Do It For the Process, Sewist/Patternmarker edition

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.

3 Responses to “Do It For the Process, Sewist/Patternmarker edition”

  1. Angela

    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!

    Reply
  2. Lauri Meyers

    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.

    Reply

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