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 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 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 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 moreUtilize These Strategies To Boost Your Well-Being in the Holiday Season and Beyond
image by pexels
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:
Read moreFashion Studies can be just for FUN - Student Highlight on Kasia K.
Kasia is such a fun sewing student, always eager to learn new things. She has an amazing sense of color and style. I think she is super cool! Here is a little more about Kasia in her own words:
What kind of work do you do, when you are not sewing?
I work at Levi Strauss as a paralegal managing the trademark portfolio and assisting with brand enforcement. I have been there almost a year but it’s been fun having work somewhat coincide with my sewing adventures.
When did you start sewing/how long have you been sewing?
I have dabbled in sewing since high school. The first item of clothing I made was a pair of lounge pants without a pattern. I just cut the fabric in the shape of pants and sewed. They were pretty sad.
In my twenties I took a sewing class at Stone Mountain Daughter. It was great but it didn’t help push me over the sewing edge. I’ve always owned a sewing machine but was so intimidated by it.
I’ve been immersed in sewing since August 2022 when I started taking classes at the sewing room.
What are your interests outside of sewing?
Outside of sewing I’ve been an obsessive knitter since 2003. I love all things knitting. I’ve also picked up Bargello, a type of needlepoint from the 70’s. I will also partake in anything crafty especially since I have an art obsessed 7 year old daughter. But really knitting is my #1 love. Sewing is getting very close to first place.
Why did you want to learn how to sew?
I have always loved the idea of making things instead of buying them. But to be able to make one’s clothes has always been a desire. I have no desire to be a designer. I only want it have it as a skill. Like with knitting, I can see something in a store or on someone that I like and then go home and knit it. I want to do the same thing with sewing.
What is your favorite part about sewing/the clothing making process (design, pattern, sewing, fabric etc.)?
I don’t think I have a favorite part. Each step offers me something different. Looking for patterns and fabric is obviously a huge joy for me. However the planning of it, getting the fabric, washing, ironing, cutting, piecing it together has forced me to S L O W down. That whole process used to intimidate me. But once I did it a few times, I realized how good it was for me. I go, go, go all the time. I can knit anywhere anytime even if a few rows. But sewing, sewing forces me to set aside a big chunk of time, to slow down, be methodical, and focused on one project.
What are your #sewinggoals and/or ambitions?
My sewing goals are to have a handmade wardrobe. I definitely have more hand knit sweaters than store bought. I would like to have the same for other clothing items. I also would like to make myself one fancy dress.
The projects I’m currently working on are a second pair of Landers pants this time in blue corduroy, and another Noodlehead tote bag with some beautiful Japanese print fabric.
I hope you enjoyed meeting Kasia. Her passion for making her own wardrobe is very inspiring. Our Fashion Studies program has helped Kasia realize some of her dreams. I invite you to check out our Spring 2024 class schedule on our Fashion Studies page and APPLY if you are interested in learning more about how to create your own wardrobe.
Jobs in Fashion - Product Developer with Chelsea Willingham , Founder of Minka + Coco
I recently spoke with Chelsea Willingham about her job as a Product Developer. Chelsea's journey into design and development traces back to a childhood shopping trip with her mother. During middle school, she vividly described a pair of shoes she wanted, prompting her to sketch them. Her mother's response, 'Those don't exist,' ignited her creative spark. Her master's degree in apparel design, specializing in sustainability, further refined her creativity.
Read moreStudent Highlight - Jake D.
Meet Jake D. , one of our Fashion Design Students. His designs are pretty awesome, so we thought we would share some with you. It's fantastic that he is also exploring the art of draping fabric on the dress form, which was really a wonderful surprise to see when he sent over the photos. That skill and practice will come in handy when and if he studies pattern making (finger's crossed). I think it will be really fun for him. But first Sewing!
Read moreVintage Style and Beyond - Student Spotlight - Amy B.
Amy has been a student at The Sewing Room for about a year and a half now. She loves to sew vintage clothing and pays careful attention to all the details. Amy has also been part of our Fashion Studies program for the last year and I've been super thrilled to see her blossom in ways she couldn't imagine. Self proclaiming that she couldn't draw, we can see she proved herself incorrect in that assumption. Just look a the fabulous illustrations she created above! That little collage also shows you her mood mood board as well as a rendering of her fabric design. I can't wait to see what she dreams up next!
Read moreStudent Spotlight - Eddie D.
Eddie has been sewing with us now for about 1 year. They are an ambitious and determined student who is not afraid of a challenge. As you can see from the photos of Eddie's work, below, each project is carefully and creatively curated.
Read moreStudent Spotlight - Wendi G. Fashion Illustration
This month we highlight Fashion Studies student - Wendi G. Wendi is one of Julie Ann's Illustrations and as you can see, has a very whimsical and colorful style. Here is a little more about Wendi in her own words:
Read moreMinimalism and the Sustainable Wardrobe - things to consider - The How, What, Where, When & Why
Let’s explore minimalism when it comes to our clothing. Maybe you are looking to have a more minimalist lifestyle, living with fewer things. Clothing plays a large part in each of our lives. Most people have more clothing than they actually need. Fast fashion & mass consumerism have driven our culture to buy more and more and this is not sustainable for our planet in any way. As our closets bulge and clothing falls apart, much of it gets thoughtlessly dumped in the landfill. Creating a "sustainable" wardrobe" can help you leap out of this vortex of mass consumption.
Read moreThe Comfort and Durability of Bamboo Socks: An Interview with Rachel, founder of Thought Clothing
Just like everything we produce at Thought, the process of creating our bamboo socks starts with sustainability at heart as well as making sure we offer really fun and joyful designs each season - because, while we’re serious about eco-friendly living, we really want it to be full of fun and joy, too, which our socks definitely are - perhaps that’s why they’re what we’re best known for!
Read moreStudent Spotlight - Ann C. - Slow Stitcher Extraordinaire
This month we highlight Fashion Studies student Ann C. Ann has been attending classes now at the sewing room for about a year. It’s been an absolute joy to see her hand work emerge and grow as she works through the Ann Wood Handmade Slow Stitch Book and posts photos of her work on Instagram. It’s somewhat rare to find a student who enjoys the hand work like this, as many want to rush through the process. This slow stitching is a good meditation for the practicing of patience. It will also prepare her for the work she will do in our Couture Sewing Intensive we are holding in spring. (Shhhh….don’t tell her I told you). In any case, here is a little more about Ann…
Read morePursuing a Career in Fashion Design for Beginners
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry that encompasses clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more. It is an art form where creativity meets practicality and incorporates the latest trends in design to create new looks.
Read moreSwitching to Sustainable Fashion Made Simple with These Helpful Ways
Most of us are looking for ways to live more sustainable and less wasteful lives. We’re thinking of how we can be more environmentally friendly and do our bit for the planet. One big problem when it comes to wastage is fast fashion. Fast fashion is typically cheap items that are made and sold cheaply, using poor-quality materials that won’t last.
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