The learning – it must never stop. Even a self-professed, know-it-all like me must continue to learn and be inspired to sew. So, I binge-watched online sewing classes, and totally neglected the actual sewing. Grey silk tunic, move aside….

Disclaimer: I have no business affiliation with Craftsy. except as a satisfied customer. I’m just giving them some love in this post.

Classic Tailored Shirt, with Pam Howard:

If you read sewing magazines, or attend American Sewing Guild conferences where she has been an instructor, you definitely know Pam Howard. Check out her article in the latest issue of Threads magazine!  Her class took me through all the classic shirt processes, and very much re-affirmed whatever little shirt making skills I had and gave me more. Her calm and collected demeanor and great knowledge came through and sent me hurtling through the fabric stash to look for shirting fabric. A classic shirt in the menswear style is on my sewing list now.  Thanks for the inspiration, Pam.

Shirtmaking Details: Beyond the Basics with David Page Coffin

David was on the editorial staff at Threads magazine in the past, and that is how I first came across his excellent work – back in the 1990s and beyond. His first book on shirt making is now a classic, and the next one is on my shopping list.

Firstly, I enjoyed the slightly different vocabulary used by David. I felt like I was watching an engineer who had discovered sewing. For example, words like “nail it down” when referring to sewing down a basted or pinned unit.  In all seriousness, I cannot let go of David’s suggestion that we’re not sewing for a “sewing expert”; therefore we sew the way we want to, and where inconsequential errors are not worth stressing over.

If you have classic shirt making skills under your belt, I would highly recommend this one.  Much like women’s clothing, incorporating unusual details in the basic shirt takes it to another level. The hem gusset, the cowboy cuff, the iris cuff – all fabulous details are covered in class.  David starts the class with a quick go-over of the basic shirt; so basic that he seems to bore himself there. But that’s just a small portion of the beginning. Once he gets into the creative details, I was riveted until the end.

Pattern Making Basics: the Bodice Sloper with Suzy Furrer

Suzy Furrer knows things. Her training is extensive and she owns a school called Apparel Arts on the west coast.

I now know the definition of a moulage as opposed to a sloper. A moulage is a map of your body, it has no ease, and I want to make one. Suzy gives detailed instruction in the most precise manner, which should ensure my success. Making a moulage is a long process, requiring many accurate measurements, much math and many muslins. Well, fine. Once you finalize the moulage, it can be used to make a sloper (with ease).  Then, you’re on your way to designing your clothing. Perfect! I loved this detailed class, and recommend it if you are seriously interested in pattern drafting.

And, to continue the pattern making obsession, I purchased two more classes by Suzy Furrer, one on creative necklines and the other on creative sleeves.

The binge-watching continues…..

See you next time,

Samina