For anyone serious about a career in fashion design, mastering the art of flat pattern making is essential. This foundational skill allows designers to transform their ideas into reality, equipping them with the technical know-how to create perfectly fitting garments from scratch. It’s not just a practical skill; it’s a creative superpower that bridges the gap between vision and execution, offering both artistic and career-enhancing benefits. Here’s why flat pattern making is indispensable for every aspiring designer.
Read moreTop T-Shirt Design Tips: Bringing Your Creativity to Life with Custom Apparel
Designing a custom t-shirt is more than just printing a logo on fabric. It’s about expressing creativity, telling a story, and connecting with your audience. Whether you’re creating t-shirts for your business, a special event, or a personal project, the right design can make all the difference. Let's dive into some practical tips for designing custom t-shirts that stand out!
Read moreSustainable Fall Fashion Trends to Shop This Season
As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, sustainable fashion is becoming a priority for many shoppers. This fall, embracing eco-friendly trends doesn’t mean compromising on style. From recycled materials to timeless pieces designed for longevity, sustainable fashion is all about making mindful choices that look good and do good for the planet.
Read more5 Signs a Garment Isn't as High-Quality as It Seems
Just because something looks well made, doesn’t mean it actually is, and craftsmanship is actually the most important thing to look for when shopping for sustainable pieces. Here are five things that will immediately indicate the poor quality of clothing, even if it looks good at first glance or has a steep price.
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Historic Millinery Patterns with Lynn McMasters - Out of a Portrait Patterns
In this interview let’s explore the work of Lynn McMasters who is a historic milliner who has been making patterns for hats since 2000. Lynn has over 65 patterns and many “how-to” posts on her website - www.OutOfaPortrait.com . In the US and Europe you can find her patterns at several other websites and from in-person resellers that sell historical patterns and supplies. Her other passions besides hats are fans, purses and feathers.
Read moreHow to Create the Perfect Mood Board for Your Design Project
Mood boards are an essential tool for any designer, helping to provide focus and inspiration while setting the tone for your project. Whether you're designing a fashion collection, curating an event, or working on an interior design concept, a mood board brings your vision to life.
Read more10 Essential Tips to Elevate Your Sewing and Creative Skills
Whether you’re just starting your sewing journey or looking to refine your skills, continuous improvement is key to mastering any craft. I’ve compiled 10 essential tips to help you become a better sewist and enhance your abilities in just about anything you set your mind to.
Read moreLeveraging AI in Fashion – Compelling Ways AI Can Be Used in the Fashion Industry
Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized various industries. Let’s explore how AI can reshape creativity, product development, and logistics in the fashion industry. With the growing trend of using AI, fashion designers can leverage their power and enhance their prowess exponentially. Even though designers vary in their use of AI, it holds great power that can reshape fashion as we know it.
Read moreSuccess Secrets for Sewing Entrepreneurs
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Transforming a beloved sewing hobby into a profitable business venture is an enticing idea for many. It combines the joy of doing something you love with the potential for financial reward. However, the transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur requires more than just passion; it demands careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of the business landscape. In this article from The Sewing Room, we’ll explore tips for making this transition successfully.
Read moreA Creative's Guide to Building a Successful Brand and Audience
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The journey to recognition for creatives in fields like art, fashion, and crafting is often filled with challenges and competition. The key to breaking through lies in employing effective strategies to showcase talent, connect with audiences, and carve out a unique space in the bustling creative industry. This article offers practical and innovative methods to help creatives capture attention, grow their audience, and elevate their careers.
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Vintage Dressmaker - with Kiley Brokaw of Spidora of San Francisco
Kiley Brokaw is a dressmaker in San Francisco who owns Spidora, a small business that specializes in creating custom sized vintage inspired women's wear with an emphasis on early to mid 20th century fashion. Using vintage machines and techniques, creating these special one of a kind pieces is a passion for her and one she is happy to share with the world.
