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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: DragonLady
Date: 10-09-2005, 05:42 PM (1 of 21)
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I'm nervous about writing this. The truth is, any time I commit something to writing I feel like I have to follow up on it; and right now I'm just in the "fantasy" stage.... I'd like to become a fashion designer. I know those words are usually the musings of a 19-year-old who just discovered the high costs of laundry. So, I'm a bit intimidated just thinking about it. I'm approaching 40, have kids at home, live 30 miles out of town and have no real clue how I would begin. Oh, yeah...let's not forget that I can't go back to school (long story) for at least several more years; possibly forever. I would've like to have studied it in college. But my ex hated my sewing hobby, and I knew even mentioning it would've been picking a fight. And I knew he would find a way to make my life miserable everytime I put anything together. So, I just stopped sewing (completely) and studied journalism 'till I forced to drop out. Now he's gone, and my husband is very supportive -he likes that I sew, and is willing to help me in any way he can. I'd love to start over & give it a try. I think I have lots of good ideas (albeit perhaps a bit dated, but my daughters are "with it"), have the skills to do the actual sewing and am working on learning to design and draft my own patterns. I'd like to do bespoke clothing or custom tailoring for women. The kinds of stuff real women who really have to work (AND look nice) would like to wear. Not too sexy, not too hard to maintain, slim on the fussy details but long on style and versatility...you know what I mean. But I really don't know where I'd begin. I could take some online courses, if I knew where I needed to start. There's a tailoring course available that looks good, but for $1200 dollars I'm a bit nervous...I don't have that kind of money just to find out I could've learned just as well from books. There is an instructor, and I guess you mail the work back-and-forth, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have any advice? Anyone here who's been there or has some insight? I might just be dreaming, and that's okay. But if it's at all feasible (not just possible) I think I'd like to try. "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-09-2005, 07:23 PM (2 of 21)
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Dragon Lady, does Az. have community colleges ?? That is your best bet for a good sewing (tailoring) class for the least money.. Here in our town, they have beginner, intermediate, and advanced sewing courses and Tailoring courses.. The thing about the community college system is that if 12 people request a class, they will make one..And the prices cannot be beat..They teach some of the courses in the local high schools at night to be in the neighborhoods so people will not have to go very far for a class..They are classed as 'continuing education' classes.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-09-2005, 07:50 PM (3 of 21)
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I don't have experience to offer, but I kind of share your ambitions. I've had my eye on 2 fashion design texts. They're not cheap, which is kind of holding me back, but they look like a good pair: Draping for Apparel Design (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1563671026/ref=wl_it_dp/104-8371474-8408701?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=IM8MH2U1XY5TA&v=glance&colid=2LJKHCOIQ2QOK) Pattern-making for Fashion Design (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131112112/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/104-8371474-8408701?v=glance&s=books&st=*) The 2 together are offered at a significant discount if purchased together from Amazon.com In fact, now that I've just learned that, it might be worth looking again... Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-09-2005, 07:53 PM (4 of 21)
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More on that, Dragon. Last week, I took a few short classes at a sewing expo, and I was impressed by the level of depth they got into in the classes. I think with these classes, your level of knowledge at the start of the class has an impact on how much you will get out of the class. After seeing that for myself, I'm all for some self-study, while family matters take the lion's share of my time and attention, with plans to really gain a lot one day, should a short course or even weekend/one-week class come up that I am able to attend.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: DragonLady
Date: 10-09-2005, 10:38 PM (5 of 21)
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Dragon Lady, does Az. have community colleges ?? That is your best bet for a good sewing (tailoring) class for the least money.. Here in our town, they have beginner, intermediate, and advanced sewing courses and Tailoring courses.. The thing about the community college system is that if 12 people request a class, they will make one..And the prices cannot be beat..They teach some of the courses in the local high schools at night to be in the neighborhoods so people will not have to go very far for a class..They are classed as 'continuing education' classes.. We have some of the best community colleges in the country. Yes, I'm bragging...but it's true. Unfortunatly, I can't attend. It's a very long story, and I'm still very bitter about it...but that's the way it is.  AndreaSews, I've had my eye on both of those books for a long time. I do have a huge collection of books, and am using them with some success. I quit trying to make full-size patterns (for awhile) and have been practising by making quarter-size ones. That way, I can test each design in fabric & really see the results. I'm "getting it"; but I can't help but think there are tricks & techniques that are only learned in the classroom. Or, maybe I'm just not confident in my own skills as a self-teacher. 
