day twenty-three.

Today I began cutting my button-down blouse pattern pieces out of gold swiss dot chiffon. The blouse will be sheer with the exception of a chevron panel covering the bust and most of the tummy. I enjoy attempting projects that are challenging, but I can already tell this one is going to be tedious.

I added interfacing to the center front plackets and sewed the buttonholes, which happens to be a specialty of mine. I also laid out the center chevron panels.

In class this week I drafted a pattern for the faux leather mini. I mapped out a cool geometric design on the hips, and today Pattie and I played around with different ideas for the design's execution. 

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-5:30; 7.5 hours)

day twenty-two.

Now that our first outfit is out of the way, I focused on draping my second look. This look includes a jacket, button-front blouse, and faux leather mini. Pattie showed me how to drape the jacket without using any darts, which is exactly what I wanted.

My initial drape was following the formulaic technique found in my textbooks, but Pattie's method is much simpler and focuses on actually feeling how the fabric wants to be manipulated. It all sounds very spooky. Pattie also taught me how to draft a pattern for a covered center front placket.

I am getting even more excited about the direction of my senior thesis collection after my progress today. Pattie is showing me that I already possess the skills necessary to make some really incredible clothes, I just needed someone to point out what I need to finesse.

Until next time,

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-5:30, 7.5 hours)

day twenty-one.

Today was an exciting day at Seam! Amber, a stylist with whom Pattie works often, and her assistant, Carrie, set-up a fitting for GAC's CMA red carpet hosts in Seam's studio. I have never seen so many sparkly dresses in one place. It was fascinating watching how quickly everything moved and how the many different opinions in the room all manage to reach the same conclusion for the best dresses for the occasion.

Pattie is working on many pieces for the CMA Awards, ASCAP Awards, and BMI Awards. Pattie's husband has a deep connection to the music industry in Nashville, so it is no wonder Pattie finds herself working with a lot of musicians and their spouses. I will post pictures of a few red carpet looks once the awards have aired.

Until next time,

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-2:00; 4 hours)

day twenty.

The Sally Bowles costume could not have turned out better. I made a simple black chiffon caftan top to be worn with black sequined hot pants. Pattie helped my shape the angle of the leg opening and length while I wore the shorts. I am impressed that I was able to sew sequined material so well, considering it was the first time I had ever tried. I finished the shorts with a satin waistband and sparkly button.

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-4:30; 6.5 hours)

day nineteen.

Today I worked a short day so that I could take my son, Roman, trick-or-treating. Pattie and I have been planning my Halloween costume. I am attending a party tomorrow evening and have not yet begun my costume! I am going as Sally Bowles from CABARET.

Until next time,

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-2:00; 4 hours)

day eighteen.

I typically do not get much of my own work completed on Saturdays at Seam. I enjoy sitting in on the sewing lessons with the young girls. They are all so charming, and the conversations turn in some really funny directions when discussing life with seven year olds. The girls are still working on their hand-sewn projects, but will be moving to machine work soon. Pattie is using a tactile approach to the lessons, allowing the girls to learn as they create rather than discussion now--application later. As someone with aspirations to one day teach my craft to others, I am paying careful attention to her approach to the subject, her attittude, and her patience with the students. 

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-2:00; 4 hours)

day seventeen.

Today I took a break from my senior collection to alter pants belonging to my toddler son. I wanted to sew the pockets closed to reduce bulk and make is pants lay more smoothly. Pattie showed me how to stitch the pockets in a way that makes my stitches invisible. The pants still look brand new!

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-5:30; 7.5 hours)