If you’ve ever had a fashion idea in your head but struggled to get it onto paper, you’re not alone. That’s exactly where our Beginning Figure Drawing class comes in. Led by the talented Julie Ann Brown, this course is all about giving you the tools to bring your vision to life—starting with a walking figure that you can dress, style, and make entirely your own. We sat down with Julie Ann to talk about her approach, what students can expect, and why learning to draw the human form can transform the way you design.
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We’ve all been there, standing in front of a closet full of clothes, yet feeling like we have nothing to wear. But what if you could create an effortlessly chic wardrobe while doing your part for the planet? With a bit of thought and a touch of creativity, you can elevate your outfits, look great, and feel good knowing you’re supporting a more sustainable future. Let’s explore a few ways to update your wardrobe that are kind to both you and the environment.
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Streetwear 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 applying to fashion school or advancing in your fashion career, a strong portfolio is essential. It serves as a visual résumé, showcasing your creativity, technical skills, and unique design identity. However, the approach to building a portfolio differs depending on whether you're a student preparing for admission or a fashion professional seeking career opportunities.
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Are you fascinated by intricate beadwork and embroidery? Tambour beading, a centuries-old technique, offers a unique approach to embellishing fabrics with beads and sequins, creating stunning patterns and textures.
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When it comes to menswear, the fabric selection is crucial in determining how sophisticated and well-made an item is. Choosing the appropriate fabric for sweaters is crucial to creating a refined and sophisticated style. The fabric of a sweater—from opulent cashmere to classic merino wool—determines not only its visual appeal but also its comfort, toughness, and adaptability. Let’s delve into the world of elegant textiles and see how they can take men’s sweaters to entirely new levels of sophistication and style.
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In this interview we are going to look at the job of Textile Designer with artist Linda Prieto. Linda is the owner of TELALINDA, an online shop selling reproduction dressmaking fabric, based in Chicago. In addition she also has a background in photography, freelancing as a photo retoucher. Sewing was always a constant in her life as well as appreciating and collecting vintage from sewing notions to homeware.
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Creating a fashion collection is one of the most exciting parts of being a designer. It’s your chance to tell a story, showcase your creativity, and bring your unique ideas to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a full runway show or just want to make a few standout pieces, building your first collection can feel like a big challenge—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
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Fashion is more than just clothes—it's a form of self-expression, a platform for creativity, and even a pathway to exciting career opportunities. For kids and teens, diving into the world of fashion design can be an incredibly enriching experience. From developing technical skills to boosting confidence, learning fashion design early offers benefits that extend far beyond the sewing machine.
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If you're dreaming of becoming a fashion designer, there’s one thing you can’t skip: mastering the technical sewing skills that bring your creative visions to life. While the world of fashion is full of bold designs and artistic expression, it’s the technical foundation that helps transform ideas into wearable garments. Let’s dive into the key sewing techniques every aspiring designer should master to build a strong foundation for their fashion career.
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For anyone serious about a career in fashion design, mastering the art of flat pattern making is essential. This foundational skill allows designers to transform their ideas into reality, equipping them with the technical know-how to create perfectly fitting garments from scratch. It’s not just a practical skill; it’s a creative superpower that bridges the gap between vision and execution, offering both artistic and career-enhancing benefits. Here’s why flat pattern making is indispensable for every aspiring designer.
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Just because something looks well made, doesn’t mean it actually is, and craftsmanship is actually the most important thing to look for when shopping for sustainable pieces. Here are five things that will immediately indicate the poor quality of clothing, even if it looks good at first glance or has a steep price.
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In this interview let’s explore the work of Lynn McMasters who is a historic milliner who has been making patterns for hats since 2000. Lynn has over 65 patterns and many “how-to” posts on her website - www.OutOfaPortrait.com . In the US and Europe you can find her patterns at several other websites and from in-person resellers that sell historical patterns and supplies. Her other passions besides hats are fans, purses and feathers.
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Mood boards are an essential tool for any designer, helping to provide focus and inspiration while setting the tone for your project. Whether you're designing a fashion collection, curating an event, or working on an interior design concept, a mood board brings your vision to life.
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Last week I was invited to attend a special behind the scenes event inside the SF Opera’s Costume Shop prior to the opening of the new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Who wouldn’t want to see the inner workings of a costume paradise? It was definitely an invitation I could not refuse. So, so exciting!!
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Carissa 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!
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Meet - Zahra, one of our young and talented Fashion Studies students. Zahra started studying #allthethings (including Design, Illustration and Sewing) with us over the Summer and has continued to take classes throughout the Fall to work on her arts-based high school applications. She’s been busy sewing up garments as well as honing her drawing skills so that she can present her work and be ready for what High School has to offer.
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In an era where the pace of life continues to accelerate, the quest for enhanced well-being through self-improvement has never been more pertinent. Finding the time to care for your mental and physical health can often be challenging, especially during the holiday season, but it’s not impossible. This guide, presented by The Sewing Room, offers a roadmap to those seeking to embark on a journey towards improved health and happiness, encompassing seven essential facets of self-development.
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The fashion world is constantly cycling through trends, so it’s no wonder why so many vintage styles have been popping up in recent years. Sunglasses are no exception; many models from decades past have popped up today, albeit with more modern twists on these classic looks. These sunglasses trends have taken over the top names in fashion too; singer Billie Eilish recently modeled for a vintage-inspired Gucci eyewear campaign that gave a nod to film noir. Though all kinds of retro shades from various eras in fashion have gained popularity in the modern age, here are some top vintage sunglasses trends that are making a comeback:
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