"No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
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From: LauraM62
Date: 10-10-2005, 09:33 AM (6 of 21)
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Pattern-making for Fashion Design (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131112112/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/104-8371474-8408701?v=glance&s=books&st=*) ... I'm going to tell you that if you have the funds this is an excellent book! It is a textbook for college fashion designing. So if that is what you are looking at doing then this is a great book for you to have. I use pattern drafting software, was suggested several times to purchase this book. About 3 weeks ago I finally got it! It is wonderful, lots of info though that will take time to absorb! But is very good, gives great examples, great step by step illustrations, etc. Even has practice exercices for you. Presently finished up info on dart manipulation, thinking about darts how to manipulate them into different design details for fashion & function within the bodice. And that is just the first few chapters  Really though it is like having you own mini college course set up in a book!
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 10-10-2005, 10:36 AM (7 of 21)
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Dragonlady, and anyone else contemplating a career in fashion design: Go For It! Don't worry about your age. Or how long it will take you to get started. After all, even if it takes five years, how old will you be in five years if you do this? How old will you be if you don't? I think most of us who sew, either as a hobby or for a living, have thought about the possibilities of becoming a fashion designer. I know I have, and I'm not even close to 40 anymore! GRIN So take those classes at the community college, buy and read and use those books from amazon.com.and sew, sew, sew. The only way you will ever be sure this is the right path for you is to do some searching, experimenting and doing! And please keep us posted on what you decide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-10-2005, 05:15 PM (8 of 21)
what a nice message 
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-10-2005, 05:30 PM (9 of 21)
Thanks Linda. I think you girls who say out loud that you are interested in being fashion designers are very up front and should listen to yourselves. Go for it like Linda said. Take all the courses you can, read the books and sew. There is always something new to learn and I commend you both for wanting this career. We are behind you 110%. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 10-12-2005, 02:11 PM (10 of 21)
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I just recieved 2 postcards for getting degrees at home. One is from Education Direct www.EduDirect-usa.com enter ID# H3ASA5T the other is Stratford Career Institute www.scitraining.com ID# CCS202 It can't hurt to look if this is something you want. You are never too old to learn to do something you want. My MIL took college classes when she was in her 70s. My sister in law is in her 60s and trying to get a degree in early childhood development. She has always wanted to be teacher. Says if she only gets to teach one year it will be her dream come true. I say go for it, fill that dream of yours. Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Sancin
Date: 10-12-2005, 09:32 PM (11 of 21)
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Dragon Lady and Andrea sews: I admire your dreams and ambitions. Go for it. Your self confidence in learning may be low because you have never really analysed how you learn and all that you have learned. To help sit down with a pad of paper with a line down the middle. On top of one section write - What I have learned to do successfully? On the other what I have never really learned well? The learnings can be anything from relationships to typing to cooking to walking! I guarantee that the successful column will be longer. Then look at the list and see if there is a common way of learning in the what works and also in what doesn't work. Build up the skills that work and stop the self defeating things that prevent learning. You mentioned bitterness, is that inferferring with your learning? If the past credentialling interferes, consider pursuing adult/mature learner status. If reading works, do it; if staring off into space works, try it (tho something active is more productive); if doing works, get moving; if talking to others work, do it and so on. These suggestions are not questions to respond to here, but suggestions for you to think about and consider. We are all learning all the time but don't realize it. Dragon, you obvious learned in your first marriage what to do and not do - that is learning, maybe not what you wanted to learn but it was learning. What we have to learn is how we may be interfering with our learning by negative thoughts!! Andreasews found the cc courses helpful. Do you prefer short 2 hour classes and then digest after or do you prefer full day workshops? What is your concentration and energy level? If you can't take cc courses can you find a designer nearby and volunteer to do some work for her while you watch her or pick her brain. Mentoring can be a faster way to learn than going to classes - even if it by email or telephone. What about getting some friends together for occasional discussions (like a book club, but a sewing or designer club)? As I am a visual and big concept learner, I would get the books that are recommended and alway keep a pad and paper with me when reading and write or sketch ideas. You may not be the same - you may need to cut up papers or fabric when learning - either small bits or big bits. You may need to make read out loud as you read and then listen to the tapes as you practice. Also consider when you get started to sell yourself and your skills, this is often the most underdeveloped area when starting a business - worth taking a course or reading a book on itself. And incidently, I think of 40 as incredibly young! Good luck.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 10-13-2005, 06:26 AM (12 of 21)
