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 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 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.
Read moreMy Wool Shirt - Learning to copy my favorite shirt, through PRACTICE & mistakes
My mom once told me sewing was a good way to have more clothes.
Her advice likely came from an economic standpoint, but I think she had more in mind. Last summer I decided to explore what she said and set out to recreate my favorite wool shirt. Merino wool is renowned for its softness and ability to deflect odors and maintain a comfortable temperature whether hot or cold. Its price, however, reflects those super-powers.
Read moreLearning to Sew - A Student's Experience
Sewist, Sewer, Someone Cool Enough To Sew Own Clothes (SECSOC) – whatever it’s called, my question was, “How do I become one?” Sure, I took Home Ec (now Life Skills) and learned to make a draft dodging sock stuffed with rice. I distinctly remember when it developed a hole (along my stitching line), and the rice went everywhere.
Read moreStudent Highlight - Lacie Schwend
We are excited to Introduce you to our Student of The month Lacie Schwend. She's been taking our Online Fashion Sewing and Beginning Pattern Making with Christine in our Online Fashion Studies program. Lacie lives in Wyoming and has a really interesting background. We love her Cruella Costume that she made, using techniques she learned in class with Christine.
Read moreEncouraging Children While They are Learning to Sew
I’ve been teaching kids about fashion and sewing, now for almost 15 years. It’s a joy for me to see the excitement children bring to the classroom, while they learn to use the sewing machine and sew their own clothes. It’s both a technical skill as well as creative experience which uses all sides of their brains and gets them super jazzed as they progress from one level to the next. The thing they need most in this beginning stage (which could last years - more on that later) is Encouragement! Encouragement might look a little different from a parent's perspective than it does from a child’s point of view.
Let’s talk a little bit about the process in relation to kids.
Read moreInterview with Tayma Martins - Designer and Sewing Room Student
Designer Tayma Martins has been working with instructor, Christine Knobel for the last while. Christine and I were really impressed with her drive and work ethic and have both fallen in love with the nostalgic chic of her fashion collection. We hope you enjoy this interview with this budding designer
Read moreFun, Useful Skills to Learn During Self-Isolation
Image via Pexels
Are you spending more time at home than ever before? Sure, being cooped up comes with some downsides, but you don’t have to allow yourself to become stir-crazy. You can make the most of your self-isolation by picking up a few new skills.
Whether you’re aiming to turn your newly acquired skills into a career or simply want to fill your time with productive activities, learning something new can add joy and excitement to your routine. Here are some fun skills worth learning while self-isolating in 2021.
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