STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

sephorablue · Marc Jacobs

maybe this is ambitious, but...

ILoveChoo · Hermes

not at all!!! Its seriously so easy- especially since you probably already pay attention to things like construction- you probably know more than you think already! Just keep in mind that fabric can be $$$- not sure if beign near the garment districty will help but often I'll spend $50 plus time on a prject that I could have bought for less.

couls I have used more -'s???

Kitty · Hermes

I've been wanting to learn how to sew for awhile now.

Are you planning to take a class? Buy books? Trial and error?

Do you have a sewing machine?

I'm trying to figure out how I would start to learn as well. My mom knows a bit, so I was thinking I could start by having her teach me a little.

lynnie · Chanel

i used to make clothes- i don't really anymore because I don't have the space and i never really loved it (had two costume construction classes/patterning classes so had to sew together suits and complicated things. plus i wanted things to look PERFECT- so it was so tedious having to re-do a seam 25 times...) You should try though!

as far as copying vintage clothes- if you want something to look really nice (certain things you can't really do well w/o proper tools and/or a lot of time and skills- making nice spaghetti straps, professional looking pleating, making bias tape if you want combo fabric around a seam) , you could always take a dress you like the fit of (but hate the fabric) to a sample maker- they can often just copy it (may have to rip it apart though). Samples can be between $80 and $200, but it can be worth it (though fabric IS expensive, especially if you like nice fabrics...i bought just two yards of a thin silk jersey for a dress and it was $50). A couple of our sample makers have said they were really busy these days making holiday dresses for their personal clients. i have done this w/a few pieces that I wouldn't have ever wanted to attempt sewing, yet i still had some creative freedom. Not trying to discourage you- but just wanted to throw that option out there.

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

Sewing is super fun because it is very relaxing and at the end of the project you (usually) have something to show for your hard work. I worked in our University Theatre costume shop in college so I got a ton of experience that lends itself to this advice:

1. Don't be afraid to use your seam ripper, that is what it is for:)

2. Be extremely careful about measurements when cutting your fabric. I highly suggest starting out by using patterns to cut and invest in a great pair of fabric scissors that you will not use for anything else (Ghingers are the BEST!)

3. Use as many straight pins as possible to hold the fabric together when you are stitching. I thought that this was weird at first, but the machine will go right over them and you can just remove them when your stitches are in place.

4. Wash and iron your fabric before sewing with it. It makes it much more workable.

If you have any questions let me know - good luck!!

blubirde · Chanel

I think you should try it - it could be a lot of fun.

Do you have sewing machine? Some places offer discounted classes (or maybe free ones?) if you buy the machine at their stores.

It's definitely a useful thing to be able to be do (sewing) so you can't go wrong with at learning how to use a machine or even sew by hand.

Go for it!!

Hermes

blubirde wrote:

I think you should try it - it could be a lot of fun.

Do you have sewing machine? Some places offer discounted classes (or maybe free ones?) if you buy the machine at their stores.

It's definitely a useful thing to be able to be do (sewing) so you can't go wrong with at learning how to use a machine or even sew by hand.

Go for it!!

ditto! not only for clothes, but window treatments, pillows, upholstery - it's definitely a good skill to have as an interior designer (even if you're only sewing for own home.)

sephorablue · Marc Jacobs

I know some extremely basic stuff about hand-sewing--simple stitching and hemming--but don't have a machine... was thinking of looking around for an inexpensive one. I'd definitely like to take a couple of classes and obviously have the FIT hook-up (and in-state tuition!), but I think I'll wait to do that until I've actually finished my ID degree. In the mean time I'll probably just get a book or two and play with a few simple patterns to see how I like it. If I don't enjoy it there's no point in signing up for a class. I don't see myself doing it all the time, certainly, but we'll see where it takes me... and D, you're right, it wouldn't hurt to know it from an ID perspective, either.