| A good friend of mine's retired pediatrician father has been taking college courses since he left his profession. He has to be pushing 80 and very active and always open to learnig new things. Go for it! |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 10-15-2005, 06:23 PM (13 of 21)
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Thanks everyone for all the great advice! I haven't decided yet exactly what I'm going to do. But Linda, you're right...I'm not going to get any younger, and I can either try or spend the time wishing. And when I'm in my dotage, I certainly don't want all my memories to be just dreams I once had! And Sancin, you are so right about learning. Even if I don't succeed at something, I always learn something doing it. And most of the time what I've learned is good for more than just one thing. Heck, I studied broadcast journalism in school, and now I'm a web designer.... It's not like the knowledge gained is useless! So, I guess I'm just gonna have to determine exactly what my goals are, and how best to move in that direction. If it works...great. And if it doesn't, I will still know more than I do now, and will be able to say "I tried". "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
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From: fronno
Date: 10-16-2005, 06:42 PM (14 of 21)
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Hello Sweet Dragon Lady, As professional fashioner, or designer whatever the name you will give to it, I would like to say the following: It may be so that 40 looks like it is old, but please remember that Coco Chanell re entered the fashion world when she was SEVENTY years old and nuked the whole fashion world flat in 0.06 seconds. This was numero uno. Second. When you feel like it, try it. Just do it. Because when you are not going to act to your feelings and emotions you can become a very sour and bittered old lady when you did not try it. Fantasy, watch your own icon you know you have it. The rest I will write in private to you. Warmest regards for you and your husband. François With kind regards,
François |
User: fronno
Member since: 04-26-2004 Total posts: 79 
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From: DragonLady
Date: 10-16-2005, 07:31 PM (15 of 21)
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It may be so that 40 looks like it is old, but please remember that Coco Chanell re entered the fashion world when she was SEVENTY years old and nuked the whole fashion world flat in 0.06 seconds. This was numero uno. Wow! Thanks, Fronno! That's a great pick-me-up! I think you're right.... I think I just have to hold my nose and jump in & see where I land. "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
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From: jenny-o
Date: 10-17-2005, 01:31 PM (16 of 21)
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Dragon Lady, When I was in my early twenties I too wanted desperately to go to fashion school. The only one that was close to where I lived was a private college and would have cost me about $20,000 per year and I think it was a 2 year programme. I didn't do it, I went with the "safe" schooling and jobs. I did a legal secretary course and an office job for many years then later went back to university and became a teacher. I don't have regrets as I think everything we do in life is such a valuable learning experience and builds up our personal knowledge banks and character in amazing ways. I think that now at 40 you are so much more capable in being successful in realizing your dreams because of your life experience. You have a huge advantage now because you know yourself so much better - your learning styles and what it takes for you to do something. One suggestion I have: go to the college bookstore where they offer the type of fashion courses you are interested in and find out which text books they are using in those courses. The class is usually posted next to the texts. The bookstore people don't know or care if you are really enrolled in the courses or not. Good luck!!! Jenny |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-27-2005, 10:41 AM (17 of 21)
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For those who have the design bug. http://www.fchornet.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/10/26/435fc3f6d0b5c MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 10-27-2005, 03:09 PM (18 of 21)
| Great article! I already have the Business degree and I was in fashion merchandising for 13 years. I know how to sew garments though it has been a while....like riding a bike! Just need to hone my pattern-making skills. I am almost there! Hey, a mid-life career change? Thanks for posting. |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 10-27-2005, 06:03 PM (19 of 21)
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That's a good article. Thanks for posting it, Mary.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
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From: kathleenfasanel
Date: 10-27-2005, 06:21 PM (20 of 21)
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I'd recommend visiting my site. It's designed precisely to help designers get started in the business. There's tons of advice, resources and even sewing and pattern tutorials. While home sewers are more than welcome to also visit, it's not a homesewing site so the topics and terminology may be different from what you're used to. best kathleen fasanella http://www.fashion-incubator.com Nurture people, not products
Fashion-incubator.com |
User: kathleenfasanel
Member since: 08-26-2005 Total posts: 15 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-27-2005, 06:26 PM (21 of 21)
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thanks Kathleen. I have been to your site, it is totally dedicated to those in the trade. I wish you well.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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