What a weekend!  There are 4 highly motivated, highly intelligent, hard working women in this class who were pushed to beyond where they thought their limits were, sounds pretty harsh I know, but in the end they learned so much!  Imagine coming into a class knowing nothing or close to nothing on a subject and walking out with a working knowledge of the language and method at the end of the second day, yes folks the second day! 

This class started on Saturday morning with tools they had never seen before, terminology foreign to most, made to learn something one way only to have it flipped around so it is a mirror image of the initial technique!!  Well let me tell you they are troopers (hence bootcamp LOL) and worked until they got it right resulting in mock ups THAT FIT the first time!!  Yes there were some adjustments to be done but very, very minimal and completely expected because bodies are not cookie cutter shapes, they are unique and perfect for each individual person hence my tag line "the clothes must fit the body, not the body fit the clothes"
Kudos ladies on a job well done!  I would have to give an A+ for effort/accomplishment to all!!

Nevertheless there is homework:

• Draft princess and mock princess top patterns using personal measurements and a mock up for each style
  
• Draft and sew princess seam, mock princess or sheath pattern using two different measurements (pick one style and make both mock ups using same style to compare issues)
  

FYI

• Check out page 48 graphic “dress with sleeve”  to see the ½ shoulder adjustment on the back how it’s transferred to the front
  
• Check out page 72 to see the adjustment for the longer front neck to waist than the back adjustment
  

Prep for next class

• Next class we will be completing and sewing the mock princess dress on page 61 with a different neckline, flared at the hem, back mock princess seams, if possible we might even add a sleeve to the mix!  Please draft a front and back dress (the skirt length is on the chart) using the generic measurements to bring to class, a master draft only with front mock princess seams to the hem and the back with only side shaping NO DART we will be adding the back princess seams in class
• Please study the pattern graphics  to see if you can figure out the procedure, there will be a quiz

Things to bring:

1. Master generic pattern front and back
2. Muslin or broadcloth for a mock up of the dress on page 61
3. Sewing machines
4. Sewing kits etc
   
5. Drafting stuff
   

What a great group of ladies!  Today they worked so hard it's not even funny!  We covered a lot of ground and they walked away with a story board for the basic  block, shaping and back all in one day! 
Yes they get homework too just because the next class is tomorrow that doesn't mean they get special treatment LOL!  When they say practice makes perfect they are not kidding, that is the best learning ever. 


Homework is to draft a front and back sheath bodice using personal measurements, only to the hip incorporating any necessary adjustments that were seen on the paper sample when we placed it on the body.  Everyone knows what it is they have to do so pleas be sure you complete the pattern so we can cut a mock up first thing in the morning.

Great job today!  Looking forward to tomorrow. 

Welcome to the students registered for the weekend retreats!  I am very happy and looking forward to teaching you, there is no place I would rather be than in front of a classroom teaching! 
I promise you will all learn a lot in these weekends, by the end you will be able to draft and sew a garment or garments that fit impeccably.  With four different body types in the class it will be a great learning experience. Class starts promptly at 9:00 am on Saturday! 
Have a great week

I would like to wish the best Women's Day to all the strong, hard working, kind, generous women out there!  May we all go forth to make this world a better place to live, work and play in for all peoples no matter where they come from, their skin colour, their religious beliefs.  We are all equals as such we should be treated equally well. 
All girls deserve education, all girls deserve respect, all girls deserve love, my wish is that girls get all they deserve and more. 

Hello all I hope everyone is doing well it looks like spring is just around the corner as are the weekend retreats starting March 24/25! 
I wanted to let everyone know that I have started a waiting list for students who are interested in the classes, I may be able to squeeze one more into this first session if there is anyone out there who really wants to join please let me know. 
I also thought it would be a great idea to have a PANTS weekend retreats along the same lines, monthly meetings for about 4 months with 4 people to be better able to learn about how to fit the body.  Don't know about you but I have had a heck of a time fitting pants on myself!!  Please contact me if you would be interested in this type of class.
Have a good one!