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)