Thursday, August 9, 2012

I'm Going Back to School......

.........Homeschooling that is!!!!  I've been having an itching to learn draping for a few years now.  I purchased a few books on the subject over the years to aid me when I decided to embark on that journey. Well I feel like the time has come and I'm ready to get started.
 
 (my fave draping book)

I was interested in getting more formal instruction and sought out a local college where I could take a class or two. SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a prestigious art school right in town. I've visited the campus before and was able to get into the sewing/draping room a few years back (I gave a SCAD Fashion design student sewing lessons for a while). I'm quite impressed with the school and as most of you know 2 of the Project Runway contestants were SCAD alum. Well I thought I'd contact the school to find out the cost and after hearing their $3400 per class cost (with 2 prerequ's required).  I figured I'd explore some other options since I didn't want to devote $10K to my learning just yet.

So while I look into some other options (GSU, a private tutor, online class, etc) I think I'll take a stab at it on my own. I'd like to see how much ground I can cover on my own. Besides, I'm mostly self-taught with my sewing anyhow. So with that notion I'm jumping into it. Besides.......


Tonight I was watching a couple of Project Runway episodes online while reading my draping book (photo above). I was pretty happy to run across this advice.....



Such good advice! Just jump into it. You can still go back and build the fundamentals. I love this book! It's one of the best one's I own on the subject. Here's the table of contents. I'm hoping to work through each chapter and practice making each style of garment. Maybe one chapter a month? There are really clear and concise draping steps for each. Here are a couple of the pages......



I really believe understanding and studying the drape of fabric will help me tremendously with my sewing. The Fashion Insitute of Technology summarized the benefits quite well!!! As they suggest I believe draping will help me....
  1. Recognize, evaluate, and execute diverse draping styles; 
  2. Create original designs and patterns; 
  3. Improve fitting techniques; and 
  4. Interpret and execute specific silhouettes, styles and market trends.

   I love to analyze the design lines and how they translate into different fabrics. But I often don't have the sharpest eye at doing so. I'm very visual so being hands on and actually creating the designs will help me recognize the design lines of garments I see and how they're created. I would love to be able to look at most garments and figure out in my head what the pattern would look like (that's fancy dart work and all). I hope to use this info in my own design work. I've done some sketch work and look forward to one day bringing them to life:)

So I'll start with chapter 4---draping the front and back bodice and trueing the patterns. My custom dressform will be helpful with this. I'll keep you posted!!!


16 comments:

  1. Good for you...learning something new is good for your brain and your soul!

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  2. Sounds great! Enjoy the process. 10k is a little steep. I wish there were more classes available for home sewers in the US like Morley College

    http://www.fehrtrade.com/article/607/morley-college-sewing-courses-in-london-2012-2013

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  3. Super excited for you! I'm sure every minute you spend on this endeavor will really pay off.

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  4. Victoria, I have read your blog for quite a while now...thanks for sharing! Im in the same position as you, and I went back to school this year, but I agree 100% that you can cover a huge amount on your own with some good books.
    If you get a chance have a look on you tube at some of the videos posted by Professor Shingo Sato, and his Transformational Reconstruction technique. Its a form of draping. I am currnetly doing a workshop with him and he is amazing. Check out the videos if you have time. You wont be disapointed!
    http://www.youtube.com/my_subscriptions?feature=mhee&s=B49KAf1mK3X6upPnQAFyNXkWGolvTiok3iCpnfEFMVQ

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    1. Thanks so much Elizabeth!!! I'll DEFINITELY check out the youtube link. I've seen some other videos that were helpful as well. I love that there are alternate ways to get info!!!!

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  5. KUDOSS, to you Victoria. I love the inspirational quote. I will be following your progress. I started to take a class 3-years ago at the commuunity college, it was not expensive $600.00 per class and after the first class I decided that I could do better on my own. Maybe I should re-consider?

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    1. Thanks Alethia! You know it's tricky and just depends. I've heard of some people taking class or getting a degree in FD who absolutely loved it or thought they could've done better on their own. It's good you have the option to jump ship if the class isn't helpful;)

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  6. Victoria- I am going to weigh in with a different opinion. Take a sitandsew class with Susan Khalje and Kenneth King. KK is the Fit King. You could have 4 days of fit and that is it. You could also learn by observing what other class members are working on. I cannot emphasize the importance of his and her classes. You would need to travel, but consider it part of the cost. Truly is a gift. I have taken two. An absolute gift.

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    1. Great suggestion Joanne! It's definitely my intention to have some one on one training with a professional at some point. I want to pursue the independent learning route until I decide who that will be. KK & SK are both GREAT! I have KK's book and a few of his Book cd's on making a moulage, etc. Great info. Maybe on my next trip to NYC I may look into scheduling something with him.

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  8. Glad to hear the book is one of the best. It's on my Christmas list.

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  9. I'll be interested to watch your progression! I don't often sew for others, but am interested in learning the draping process. I have purchased the book (probably an older version than yours) and anticipate learning in my spare time.
    Although I just found out one of my Grands is getting married, so a quilt is up next along with my Autumn 6-Pac, I may try to squeeze a little extra time in and work along with you on the draping. In my spare time, that is. After work and weekends.
    Good luck with this. I'm sure it will help with fitting clients, designing, and educating your eye as to design lines and how to get there. I am hoping you will spur my motivation too! LOL

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  10. Great idea! I'm a self-directed learner (as I know you are) so I'm sure you're going to get a lot out of learning in your own way. Mind you SCAD sounds good too!

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  11. Great buy Victoria! I bought this book last year and it is the reason I've been able to do some of the self draft designs you've seen on my blog! I love this book and you will too! Good luck to you and if I find any online classes, I will let you know...I'm still looking! I love been able to create what's in my mind!

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  12. So exciting!! I have that book too and have been studying draping at a very slow rate lol. I would LOVE to be able to take some classes but that's just way too expensive for me. Can't wait to see your progress oh so much fun!

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  13. I love your attitude! You will do wonderful no matter the path you take to get there :O).

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for following me on my 10,000 Hour Sewing Challenge:)

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