Oh my gosh, this Apparel Construction class is crazy. Since my mom and many people I know are great sewers you would think I would be a pro. Not exactly! I thought I would share some funny stories from my class.

Before we started making our first project (boxers), we were learning the basics about the sewing machine. My teacher was showing us how to thread the machine. She was about to thread the needle by hand until I showed her that the machine had an automatic threader. Really, my SEWING teacher didn’t know our machine had an automatic threader. It was too funny. Another thing I had to teach my teacher, and then the class, was the blanket stitch by hand. I taught myself how to do the stitch first and then showed my teacher. It was an interesting day.

Now my teacher is not the only one who makes funny mistakes. So far I have had some mishaps of my own. On my first pair of boxers I sewed the fronts together and the backs, so the boxers looked like they had cowboy legs. On my first pair of boxers I also didn’t check the hems to be sure they were the same length before I turned them in, Oops! One leg was ¼ of an inch longer than the other.

I am on my skirt now, so I hope things go better! More on that later.

Sarah

Wow, I can’t believe I am already to the end of another semester at Stephens. My junior year has been a LOT of work so far, and I am getting ready to turn in several pieces for my Junior Collection. I’ve been drawing, designing, patternmaking, fitting, and sewing for what seems to be every waking moment. Now I’m at crunch time, and I’m practically chained to my sewing machine–but had to sneak in a quick post! Just trying to do something simple like match the zipper for my jumpsuit design has been a challenge, running from one fabric store to another. When I get a chance to catch my breath, I’ll take some pics of my garments and post them ASAP. Whoever said you live on very little sleep in design school really meant it! But, I know I’m doing all of this because I truly LOVE fashion, and hope that someday *you* will wear something I’ve designed!

It’s finally starting to get really chilly here in Missouri, so I’m breaking out the winter clothes and coat. Walking across campus in the cold blowing wind is no fun. My daily hikes to the fashion sewing lab & computer lab seem like longer walks than usual. Even Paddy (my Yorkie) doesn’t want to go outside much now without a push!

Send me lots of PME (Positive Mental Energy) as I get through the final two weeks of school………and then………..only 3 semesters to go!! Keep warm everybody!
xxxxxx, Allyce

I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook creating an event for DIYStyle, and in the last 24 hours I have gotten an incredible response from people! Loads of people are “attending” and have looked at our website. I had hoped to help get the word out there, and there is already a really exiting response! I put up some pictures and information about DIYStyle.

And, I want to remind everyone that DIYStyle is not just for girls, it’s for guys too! I know we girls all love fashion, but I am seeing an increasing interest in design, clothes and trendy fashion among the guys. My friend asked me the other day how he could modify his jeans so they could look like this popular brand that he likes, that way he wouldn’t have to burn a whole in his pocket for the expensive designer brand and he could also put a twist on the design to make it his own!

Okay well back to the fun stuff, midterms!! Gotta go study!
XOXO Melissa