Read moreColor Theory - Getting my Colors "Done" with Amy Buzick
Have you ever made something or purchased something from a website from a piece of fabric or color you love only to put it on and think “Ugh, that doesn’t work”? I have, many times; and it’s not so fun. So when my friend Amy told me she helped people with their colors, I thought about it for a year or so and then made (and purchased) something else that didn’t really work. I get so bummed when I make something, especially a knitted sweater, or something I’ve taken a lot of time to put together, and the color turns out to be unflattering. So, having done that one too many times, I turned to Amy and asked for her assistance.
Read moreSF Opera's Costume Shop Behind The Scenes - Get Ready For The Magic Flute!
Last week I was invited to attend a special behind the scenes event inside the SF Opera’s Costume Shop prior to the opening of the new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Who wouldn’t want to see the inner workings of a costume paradise? It was definitely an invitation I could not refuse. So, so exciting!!
Read moreStudent Highlight - Carissa H.
Photography - Katya Kuba
Carissa recently took a series of classes to prepare herself for a graduate program application. She completed her undergrad in another field and has been in the working world but wanted to shift gears into the realm of design. She had a tight deadline and a steep learning curve but really made huge progress over just a couple of months. We are so proud of her and all her hard work! Look what a beautiful dress she made as only her 2nd adult sewing project. Wow! Bravo Carissa - Bellisima!
Read more7 Compelling Reasons to Learn the Craft of Sewing
Sewing is an ancient skill dating back to the Paleolithic era, when ancient peoples joined pieces of fur or leather using needles made from bone, antlers or ivory and thread made from the sinew of animals. As early as 4,000 BC, Middle Eastern weavers stitched natural fibers to sew clothes. Since then, sewing has become an artistic craft that anyone can pick up as a hobby, career, or even a business opportunity. Even if you have zero knowledge about the basics of sewing, it’s a relatively simple activity that surprisingly offers numerous benefits. The possibilities with sewing are as boundless as one’s imagination, making it a worthwhile and exciting endeavor for anyone curious enough to try it.
Read moreUnderstanding Sole Proprietorship in California for Aspiring Fashion Designers
For an aspiring fashion designer, deciding on the right business structure can seem daunting. Yet setting up as a sole proprietorship in California may be simpler than it appears – and serve as a stepping stone to success. As the LLC.org guide: Sole Proprietorship in California shows, a sole proprietorship offers budding fashion entrepreneurs key advantages as well as reasonable legal obligations.
Read moreStudent Highlight - Zahra
Meet - Zahra, one of our young and talented Fashion Studies students. Zahra started studying #allthethings (including Design, Illustration and Sewing) with us over the Summer and has continued to take classes throughout the Fall to work on her arts-based high school applications. She’s been busy sewing up garments as well as honing her drawing skills so that she can present her work and be ready for what High School has to offer.
Read more7 Reasons to Make Sewing Your New Hobby as an Adult
One of the most versatile and rewarding hobbies that both younger and older adults can pursue is sewing, a craft that holds universal appeal. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a fashion designer or garment manufacturer, or if you simply want to be more self-reliant about everyday concerns like clothing repair, it’s never too late to learn how to sew.
Read moreUtilize These Strategies To Boost Your Well-Being in the Holiday Season and Beyond
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In an era where the pace of life continues to accelerate, the quest for enhanced well-being through self-improvement has never been more pertinent. Finding the time to care for your mental and physical health can often be challenging, especially during the holiday season, but it’s not impossible. This guide, presented by The Sewing Room, offers a roadmap to those seeking to embark on a journey towards improved health and happiness, encompassing seven essential facets of self-development.
Read moreVintage Sunglasses Trends That Are Making a Comeback
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The fashion world is constantly cycling through trends, so it’s no wonder why so many vintage styles have been popping up in recent years. Sunglasses are no exception; many models from decades past have popped up today, albeit with more modern twists on these classic looks. These sunglasses trends have taken over the top names in fashion too; singer Billie Eilish recently modeled for a vintage-inspired Gucci eyewear campaign that gave a nod to film noir. Though all kinds of retro shades from various eras in fashion have gained popularity in the modern age, here are some top vintage sunglasses trends that are making a comeback:
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