Well, I am done with classes for the week – finally! It is actually getting easier to do this two classes-in-a-row thing as the weeks pass. That’s a good thing, because next semester I’ll be doing the same thing. The COD and NIU schedules for the spring semester came out yesterday and the great news is that the classes I want (need?) to take are offered on different nights – no conflict!
I only have two more MBA classes left – finance and the capstone strategic course that theoretically brings all the classes together, which has to be taken last. So…I really didn’t have a lot of choice on the MBA front, and was really hoping that the sewing classes wouldn’t conflict with that, as my priority has to be finishing the MBA.
There are two clothing construction (sewing) courses, the first of which I’m taking now, and two flat pattern drafting courses (more design and drawing focused.) I considered either taking the first flat pattern drafting or the second clothing construction class, and had tentatively decided on the second sewing class. Turns out that I didn’t have a choice anyway, as the only pattern drafting class offered was the second one, for which you need the first one as a prerequisite. I could take the second sewing class for 16 weeks on Monday nights from 6-10 or on Saturdays for 14 weeks but from 9-2:30. I opted for the Monday night class, and Finance will be on Tuesday nights.
I got some really fun emails yesterday from the director of the fashion design program; one about Chicago Fashion Week starting next week, which I had no idea existed, an application for a design competition in the Chicago area sponsored by Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s) downtown, and one with industry jobs in the local area. It is nice to know that they offer all of this to students, and maybe in a few years I will be ready to enter a design competition like that – who knows? I was very intrigued with the idea of a Chicago Fashion Week and will be checking that site out thoroughly later.
I think it makes sense to take the next sewing class. The more experience you have with sewing commercial patterns, the better you will understand the pattern drafting class. I took an intensive 2 day class in that years ago. It was very helpful, but grueling to sit their for 8 hours doing it!
Design competitions are fun. They are learning experiences in themselves, if for no other reason, than to see what others do. I've entered a number of them and had several designs published. I particularly enjoyed the ones with a specific challenge involved.
Posted by: kozykitty | October 04, 2007 at 09:30 AM
It will probably be better to take the sewing class before the pattern drafting. Once you get more experience with commercial patterns, the drafting makes more sense--at least for me (I'm the visual equivalent of tone-deaf when it comes to draing in two dimensions). But you will know what the flat pattern pieces are supposed to look like, which makes it easier to draft them.
I can't believe you're taking the MBA classes at the same time. I took a computer diploma program when I was taking sewing lessons, and I couldn't manage the class homework and the sewing homework at the same time. I didn't get much clothing done at that time. All that and knitting too? I'm convinced you knit while you're sleeping because there aren't that many hours in a day.
Posted by: marjorie | October 04, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Oh, take the second class!!! You are learning a lot and having fun in the process!! Fashion week sounds like a lot of fun! I hope you are able to go!
Posted by: Adrienne | October 04, 2007 at 09:44 AM
OK, a little off topic, but do you miss Marshall Fields as much as I miss Filenes (same store; different name)? They had the best damn sales until Macy's took over and ruined everything.
Posted by: Jenny | October 04, 2007 at 10:44 AM
I'd want to take the next sewing class myself!
I'm so glad I'm done with my masters, it was such a relief to finish! You'll be glad when your done! (like I need to tell you that)
Posted by: Michelle | October 04, 2007 at 03:24 PM
I missed you! I was off the radar for a while. You should enter the contest! Why not?! And congrats on beoing so very close to your MBA!
Posted by: Carol | October 04, 2007 at 06:38 PM
The pottery thing rocks.... You should definitely do it. It can be quite a joy. :)
Posted by: Tanya | October 04, 2007 at 08:14 PM
Chicago fashion week sounds *cool*! Incidentally, I'm reading a book about the world's fair in Chicago and I thought of you :) Chicago sounds so historical and neat!
Posted by: Maryanne | October 04, 2007 at 08:47 PM
I am sure that sooner or later you will be able to enter such contest! You are so creative and talented! Will keep my fingers crossed for you! What is on your sewing table right now?
Posted by: Kasia | October 05, 2007 at 03:36 AM
good luck on your new class, it sounds very interested, keep us updated,, as always
Posted by: toya | October 05, 2007 at 05:59 AM
Are your classes all Project Runway style? Because that would be entertaining.
Posted by: Sarah | October 05, 2007 at 01:47 PM