The Second Clothing Club Meeting was a Blast!
Dear Friends and Fellow Sewists,
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Friday night Clothing Club met again online and in our classroom. What a wonderful and talented group. Everyone was ready to start creating their top with sleeves and new people arrived and left inspired and energized. |
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Our agenda was ambitious: Choosing a pattern
Choosing fabric Measuring for an accurate fit Cutting out a garment
Sewing Pattern Legends, symbols and instructions
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When picking the pattern or the fabric or the pattern... it can feel a little like "what came first, the chicken or the egg, right?
There were many who had an impressive fabric stash in search of the right pattern for their lux knits and gossamer woven articles. In contrast, others who have to make anything at all, had a pattern library that would rival Christian Dior.
There's not really a right or wrong answer, but I personally feel that it is important to have a variety of patterns first, so you know what you may need to look for to construct.
If you want to search and learn more about fabric, Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book Revised is a source that may be helpful for you. You may also consider reaching out to a fabric vendor to see if you can purchase swatches or 1/4 yards, just so you can be more informed on the hand (drape,the way the fabric lies).
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There didn't seem to be a consensus on printed patterns vs PDF print your own styles. Perhaps a few items that require endless paper gluing or taping will sway this as our meetings continue. I know that the Mood Fabrics Free Dress Pattern (the Taos Dress) I downloaded and printed to at least 3 episodes of Rock the Block to assemble.
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One of the things that came to a surprise by many, was the fact that I wash my interfacing. I know, it seems a bit much but, I have had great items sullied by interfacing that shrunk my cuffs, sleeves, plackets, etc, leaving them bubbly and sad. Now, listen, don't put the fusible interfacing through the hot washer and dryer. Think of just wetting it under warm water, ringing it out and then slinging it over your head like a lasoo. That usually does the trick. |
I think the best part so far about these Friday night meetings is the enthusiasm and passion that everyone has for learning more about sewing, refining the craft, and the simple fact that there is no wrong way to make clothes as long as they make us feel good. When you feel good, you feel confident, and when you are confident you are fierce!
If you are reading this blog post and are still thinking about joining us, Please do! It's never too late as we mostly are working at our own paces and we all are here to help you if you are just getting started.
We meet next on Friday, June 13 from 6-8PM either on Zoom or in our BERNINA of Naperville Classroom. Our topic will be picking the right seam and seam finishes for your skill level, equipment and project.
Are you in? do you want to continue? We sure hope you do.
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On a side note, BERNINA University is coming up. I have a goal to sew 3 garments for that event because the convention has themed days. so here's my list:
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Can't wait for further adventures.
Hugs,
Gayle