Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Creating: Ultimate Tee- Shirt Craftsy

 I tried the Ultimate Tee Shirt class by Craftsy.  This is my first attempt.  The neckline is a mess.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Creating: Learn to Sew 2 Week one and two

I decided..even though it is very rough on my schedule to take  Learn to Sew part 2 with Rucht D'Oleo.  The more  I see her  the more I like her.  She is tough  I think that is why.  I like the teacher  that pushes you.  First  class  was  run don't walk and  some of us (including me) didn't bring all our stuff.  (Hanging my head).

First class we drafted necklines from slopers  and  are learning to draft FACINGS.  Next week  BIAS tape!! YES!! (arm pump).

For homework  and yes again her class  has a lot of homework  and  this time she has it  that if you don't do the homework.  you don't have any classwork, because the homework is the setup for the classwork, at least next class is that way.  Somehow  I see that it is probably  going to be that for all the sessions.

Week two --Well in class I totally  got confused with the turning of the facings and we ( the class) didn't get to do bias tape and now we all are behind on the syllabus.  This sewing is definitely  a lot of work.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Creating: Fabric stores in Miami Dade and Broward County, Florida

One question  new Fashion Design students ask  is:  Where are the fabric  stores?

I decided to compile a list of the ones  I have visited with pictures and comments.  This list will be growing as I learn of more.

Arnold's Fabrics and Trim 12918 NW 7th Ave North MiamiFL 33168

Located off of 441 in North Miami, Arnold's Fabrics and Trim is easy to miss, as it is in a small and narrow strip store block.  The parking lot is difficult to maneuver in and the side lot  has broken glass and trash.

Inside are piles of bolts, all unlabeled.  If you need to know the fiber content of your fabrics, this is not the store to shop. And don't ask the help to tell you what the fabrics are they will look at the fabric from afar and just say anything, don't believe the answer- they don't know what it is. Tables are labeled  $1, $3, $4 and they have some notions and zippers.  The quality of fabric is definitely - you get what you pay for. 

Fabrics for Less 19954 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33169-2904

This is a small fabric store that doesn't have a clearance or red tag section.  I noticed, swimsuit fabrics, special occasion fabrics, suitings, and home decor fabrics.  Prices range from 5.99 to 12.99 a yard on average.  The selection of fabrics is very small compared to the other fabric stores I have visited so far.




Isa Couture Fabrics 200 NE 30th St Miami, FL 33137

If you want to have fine fabrics from Valentino and other couture designers, then this is the place you want to shop.  There are tags that list the fiber content of each fabric. Each section is divided and labeled according to type of fabric.  There are no price tags and if you are shopping here then price is no object.  While I was there a customer asked  how much for a yard.  I heard  $65.. and I walked out of the store.

Parking is on the street and the when you go inside there is a big sign reminding you of this.

Joann Fabrics 4700 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021

In this picture the store looks neat.  I complimented an employee about it and she said  they were rolling the fabric for inventory.  I wish they always did this.  The store is usually beyond messy and hard to shop the fabric section because there are fabrics on the floor and in the wrong place. The new employees are not that helpful, nice, or knowledgeable about sewing and crafts.  However  you can get free samples of the fabric at this store.  Parking is ample and free.

Joann Fabrics 7706 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL

This is a big Joann's with plenty of apparel fabrics.  The rows and rows of fabrics are neatly organized and priced.  Each section has a lot of each type of fabric.  For example the selection of suiting materials is more extensive than the Joann Hollywood, Florida store.
There is a wide range of notions as well.  The stores appears clean and the customers were quiet on the day I went.


Ultra Fabrics 8584 SW 40th St MiamiFL 33155

This store is a dream.  Gorgeous prints!  Good prices  5.99- to 12 dollars on average.
Plenty of fabrics to choose from and they have clearance fabrics. I didn't have time to shop, but I will soon!



Joann's Fabrics
Joann's Fabrics
Joann's Fabrics
Joann's Fabrics

Nunez
Carol
Rosa
Rex Fabrics

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Creating: Pattern Making Class Week 3

I am little behind this week with everything, including this blog.   In class last week, we were drafting torso slopers.  I still have to sew mine up in muslin for tomorrow!!!!  Thankfully I have some of the morning to do that too.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Creating: Week 4 Fashion Design class Broward college

Homework from week three: Bring in a pair of your favorite pants, some pattern paper, and your sketchbook completed up to date.

The historical personality that I chose to be inspired by for my 20 sketches this week was Frida Kahlo.  I chose Frida, for two reasons.  One I know her story and two  I am familiar with her personal style.

I created an inspiration collage.


And I created some sketches and technical drawings.



I wish I knew how to make patterns from my sketches, because I really like some of my designs.  Next week's homework is to create three sketches for your final collection, pick a pattern to create for your garment for your final project, and pattern a pencil skirt and sew the muslin!!!

This class is not for the faint hearted and it will not (in my opinion) be a cakewalk for a newbie  who doesn't put in the time or effort to learn on his/her own..this last part s just a bit of information for those who might want to take the class.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Creating: Pattern class week 2

Second week in pattern class.  Wow I feel like I am in way over my head.  I am just thankful that I am being exposed to patternmaking in person.  This week we (the class) fitted the muslin, we pulled off the paper pattern.  My muslin needed a few adjustments and now I need to re trace the pattern and sew up the muslin.

first muslin
re-tracing the pattern

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Creating: A line skirt Craftsy

My A line skirt.  I made some omission mistakes..Like not  finishing the raw edges before I started sewing the fabric to prevent unraveling.

Here I have the yoke, the invisible zipper which is still unfinished...and the seaming...


And here is the finished skirt.  My first mostly properly sewn garment..voila


Monday, July 1, 2013

Creating: Learn to Sew Week 6

Last week of my Learn to Sew class.  Our final project was due.  I wore my skirt that I patterned and created from the A line Craftsy class.  I had some issues before class -my machine needle bolt broke,  the walking foot that I purchased to sew knits  didn't work on knits.  My needle was poking holes in the fabric..  too much drama. So at the last minute  before class I cut another A line skirt.

Rucht D'Oleo the teacher expected us to finish  our project in class, but most of us didn't.  I especially didn't since I didn't have everything I need to complete anything and then I made a planning mistake  I forgot to sew in the darts, so i had to pull out the stitches.  Needless to say   did not get much done during our last class time together.

I was happy I went because  Rucht D'Oleo  handed out certificates!!!



I might take Learn to Sew 2.  It just  depends on my schedule...

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