I just was notified that my book for the first class I'm taking in the fashion design program at COD is in - the text is A Guide to Fashion Sewing and it seems to be exactly what I'm looking for. I ordered the book from Amazon as the college bookstore had it on backorder and was going to charge me about $20 more. It should be arriving tomorrow thanks to my Amazon Prime membership, which gives me free 2-day shipping. I can't wait to look at it.
The class description is:
FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1155
Clothing Construction I
3 credit hours
Emphasis is on basic sewing construction skills, including fundamentals in the selection of fabrics, patterns, fit and construction techniques. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)
So it does say it's going to cover fitting from some standpoint, but the next class sounds even better from that perspective:
FASHION MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN 1156
Clothing Construction II
3 credit hours
Clothing construction course designed for those who are familiar with the operation of a sewing machine, fabric and pattern selection, and basic sewing techniques. Emphasis on professional quality construction techniques. Development of fit techniques for pants and advanced garments. Prerequisite: Fashion Merchandising and Design 1155 or consent of instructor (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)
The first class starts at the end of August and doesn't end until December. It is once a week for almost four hours per session, so I am hoping I get a lot out of it. I'm at the point where I can do a lot of simple construction techniques but need a lot of help on the fitting as I need to make so many adjustments to convert regular patterns into petite. I still haven't bought that dress form yet either. I think I am going to buy a premade one to start with, and see how far that takes me, before I make/buy a customized one.
It's so funny - when I re-read the title of this post, I thought, oh yeah, my MBA program classes are starting soon too (September). I don't even think about those or get excited about them though. Three more classes to go and I'm just DONE with that. It wasn't as good of an experience as I thought it would be, but 80% of an MBA completed might as well be 0% of an MBA completed, from an outsider's standpoint. I did learn some things, but not as much as I thought I would. Oh well, I have to get it done now.
You won't regret having a dress form! I have a True Fit one by Dritz which comes in handy for some fitting issues. The deal is that you dial in your measurements for the different areas of your body which is nice, but it doesn't replicate the shape of your body so you need to be careful for certain really fitted garments. Check out the Threads Magazine website (http://www.taunton.com/threads/index.asp) for some articles on making custom dress forms for your shape. One uses duct tape. In a nut shell--You have someone cover your body from thigh to neck with plastic then you are wrapped with duct tape. The form is cut so that you can take it off, then it is filled with foam insulation and finished. It is an exact replica of your body! When I make my formals, I always use the form to fix the bustle on the back of the gown. I adjust the height to that of my height with my heels on which allows me to view the gown from the back and make a nice bustle! We have a nationally known fabric store in our area --it's quite unbelievable--that often has a class in making the custom dress form. Ahhh--one of these days!
Posted by: Kozy Kitty | July 19, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Can't wait to see what you're making/doing in class.
Posted by: tiennie | July 19, 2007 at 04:43 PM
I can't wait to hear about your class! That sounds great.
Posted by: Emilee | July 19, 2007 at 05:28 PM
i think it is definitely ok to be more excited about sewing classes than mba classes!
Posted by: kaetlyn | July 19, 2007 at 05:49 PM
You are going to be ready for Project Runway before not too long!!
Posted by: Heather | July 19, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Good luck --- Back to School is one of my favorite times of year. . .
Posted by: Kim | July 19, 2007 at 06:13 PM
When I saw your post I thought you were talking about grad school! HA! But the fashion program is definitely more exciting! :oD Enjoy it and push on thru the MBA it will pay off later!
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | July 19, 2007 at 07:59 PM
I hope you enjoy your class!!!! I can't wait to see how it all works out for yoU!
Posted by: adrienne | July 19, 2007 at 09:20 PM
HOW FUN! I can't wit to see the exciting things you make!
Posted by: Keanalee | July 20, 2007 at 08:41 AM
I want to make that duct tape form too. I would worry about the custom one because my body is always changing. It's great incentive not to gain any weight, though!
My friend's boss gave her a fat raise to congratulate her on getting her MBA, so stick with it--it will be worth all the work.
Posted by: Jenny | July 20, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Wow, that sounds like such a fun class. I'm pretty sure my adviser would murder me if I suggested it, but I can dream.
Posted by: Sarah | July 20, 2007 at 09:01 AM
I'll be anxious to hear about your classes!
I know how you feel about your MBA, I felt the same way about my MED I was hoping to get lots ofgood ideas etc. but was kind of dissapointed!
Posted by: Michelle | July 20, 2007 at 09:12 AM