How to Create Your Own Designs from Sketch to Garment for beginners

Over the last few years of working with beginning design students we found that most want to understand how to actualize their own designs from start to finish. This is the goal right? How do we get from step A to step Z? This can be a daunting process for someone to little or no sewing experience. Let me try and break down the process in simple steps to help you understand how it happens as well as give you some shortcuts that will help expedite the process. I’ll list the steps below and categorize them into 3 parts.

Why Learning Fashion Design Early is a Game-Changer for Creative Kids and Teens

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.

Why Flat Pattern Making is Essential for Aspiring Fashion Designers

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.

Student Spotlight - Ann C. - Slow Stitcher Extraordinaire

This month we highlight Fashion Studies student Ann C. Ann has been attending classes now at the sewing room for about a year. It’s been an absolute joy to see her hand work emerge and grow as she works through the Ann Wood Handmade Slow Stitch Book and posts photos of her work on Instagram. It’s somewhat rare to find a student who enjoys the hand work like this, as many want to rush through the process. This slow stitching is a good meditation for the practicing of patience. It will also prepare her for the work she will do in our Couture Sewing Intensive we are holding in spring. (Shhhh….don’t tell her I told you). In any case, here is a little more about Ann…

I Can't Wait to Keep Learning - Student Highlight on Ava S.

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.

Student Highlight - Lacie Schwend

We are excited to Introduce you to our Student of The month Lacie Schwend. She's been taking our Online Fashion Sewing and Beginning Pattern Making with Christine in our Online Fashion Studies program. Lacie lives in Wyoming and has a really interesting background. We love her Cruella Costume that she made, using techniques she learned in class with Christine.

Interview with Tayma Martins - Designer and Sewing Room Student

Designer Tayma Martins has been working with instructor, Christine Knobel for the last while. Christine and I were really impressed with her drive and work ethic and have both fallen in love with the nostalgic chic of her fashion collection. We hope you enjoy this interview with this budding designer

Fashion Studies: Student Update - Kelly

8th grade Fashion Studies Student Kelly H. has been coming up with amazing designs over the Fall and Spring. In the fall, Kelly draped a bodice and skirt and then created flat patterns from the drape. She also learned out to use a block or sloper to create the dress she's wearing. The embroidery she's holding is based off an illustration she created for the the dress she's wearing.

Fashion Careers: What is Pattern Making?

This is the start of a new blog series about Fashion Careers. I’m starting with Pattern Making or Pattern Maker, because that’s the job I’m most familiar with . I’ve been pattern making and pattern fixing for the last couple of decades and it’s something that gives me great personal satisfaction as well having been a skill I’ve used to earn a living.

Fashion Studies

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