Sew What’s Up Presents
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
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Fairynuff
Date: 10-21-2005, 08:33 AM (1 of 6)
|
Hi, I'm new to the forum, but was prompted to join when I saw a thread posted the other day about 'becoming a fashion designer'. I live in Scotland, so I have no knowledge of the fashion industry on the other side of the Atlantic, but perhaps my experience will help someone along the way. I studied clothing and textiles here in Scotland and graduated in 1996, only to return to my previous job in accounting after graduation. I have still kept my hand in with my pattern and clothing making as a hobby, though. Clothing jobs were scarce in Scotland and those friends who landed clothing related jobs ended up moving to London, abroad, or some other place that I just didn't want to be. So, here I've been ever since, dreaming of my fashion empire that might or might not be. On the other hand, I have now been introduced to this wonderful resource called the internet. When I graduated, no one had much internet experience, but now the ideas are flooding forth and I'm excited about sewing again. Anyone who's interest in fashion design: 1. Buy a book called 'Metric Pattern Cutting' by a lady called Winifred Aldrich. It's fantastic. Boring, but exactly what's needed to learn to do what you need to do. I used it at college and still use it to this day. 2. Make yourself some basic pattern blocks in decent cardboard and keep them safe. Trace round them. They can be used again and again. 2. Do some drawings. You don't have to be a fantastic artist, if you're that bad, copy a figure you like from a book and trace it each time, adding your own clothes designs. 3. Make a working drawing of your favourite design. That is, a flat diagram, showing details, seams, etc. Add notes to describe your drawing. 4. Next, get your basic blocks, trace them, change the new one and learn how to manipulate it to create a pattern for your drawing. Remember, everyone makes mistakes. The more mistakes your make, the more experience of have of how to avoid the mistakes. Well, that was a bit long winded - sorry. But I hope someone was inspired. Happy sewing! 
The Modern Superstition is that We're Free of Superstition...
|
User: Fairynuff
Member since: 10-21-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-21-2005, 09:12 AM (2 of 6)
|
Hi Fairynuff, Welcome to Sew Whta News. Hope you enjoy your stay with us. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-21-2005, 09:43 AM (3 of 6)
Hi Fairynuff, and welcome to Sew Whats New.  Not long winded at all. You have made some very good points here. Have you made any progress with your dream of being a designer? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: DragonLady
Date: 10-21-2005, 02:14 PM (4 of 6)
|
Hello, Fairynuff! Thanks for the great advice. That's pretty much what I've been doing.... Making drawings, then trying to make them work in fabric. So far, I haven't done too badly, although I have a long ways to go. Sometimes the drawing looks great, but the finished item has lost something...something vital. And sometimes it's the other way around; my so-so drawings turn into nifty items.... Just wish I could tell which was going to be which before I cut them and sew them! I guess that just takes practise & experience. 
"No more twist! No more twist!"
|
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
|
From: Fairynuff
Date: 10-21-2005, 04:50 PM (5 of 6)
|
Thanks for your lovely welcome everyone. MaryW - I'm still mostly dreaming, but now I'm putting some of it on paper. Scribbles of research and the odd article half-written on my computer. My main dream is to make a living designing childrenswear. Scottish childrenswear. I am a proud Scot, trained in Scotland and would like to produce pure Scottish childrenswear, made in Scotland from Scottish textiles, which reflect the beautiful country around me. I have 2 pre-school children to experiment on, so I get loads of practise. I'll try to find some photos to post soon. Thanks again!! The Modern Superstition is that We're Free of Superstition...
|
User: Fairynuff
Member since: 10-21-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 10-22-2005, 04:07 AM (6 of 6)
|
My main dream is to make a living designing childrenswear. Scottish childrenswear. I am a proud Scot, trained in Scotland and would like to produce pure Scottish childrenswear, made in Scotland from Scottish textiles, which reflect the beautiful country around me. I think that's a wonderful idea! I think everyone should have a basic knowledge of their heritage, and native & historic clothing is a great way to open the doors for discussion of history and politics and economics.... Fashion and social customs have always gone hand-in-hand. "No more twist! No more twist!"
|
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-17153.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft