Do you watch PROJECT RUNWAY or MAKING THE CUT? Then you understand. If not, bear with me.
For me, there’s power in putting together right sides of fabric, sewing a seam, and having the pieces turn into clothing. Remember my years in 4H? I had always watched my grandmother sew and my great aunt ran a fabric store in her small town in southern Oregon. She started selling quilting fabrics out of her trunk, and then turned it into a steady business. It was like catnip for me. I still have quilts and embroidered pillowcases from both my great-grandmother and my husband’s great-grandmother.
It started when I joined 4H. I was completely smitten. I dreamed about learning how to sew like I knew my grandmother and great aunt could sew. But I also dreamed about taking a mannequin and draping fabric on it to see what I could create. I often stood in front of a full-length mirror and draped fabric off one of my shoulders to see what it looked like.
Thus, when PROJECT RUNWAY started, I got addicted. And then in 2021, someone I know participated in the show herself and told me what classes she took to prepare. And now here I am learning the draping, the sloper (the sample muslin you make for fitting purposes), and how to make the fit perfect.
I sometimes can’t believe how much the Internet has changed our lives. For one thing, the Internet is annoying. But I can sign up for patternmaking classes from someone who lives in the Midwest and I can learn how to do something I’ve wanted to learn to do since I was 12.
Remember Gertrude? The doll-size mannequin I’m currently sewing for? Get ready for PROJECT RUNWAY, doll size. LOL.
This is so much fun.
Love this. When I was growing up I loved making outfits for Barbie and barbie-sized Cher (so glad). Made so many high school and college dance dresses. It’s only been Halloween costumes since then tho.
Make it work!
* glam
Love this! I happily remember sewing pajamas junior year in 4-h and a plaid skirt and vest combo senior year. Now I stick to “easy” like curtains and pillows plus fixing whatever the kid need fixing. But draping?! Now that’s a fun skill to learn.