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)

day sixteen.

Fall break continues and I am spending another day at Seam. Pattie has been teaching me many tricks to creating the perfect jean. I now have a better understanding of how to achieve the perfect fit and how to finish the garment beautifully. I have never been more proud of my work.

Today's activities also included a quick run to Textile Fabrics when I ran out of topstitching thread. Textiles is a fabric store that I have avoided over the years due to assumption that everything sold was completely unaffordable for me. Pattie claims it is the "only fabric store in Nashville," as it is the only place to sell real silk. My eye has already noted several fabrics I want to purchase.

Until next time, 

Amanda

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

day fifteen.

School is currently out of session for fall break. I decided to work with Pattie on my day off so that I could sit in on a bridal fitting. Pattie is working with a bride named Whitney that needs her wedding gown altered from a size 12 to a size 6. Pattie has already completed most of the work on the sideseams and is now completing the final fittings.

Although not an original piece, this gown has been completely redesigned for the customer's needs and fits her beautifully.

Until next time, 

Amanda

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

day fourteen.

The first outfit of my senior collection is due in a little over a week, and I am not stressed at all. Pattie has been showing me a better order of operations for completing my work so that I may increase my speed and accuracy. I expect to complete my work early, allotting me plenty of time to focus my energy on other aspects of my daily life. 

Today I continued to work on my skinny jeans with hand-embroidered logos on the back pockets. Pattie has been making appointments for fittings for the country music award season. 

Until next time, 

Amanda 

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

day thirteen.

There are some exciting new opportunities for Seam! Seam will now be advertising in The Pink Bride magazine and showing at the The Pink Bridal fair in January and August. This is a great way for Seam to reach out to new brides and create long-lasting relationships. Once they work with Pattie, they will always return. 

Pattie and I have begun brainstorming for Seam's website I will be creating and moderating. We are trying to find the best way to represent the many things that Seam can do. Seam is not just an alterations shop, and Pattie is not your average designer. It will take us some time to perfect the site and have it up and running. 

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours:  10:00-5:30; 7.5 hours)

day twelve.

I spent today working on my jeans for my first outfit of my senior collection while Pattie taught sewing lessons with the girls. I can't help but be jealous that they are learning from her at such a young age. I would love to go back in time and take lessons from Pattie!

The embroidery machine is not complying with our needs at the moment and has been put on hiatus, thus I hand-embroidered my logo onto the back pockets of the jeans. Pattie taught me how to pad my satin stitches, and the end result is incredible. She has a great way of showing me that I already possess the skills, I just need to know how to use them properly.

Close view of my padded satin stitch.

Until next time, 

Amanda

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

day eleven.

I have practically finished my chevron cutout top. Pattie gave me some beautiful to line it. I am moving on to my jeans which will feature my label's logo on the back pockets.

I am currently trying to get Pattie's fancy embroidery machine up and running, but am having trouble getting some of the software to run properly. I have even resorted to calling Viking to help with the issue. I have sort of become the i.t. department at Seam.

Until next time,

Amanda

(Hours:  10:00-5:30; 7.5 hours)

day ten.

I have learned a lot about Pattie and her relationships with her clients in the past few days. It is incredible to watch practically every client linger in the studio to recount their lives since they last saw her. Pattie loves it. Besides her impeccable skills, it's what keeps clients coming through her door. She keeps the Christmas cards, birth announcements, and other notes from customers on the walls of her studio, which her clients see when they visit. Small touches like this show her clients that they are important to her and that she cares about more than just the dollar in their pocket.

Until next time, 

Amanda 

(Hours:  10:00-5:00; 7 hours)

day nine.

I am beginning work on my first outfit for my senior collection. I am starting with a top featuring a chevron cutout and bell sleeves. Pattie is going to show me how to finish the cutout so that there are no visible stitches. I am thrilled to be working with someone that can teach me the meticulous little tricks of the trade.

Today I also sat in on two of Pattie's sewing classes. The girls are moving along quickly with their projects. I am already growing to really enjoy their company.

Until next time, 

Amanda

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

day eight.

Seam purchased two new sewing machines today, so naturally the studio was humming with excitement (or the sounds of testing the new machines). One is a Singer Heavy Duty machine that is army green and great for sewing denim and other tough jobs. The other machine is a beautiful computerized Singer Quantum Stylist--it cuts the thread for you! Needless to say, most work went out the window today as the new machine needed to be examined and tested.

Pattie and daughter, Ellen, opening the new machines. (I had to lame up the joint by documenting this moment.)

Pattie posing with her new Singer Quantum Stylist.

Until next time, 

Amanda 

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

day seven.

Now that we have gotten to know each other better, Pattie and I are having a lot of fun. Today I constructed an arm that I stuffed and will use to drape sleeves. It is one of those things I didn't realize I needed, and I feel it is something that needs to be made by all of my classmates.

Pattie is allowing me to work on my senior collection while I am at Seam as an intern. Thus far I have been working on the concept and design of the collection, and Pattie has offered practical solutions to my construction questions. She will help me figure out the best way to execute my designs and work more efficiently. I think only good things can happen from this point. 

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours:  10:00-5:30; 7.5 hours)

day six.

Teaching young learners to be excited about creating and sewing is one of Pattie's many passions. She will begin working with children as young as 5 years old, encouraging their problem-solving and fine motor skills. Depending on their age, students either begin working on embroidery projects, such as small felt dolls, or scenes of birds frolicking on a branch. More advanced students make their own clothing, and she has even had a student produce his own fashion show while still in high school.

Today I got to experience two classes with junior students. One is making a lion out of felt. She is embroidering the details on the mane and face and then sewing those pieces to the body to create the lion. Another student is embroidering bluebirds on a branch with flowers. 

