One of the things that came up a lot this summer was the difference between woven & knit fabrics. It's not something one thinks about very much unless they are learning to sew and have to choose the correct fabric for their pattern or for the type of clothing they are trying to make. Let's break it down a little to help you understand the structure of each of these types of fabrics so that you can understand how to choose them more effectively.
Read MoreWhether you're sewing your first garment or your fiftieth, success always starts with the right materials. Once you’ve selected a pattern, the next—and arguably most crucial—step is choosing the correct fabric, trims, and notions.
Let’s walk through that process:
Your pattern is your blueprint. Flip to the back of the envelope or instruction sheet to find a list of suggested fabrics. These recommendations aren’t just suggestions—they’re tested options that will behave well with the design. If your pattern calls for light-to-medium-weight wovens like cotton lawn or poplin, resist the temptation to swap in something stretchy unless you understand how it might affect the fit and drape.
Read MoreStreetwear has evolved from a grassroots movement into one of the most influential forces in global fashion. From skateparks and hip-hop stages to high-end runways, streetwear captures the spirit of youth culture, creativity, and self-expression like no other style.
At The Sewing Room, we're excited to dive deep into this dynamic world through our Streetwear Design course — part of our Fashion Studies Program — where students learn to design the core pillars of modern streetwear.
Whether you're new to sewing or looking to expand your skills, choosing the right commercial sewing pattern can make all the difference in your experience. A well-drafted pattern with clear instructions will set you up for success, while a poorly graded or vague pattern can leave you frustrated and with a garment that doesn’t fit properly.
Read MoreWhether you’re just starting your sewing journey or looking to refine your skills, continuous improvement is key to mastering any craft. I’ve compiled 10 essential tips to help you become a better sewist and enhance your abilities in just about anything you set your mind to.
Read MoreCarissa recently took a series of classes to prepare herself for a graduate program application. She completed her undergrad in another field and has been in the working world but wanted to shift gears into the realm of design. She had a tight deadline and a steep learning curve but really made huge progress over just a couple of months. We are so proud of her and all her hard work! Look what a beautiful dress she made as only her 2nd adult sewing project. Wow! Bravo Carissa - Bellisima!
Read MoreAmy has been a student at The Sewing Room for about a year and a half now. She loves to sew vintage clothing and pays careful attention to all the details. Amy has also been part of our Fashion Studies program for the last year and I've been super thrilled to see her blossom in ways she couldn't imagine. Self proclaiming that she couldn't draw, we can see she proved herself incorrect in that assumption. Just look a the fabulous illustrations she created above! That little collage also shows you her mood mood board as well as a rendering of her fabric design. I can't wait to see what she dreams up next!
Read MoreI recently spoke with Autumn Adamme, Founder of Dark Garden Corsetry. Autumn became known as the Godmother of Modern Corsetry after launching Dark Garden in 1989, reviving corsets for a modern body and audience. Growing up on the Renaissance Faire circuit, Autumn made her first corset at 13. Shortly after reaching the age of majority, she turned the crafting of custom corsets and historical ensembles into the groundbreaking business which established many of the techniques and standards observed by corset makers across the world today.
In our discussion you will find out how Autumn as built her business from a semi-solopreneur to a team of 19. We talk about the importance of her amazing team, Tik Tok, having signature offerings and manufacturing in San Francisco. Her ”all-bodies-are beautiful” ethos has created an inclusive and luxe experience for her clientele which gives her an advantage in the corset making business. I so admire Autumn and the business she has created. And I hope you enjoy this interview.
Here are some of my key take aways from my conversation with Autumn:
Read MoreHer advice likely came from an economic standpoint, but I think she had more in mind. Last summer I decided to explore what she said and set out to recreate my favorite wool shirt. Merino wool is renowned for its softness and ability to deflect odors and maintain a comfortable temperature whether hot or cold. Its price, however, reflects those super-powers.
Read MoreSewist, Sewer, Someone Cool Enough To Sew Own Clothes (SECSOC) – whatever it’s called, my question was, “How do I become one?” Sure, I took Home Ec (now Life Skills) and learned to make a draft dodging sock stuffed with rice. I distinctly remember when it developed a hole (along my stitching line), and the rice went everywhere.
Read MoreI’ve been teaching kids about fashion and sewing, now for almost 15 years. It’s a joy for me to see the excitement children bring to the classroom, while they learn to use the sewing machine and sew their own clothes. It’s both a technical skill as well as creative experience which uses all sides of their brains and gets them super jazzed as they progress from one level to the next. The thing they need most in this beginning stage (which could last years - more on that later) is Encouragement! Encouragement might look a little different from a parent's perspective than it does from a child’s point of view.
Let’s talk a little bit about the process in relation to kids.
Read MoreI've been sewing now for more than 40 years (yikes!) Starting at age seven and sewing ever since. All that practice informed the way I understand how clothing gets made. Spending years reading patterns, prepared me for design school and I was much more SEWING-ABLE than many of my peers. Here are 5 reasons why it's crucial to get this skill cultivated early:
Read MoreMost seasoned sewers share the memory of their first shaky, uneven, hand-stitches; though imperfect, they were the beginning of a lifelong love of the craft. Whether taught by mother, grandmother, or all on your own, those fond memories of the pride we took in early projects speak to just how impactful sewing can be for children.
Sewing is an ideal hobby for children to pick up -- it’s both fun and functional, and the basics are easy for even younger kids to learn. Your own experience and the most basic elements of your sewing basket are all you’ll need to teach them, and it’s the perfect project to dive into on a rainy day.
Read MoreOriginally posted on Porch.com
June 8, 2020
Whether you love to sew, embroider, or paint, having a craft space is a great way to get creative at home. From a spare bedroom to a spot over the garage, you can create the crafting area of your dreams with a few tips and tricks. Of course, if you don’t have an extra room, you can always create a “craft station” in your office or living room. Read on to discover some easy ways you can transform a part of your home to make it a crafting getaway you’ll love.
Read MoreIf you are up for any sewing project, then you better gather some ideas about threads. There are tons of different threads on the market, but you have to pick the one that is most suitable for your project. Threads are long interlocking fibers (natural or synthetic), which can be used for multiple purposes. Sewing threads are exclusively produced to fit needles and make stitches.
Read MoreA lot goes into Starting and Manufacturing a Clothing Line and I love how this spells out each step for our readers.
Read MoreEzra has just started attending our FASHION STUDIES program, but he has already made an impact. I love his creativity and excitement around fashion. As you can see from the photos, he's got his own flair for style. Bravo to his parents Tom and Sarah who clearly see and nurture his creativity.
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