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)