress. Registration is currently open.

This module is my personal forte` and I have some pretty terrific ideas on how to teach this course! My belief is the garment should fit the body, not the body fit the garment. There are soooooo many tricks to make the pattern fit perfectly that I can't wait to share them with you!
ciao and have a

last class!

3/3/2011

Hello all, sadly this will be our last class in the pants module, hopefully everyone enjoyed the class and learned a lot. As you know there will be a final exam during the first hour. This is a closed book exam and will last 60 minutes starting promptly at 7:00 pm. For the students that still have to write the test you can do so prior to the exam starting at 6:30. You will be required to create a front and back draft with measurements provided at that time, there will also be some written questions to answer. If you are unsure of the draft, I would suggest you do a few drafts at home without the book, then check back to see if it was successful.

I have created a glossary on blackboard to assist you with some terminology please check it out. Also bring in a highlighter as well as the rest of your drafting kit.

We will also be learning how to top stitch on denim using top-stitching thread. The waistband on the present pants will be finished as well as the hems. The waistband is to be cut and interfaced using the total waist measurement derived from the pants plus seam allowance by 10 cm. Pin and stitch it onto the pants, the unstitched edge may be serged or zig-zagged. We will do the rest in class. Students who are usure of how to stitch waistband on to pants bring the waistband that has been interfaced to class for 6:30 and we will cover that material at that time.

Please bring in the following:

top-stitching thread in contrasting colour
size 16 needle
pants with waistband machine stitched to waistline
6 denim rectangles 30 cm X 20 cm
if time permits we can try a buttonhole, so please bring a button as well

good luck on the exam!

Update on classes (this is so cool using the plural!)

Classes start on Wednesday and Thursday and I couldn't be HAPPIER!

2 classes

Split class

last class!

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