This month's student spotlight is on Ava S., who is currently in our ONLINE Fashion Studies Program. Her instructors speak very highly of her and she is producing very lovely work. Ava is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Skyline High School in Oakland, California. 

When did you become interested in Fashion?

I have always loved fashion. My aunt is very fashionable and from a young age I looked up to her and her sense of style.  My grandma would also tell me stories about my Great Grandma who sewed and opened her own dress shop.  I saw pictures of wedding dresses and outfits my Great Grandma made. Project Runway was one of my favorite shows to watch with my family and I would sew little clothes for my dolls while watching it. I started off hand sewing and would sew little clothes for my dolls and make wallets for my dad. My parents gave me a sewing machine one year for Christmas, I was probably around 8 or 9. I had a hard time figuring out how to use it and after many failed attempts it sat in my closet for a while collecting dust. Every once and a while I would take it out but I could never figure out how it worked. I continued sewing by hand and completing small projects with scraps of fabric. 

When the pandemic hit I took out my machine and after many YouTube videos I finally figured out how to work my machine, how to thread the bobbin, change the needle, oil it and other issues that would come up. I started making masks for my family to wear and for others, we knew. Once I had an understanding of how to use a sewing machine I made more small projects like bags.

Then I took the online fashion illustration class at The Sewing Room and I totally loved it. I  enjoyed learning how to draw the figure and how to capture motion and the essence of a garment and the model. I wanted to learn and experiment more. So I went to a few of the Saturday sewing studios and received help with an oversized corduroy jacket and pants I wanted to make. I learned so much, like how to hold my scissors, how to assemble a collar, and how to make darts in pockets.  

What is your favorite part about the clothing making process (design, pattern, sewing, fabric etc.)?

My favorite part of the clothing making process is designing. I like going to fabric and craft stores and looking at and feeling different fabrics and sketching out ideas. I have also enjoyed learning how to drape on the dress form and play with shape.  

What are your #fashiongoals and/or ambitions?

Hopefully, by senior year, my goal is to learn enough about pattern making and sewing that I can design and pattern my ideal prom dress. It sounds silly, I know, but I think it would be really cool. I also want to learn how to make clothes for myself and for others that are wearable and stylish. 

That is silly at all Ava and it’s totally acheivable!

Do you think you'll pursue a career in Fashion or is this just a hobby?

I honestly have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, but I really love sewing and designing clothes so who knows, maybe it will turn into a career. My goal is to keep learning as much as I can.  It would be great to have a job where I am doing something that I like to do. 

How has your experience with our Online Fashion Studies Program been going?

My experience in Online Fashion Studies has been amazing. The instructors, Christine Knobel and Julie Ann Brown are both very knowledgeable and inspiring. In every class I learn so many tidbits about the industry and helpful sewing tips along with the curriculum. I can’t wait to keep learning!