15 January 2005
Fabrics A Through B
I started a textiles class today, at Apparel Arts. When you buy fabrics, especially at discount fabric stores or garment industry suppliers, they're rarely labelled as to fiber content or care. The vendors themselves often can't identify their fabrics; the buyer is expected to know, or else not care. And, different fabrics behave very differently when cut and sewn.
The classroom is fantastic: an airy industrial space with enormous windows overlooking the Central Waterfront. About 20 of us learned about different fibers, weaves, weights, dye processes, and finishes, how to test fabrics, and how to work with fabric vendors. Then we discussed and looked at samples of different types of fabrics, acetate though burn-out. There are two more sessions in this class.
At the same time, I reached the top of the waiting list for their patternmaking and design course. I get to sit in on the evening class next Wednesday, then begin in earnest the following Wednesday. This class will teach me how to design and draft all kinds of garments, like with real skills instead of skills that I just make up in my delusional little head. This will keep me busy for between 18 and 30 months!
I'm not sure what I intend to get out of this yet. I started making my own clothes about three years ago, inspired by a talented designer whose services I could no longer afford. Aside from my mother's basic sewing instruction, I have no fashion education. Consequently, I make a lot of mistakes (some of them serendipitous). At the same time, some of my pieces have turned out really fabulously, and occasionally people ask me to make stuff for them. It would be nice to do more of that, and perhaps less gnawing on the gamy, soul-sucking, undead corpse of the dot com era.