I love watching Pattie interact with children. She has way of speaking with them that makes them feel as if she is their equal, and it really encourages them to open up to the whole experience. I may or may not have also learned a couple of tricks Pattie uses to tie knots beautifully.

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours:  10:00-2:00; 4 hours) 

day five.

The cleaning and organizing continues at Seam. If you are not a designer, you probably have no idea how much fabric and trim one can accumulate over the course of a few years, and these things must be periodically categorized and edited. I am having a great time testing my fabric knowledge, and I have come across some amazing textiles.

I also photographed pieces from a collection called Seam Garden, a collaboration between Pattie and textile designer, Tye Dye Mary Deprez. Couture made from tie-dyed materials may be an unexpected creation, but the end result is exquisite. We have planned to shoot the collection in the near future, and these items are available for purchase. Prices available upon request.

100% Bamboo trimmed in 100% Cotton

100% Bamboo

Front, 100% Bamboo; Back, 100% Silk

Until next time,

Amanda

(Hours: 10:00-5:00; 7 hours)

day four.

When it comes to textiles, Pattie may be classified as an expert. She has a love for fabric that is exhibited in her vast knowledge on the different fibers and their properties. This knowledge translates to a designer that respects the nature of the cloth, resulting in better-made garments. Pattie is teaching me to trust my instincts and let the fabric guide my design. Have I mentioned how much I love my internship yet?

I have come across a lot of fabric while cleaning out Pattie's closet. I am organizing it by fabric type and/or end use. It has been a great test of fabric knowledge, and Pattie has helped me classify fiber content. The best way is by setting it on fire.

Pattie keeps a special coffee cup in the studio that she uses to burn fabrics to be certain if they are made of natural or man-made fibers. If the result is ash, the fabric is made with natural fibers. If the result is a gooey or hard plastic ball, the fabric is made with man-made fibers. I have been burning everything in my studio at home.

Until next time,

Amanda

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

day three.

An interview with Seam owner and designer, Pattie Talbot:

Tell me about where you grew up and how that inspired you to choose a career in fashion?

I grew up in South Minneapolis. I had two older sisters, and my mother sewed for them all the time, so it was natural for me. I was always encouraged to be creative and artsy, so there was always fabric and paint and stuff to play with. I started sewing when I was four years old and began sewing my own clothing when I was eight. In high school, I decided that I may be able to do more than home sewing and began altering my own patterns and creating my own designs. I became serious about fashion when I realized the Minneapolis College of Art and Design had a program, and the rest is history.

Did you have a mentor?

My professor, Michele Fernand, a skilled designer and couturier that had worked for Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Hubert de Givenchy in Paris. She was amazing.

What do you look forward to in a working day?

I never know what's going to happen here. I never know who is going to call or what they're going to need me to do. I always look forward to the challenge that each day brings. Part of this is because I do things no else can do.

What is your biggest inspiration?

When a client comes out of the dressing room and I  can see from their expression that they know how great they look. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Being called a seamstress. Sewing is what I do, but that's not all I do.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Work your ass off. Work and work and work.

And with that, I survived my first week. 

Until next time, 

Amanda

(Hours: 11:00 AM-3:00 PM; 4 Hours)

day two.

Day Two. 

The relationship Pattie shares with her clients is one of couturier, therapist, and friend. They trust her implicitly because she helps them present their best selves. She is happy to greet them when the wind chime on the front door reveals their entry and excited to show them the special item she has been working so hard to prepare for them. Every client has been thrilled to tell me that I will be learning from the best. 

Here Pattie is fitting a muslin for a spread keyhole, mid-length dress with lantern sleeves. Even the cotton muslin is gorgeous. The dress is perfect for the client, and she will be the envy of all of her friends. Pattie carefully pinned the muslin and showed me the points on the body where you take garments in and out without sacrificing the integrity of the rest of the piece.  She makes it seem so effortless. 

Later, we worked on perfecting pattern slopers. Pattie showed me the most efficient way to drape and fit the basic bodice, and after following her instructions, the muslin fit perfectly the first time. 

Until tomorrow, 

Amanda

(11:00 AM-5:00 PM 6 Hours)

day one.

Hello there.

My name is Amanda. I am a senior at a design school, and I may have just made the biggest mistake of my life... I started an internship at Seam.

Seam--a design studio specializing in creating exquisite, one-of-a-kind garments, breathing new life into rare vintage attire, and altering high-end pieces to fit miraculously-- is the lovechild of designer, garment specialist, and queen of the world, Pattie Talbot. The business was established in 2005 as an outlet for Pattie to utilize her spectacular talent on a more personal level with her customers. Pattie meticulously handles each garment, ensuring that it is finished with the utmost quality and care. Her clients range from ladies who lunch and the chairman of the board to style icons and rock royalty. Essentially, Pattie is the thread keeping Nashville's high society looking flawless.

Seam owner, Pattie Talbot.

Today Pattie and I spent time getting to know each other better and set a schedule for the remainder of the semester. I observed Pattie as she altered a loyal client's latest purchases, and she showed me a few tricks to fit garments flawlessly with slight adjustments rather than tedious changes.

I wandered through the rack of custom designs and works-in-progress, taking note of the delicate care given to each piece. I found suit jackets made of the finest wool on Savile Row, fur coats that have traveled through generations, and a couture gown that will be worn at Kensington Palace. 

I am excited to embark upon this journey at Seam. Pattie will be an incredible instructor and mentor, and I am looking forward to spending time with such a talented, witty, and gracious woman.

Amanda

Hours: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM (4 Hours)