Thursday, August 8, 2013

The Master Tailor and the Dressmaker

Whew!!!! My world has been a bit of a whirlwind for the last couple of months or so. I mentioned before that I was taking Tailoring classes! That's right, trying to take this sewing skill to the next level. This endeavor has really evolved into one of my greatest joys and something I'm quite passionate about. I've learned alot in a short period of time and I can definitely credit my teacher. His name is James McFarland (most folks know him as Gentleman Jim) and he is a Master Tailor with 52 years of experience. That's right, don't let his young looks fool you (smile)! When I say that Gentleman Jim, or as I like to call him Mr. Jim, has earned the title of Master Tailor that's an understatement. He's truly a master at his craft. Any person that can sew up a pair of pants in 15 minutes (that's fly zipper, bagged pockets, etc) and completely tailor a coat in about 2 hours deserves to be called a Master. Back in his NYC days he had high profile clients like James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Duke Ellington etc. and many more. After his stint in NYC he moved to Atlanta where he opened his own shop and made quite the name for himself. Now he's settled in Savannah and although he still sews for others his focus is on training and teaching other's the tailoring craft at his studio, The Savannah Sewing Academy. He admits that to a degree tailoring is a dying art. There aren't alot of people teaching it the way he learned it. He's hoping to change that by spreading his knowledge on to others. He's super passionate about teaching and I consider it to be a great honor to be one of his students!  Anyhow you can read more about Mr. Jim and learn more about his tailoring techniques over at his new blog "The Lost Art of Fine Tailoring" located at finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com.

 It's quite amazing, tailoring is indeed so very different from dressmaking. Tailoring is definitely the step above dressmaking. The skills required to give impeccable structure and refinement to garments are amazing. I've learned just a few of his techniques and am amazed at how differently he does things vs. the way the home sewer and even fashion design student does them. His techniques for making pants pocket and fly zippers are super fast and yield the best results I've seen! Anyhow, expect to be hearing more about my experiences in the future. I'm currently working on a pair of tailored pants. And you know how I've worked tirelessly in the past to try and fit my figure type. Quite tirelessly (you may recall my posts from February and March of this year!) Anyhow, I'm already learning some new methods of fitting pants and am quite amazed at how much easier it is to make pants using tailoring methods. As Mr. Jim says it's all about technique. Well I definitely look forward to learning more of these tailoring techniques. I'd love to be able to make a tailor suit for my husband and even make him trousers. And I'd love to make a few coats for myself that are impeccable tailored. I'm really starting to drool at the thought.------- Ok enough of my fantasizing, well make sure you stop by Mr. Jim's blog to say hi! Leave a friendly message if inclined Again, he's at finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com. You can follow him on FB, Bloglovin, etc. He's just getting underway but plans to post ALOT of helpful info! Word on the street is he's planning a BIG GIVEAWAY in the near future. But you didn't hear that from me (wink).

Anyhow I'm off to finish my tailoring class homework. I can put in a front fly and zipper with my eyes closed. Will keep you abreast of my class progress................

34 comments:

  1. Sniff... I am so jealous it isn't funny! LOL! How very fortunate you are to be able to learn from such a master! I don't live remotely close to you, unfortunately, but maybe you can pass on some tidbits now and then?

    Have fun!

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  2. PS - I most definitely went to his blog!! :)

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  3. Wow, what an exciting time for you. Thanks for the introduction as well. Tailoring seems like sculpting with fabric and stitches, a true art form.

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  4. I'm so glad I checked in with you. I've already subscribed to Mr. Jim's blog through bloglovin', and I can't wait to read all of his posts. Let's see now... Buffalo to Savannah... how long a drive is that? :)

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  5. oh you are so lucky!!! I'm going to have to MOVE to Savannah to take classes! Hmm, must search for a job...
    This is really exciting! I'm looking forward to hearing about what you are learning and I'm following his blog too.

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  6. I cannot wait to see your tailored coats. Fly fronts and zippers with your eyes closed? You are well on your way. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. First, thank you for sharing this. I wish I could fly him to Southern California for a quick training. This is amazing. I look forward to seeing your handiwork.

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  8. Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see what you learn.

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  9. Oh my, this is exciting! I went to check out his blog, I can't wait to see & read more. Awesome! You are really making me miss sewing.

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  10. Thanks for sharing this gem with us! And, yes, it is truly a blessing to be taught, live and in person, by a true Master! You will learn lots....please keep us posted on your progress!

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  11. Oh, how wonderful! I am envious of your ability to learn from this master. And how fabulous that he is teaching. Thank you for posting this.

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  12. Lucky lady -- wish I had something like that close by! Enjoy

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  13. What an awesome fortune to be learning from a handsome master.

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  14. So cool Victoria! Enjoy the experience.

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  15. Wow, what an incredible opportunity! Perhaps you could persuade him to teach a Craftsy course...hint, hint :)

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  16. You are lucky to have this opportunity to learn from a master. ANd I'll check out his blog asap!

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  17. You lucky duck!!! He seems absolutely awesome and what a wonderful opportunity!!!! I agree with Amy, those craftsy folks should look into him. I surely would buy it.

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  18. Ohhhh!! That is sooo exciting, I wish I lived nearby. Please pass on all you can. I'm going to his blog now!! LOL!!! Thanks.

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  19. oh, feeling a teeny (LOT) jealous!! Can't wait to see what you sew after learning from Mr. Jim!

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  20. I admire his beautiful tailored trousers, perfect fit and drape. How fortunate for you to be able to learn from such a master.

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  21. What a fantastic opportunity for you, I've added Mr Jim's blog to my reader in the hope I can pick up a few tips too!

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  22. How exciting! I too have added Mr. Jim's blog to my reader. Such a great opportunity! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  23. Added him to my reader!! Woohoo lol

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  24. what an awesome opportunity!
    Excited to check out his site.

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  25. This sounds like an incredible opportunity. I can't wait to hear more about it!

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  26. Wow! You're too close for me not to take advantage of this learning and sewing opportunity. You will be seeing me soon.

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  27. Went onto YouTube for help in cutting down a favorite coat & stumbled upon Gentleman Jim's 3-part video on taking a jacket shoulder in. So well demonstrated...caused me to find further info on him...finally ended up here. What an amazing individual! You're blessed to be able to study with him. Would love to myself.

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  28. Great.Thanks for posting such a nice blog.I appreciate you for posting this blog.

    Reasonable Tailor In Hong Kong

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  29. I am thankful to this blog giving unique and helpful knowledge about this topic. Best Tailors Melbourne

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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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