Fashion is more than just clothes—it's a form of self-expression, a platform for creativity, and even a pathway to exciting career opportunities. For kids and teens, diving into the world of fashion design can be an incredibly enriching experience. From developing technical skills to boosting confidence, learning fashion design early offers benefits that extend far beyond the sewing machine.
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 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 - Fashion Designer
The prevailing stereotype of a fashion designer: design what you love while also wearing cute clothes everyday, bow at the end of the runway show, take a long vacation when it’s over and finally, get your work so famous that it is featured on stars at fancy events. Th
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Techical Designer
A Technical Designer's job is to sit between the Fashion Designer, Merchandiser and Production Manager to make a garment fit the customer that the merchandiser is targeting, adhering to the designer's original vision, while also producing it at the right price. This is usually done remotely by sending communications overseas to agents and factories.
Read moreI Can't Wait to Keep Learning - Student Highlight on Ava S.
This month's student spotlight is on Ava S., who is currently in our ONLINE Fashion Studies Program. Her instructors speak very highly of her and she is producing very lovely work. Ava is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Skyline High School in Oakland, California.
Read moreIt's Never Too Late to Start Something new - Student Highlight - Rylee B.
This month's student spotlight is on Rylee B., who is currently in our ONLINE Fashion Studies Program. She's an amazing artist an what she has written is very inspiring. Below is a little bit more about Rylee in her own words -
Read moreI live in Alameda, California, with my husband, our roommate, and — most belovedly — our cat. We’ve been in California for roughly 3 years after moving here from Florida. I’m currently a nurse and I work night-shift, so hobbies are what keep me going since most of my awake time is while the world is sleeping.
5 simple ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable
So you want to become a more ethical shopper?
Change isn’t going to happen overnight and the journey ahead isn’t always going to be easy. However, if you make some small changes to your shopping habits, ethical shopping is sure to become second nature and you can feel great about the good you’re doing for the planet (as well as your bank balance).
Here are five simple tips on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable, without compromising style and fashion:
Read moreStudent of the Month - April
This month we highlight Kelly H. who is one of our Fashion Studies Students. Only 12 years old with a fairly developed sense of style, she is learning the craft of clothes making and cultivating her design skills. She's even doing it with a cast on her RIGHT hand. Yikes! She will be an ambidextrous designer by the end of the school year! That shows a lot of commitment and determination, if you ask me!
Read moreHow to Start a Clothing Line
A lot goes into Starting and Manufacturing a Clothing Line and I love how this spells out each step for our readers.
Read more