The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center

New approach for fashion sewing classes

Sewing programs are evolving. New sewers are looking outside the home and the traditional classroom for guidance to create new designs and a unique look. As sewing regains popularity, a new type of customer has come to the forefront. This is largely because Reality-TV shows, such as Project Runway, have connected the link of sewing to fashion design. Personally designed clothing has become a positive status symbol. The stigma of “loving hands at home” is gone.

Students today do not want to sit in a classroom week after week. They want to complete a project that encourages them to sew more and more. In a time of busy schedules and limited budgets, Connie Crawford’s Sewing & Fitting DVD’s save the day for independent fabric stores, sewing machine stores, 4-H groups, scout troops, and schools. Her DVD’s give a very organized, efficient, and practical lesson plan requiring minimal preparation time. It allows students to view the DVD’s when it is convenient for them. They can stop and start and watch each step repeatedly until they are comfortable with the useful information and techniques. They will learn the sewing process, as well as their sewing machines, in a basic and comprehensive manner for beginners as well as more advanced students.

Crawford’s Studio Sewing Skills DVD enables sewing instructors to teach the total fitting and assembling of a garment in a logical and time-efficient sequence. Creative and modern sewing labs can be set up in-store or create your own sewing lounge. Customers are drawn to flexible hours and “renting time” for the use of the space and sewing machines on a individual basis. With a DVD player next to the sewing machine, and the supplemental student packet, (which includes pre-cut fabric and zipper samples), the sewing instructor is able to have several students, at different stages and sewing levels. This relaxed atmosphere allows students to experience the artistic flavor and enjoyable nature of sewing.

The organization of these sewing projects is designed to build sewing knowledge progressively. This method helps students visualize the total fitting and assembling of a garment in a logical sequence. As students practice this construction process, they will refine the skills presented throughout the DVD and obtain a greater understanding of how to construct any garment. Mastering the technical aspects of construction provides tools through which creativity and individuality may be expressed. Self confidence and imagination will abound as they continue to sew more projects.

Many frustrations of sewing can be eliminated through this new approach to teaching sewing. Your customers will be able to develop a basic knowledge of fashion sewing and continue to sew for many years. Help your customers nurture the love for sewing and pass on the fun to others.

Crawford’s DVD’s, sewing and patternmaking books can be purchased through her Web site at www.fashionpatterns.com.

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Connie Crawford is a licensed designer for BUTTERICK PATTERNS and is owner of Fashion Patterns by Coni -- www.fashionpatterns.com. She is a nationally recognized lecturer, fashion specialist, educator, and author of sewing and pattern textbooks, including A Guide to Fashion Sewing, The Art of Fashion Draping and Patternmaking Made Easy. Drawing on her 35 years of experience in apparel manufacturing and 23 years teaching fashion design classes in patternmaking, sewing, and draping at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, Connie created her own pattern line with true-to-body fit from sizes X-Small to 6X.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, October 2008