Months back when I discovered podcasts, I started working my way through the archives of CraftyPod and CraftSanity during my daily commute. I didn’t get too far, as the school year ended, and I know that I will have even more to catch up on when I go back to school. (After Lee puts an iPod jack in my newer car.) Anyway, I was listening to the CraftSanity podcast with Cal Patch when she mentioned that she lives in the Hudson Valley and teaches classes there.
I stored that bit of info away. I am from the Hudson Valley and my parents still live there, so attending a class would be a possibility! Such an exciting prospect because it always seems that anything cool is either happening in the city or on the west coast. A few months later, I did just that. Kaylee spent the day at my parents (eating pancakes and playing in the kiddie pool–too much fun to nap!), and I went to Wing & Clover in Rhinebeck to take the patternmaking workshop.
Cal has written a book called Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified. It is brilliant because you get to make clothes that really fit you. I have a terrible time finding pants that fit. One day I plan to give the pattern for pants a go.
During the one day workshop I attended, we drafted patterns for an a-line skirt and a long sleeve t-shirt. They are both made to exactly my measurements (well, not exactly me as I am currently not really my size, but you get the idea.) Cal was a great teacher and it was great to see all the measurements that we took morph into a recognizable pattern.
I have to admit, I have not touched the patterns yet. I think I can manage the skirt, as I have made a few before. But the t-shirt intimidates me a bit. I have never set in sleeves to anything. I will have to try though because–imagine–a t-shirt made for me down to my wrist measurement! Crazy! Also, I designed my pattern to be a longer, tunic type of shirt, so if I use a knit with some give, I will be able to wear it for some time with my growing belly.
(This totally fits in with my desire to not feel frumpy during this pregnancy. Yoga pants were comfy, but I never felt quite put together. I am hoping to do more dresses and leggings this time. But, I realized, school is only a month away and I have very few items in my wardrobe that will work. Not sure yet what I am going to do about this. Sewing is sort of an option, but I am moving dead slow these days. I borrowed a lot of maternity clothing last time from a super generous friend, but she is shorter than me. And, this goes with the pants never fitting, I have a terrible time finding maternity pants that aren’t flood pants on me. Time to learn how to sew knits with the serger I think.)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
that sounds very cool! i love taking classes bc it “forces” me to focus… i am easily distracted
ok how adorable are you? you are a darling pregnant lady
That sounds fantastic! Id love to attend a class like that.
How fun! I wish I could make my own clothes!!
I fancy myself an amateur crafter – I always think, hey, maybe I can try to make that! The only thing that scares me is sewing, especially clothes. I would love to over come it all and I think that workshop sounds fantastic!
i love love love attending sewing classes!! it keeps me more motivated to actually sew and tackle new patterns as well! that book looks super useful as well!
ok is it me or is everyone i know joining sewing classes lately?
Hey Miss Aubrey,
Your site is adorable! It is so cute that I (almost)feel inspired to paint or/and sewing something!
Email me if you get a chance (jenfiore36@yahoo.com). I wonder if you might like to make a Barbie bag for Jane. Her B’day is coming & I thought it would be cute to buy her a custom made Barbie bag and fill it with dolls & accessories. Let me know if you are interested.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Jen
aubrey! how are you feeling?