Student Work Stories 1.

Creating garments is a journey filled with challenges, learning moments, and triumphs. Here’s a glimpse into the ups and downs of some of our students' recent projects, showcasing their persistence and creativity.

The Draped Dream Dress

This dress was a true test of patience and skill! The fabric was incredibly soft and draped beautifully, but this also made it tricky to work with. Stabilizing such a delicate material was a challenge, and we had to make several adjustments to keep the dress from looking too loose and uneven, as the fabric’s weight pulled the shape down.

The real difficulties came with the finer details, like the collar. It kept shifting due to the softness of the fabric, but with patience and a clever grip technique, our student managed to keep it under control. The final hurdle was sewing the buttonhole—it was as slippery as trying to sew on a live fish! We overcame this with a special marking system to guide the stitches. In the end, the dress turned out beautifully and was a true testament to the student’s dedication.

Sashiko Stitching: Tradition Meets Creativity

The Sashiko class was a wonderful experience, filled with stitching, chatting, and learning together. We explored the history of this traditional Japanese embroidery technique, delving into the different fabrics, threads, and needlework styles. Marking the patterns was straightforward thanks to special tools and templates, but the real challenge lay in finding the perfect stitch size.

It took some practice and a few clever tips, but everyone managed to master the technique. The joy of Sashiko lies in its meditative process and the satisfaction of creating intricate, textured designs. It was a pleasure to see students overcome the challenges and embrace the art of this beautiful hand-stitching technique.

The Snake-Like Blouse and the Burrito Method

This project was all about problem-solving and innovation. We worked on a stunning blouse that required us to use the “burrito” method—a technique for creating a seamless yoke. It’s a tricky process, but the results are worth it. We also added a special knot detail for lengthening and discovered a much simpler method for hemming.

The pattern had suggested a double-roll hem for the curved tails, which is notoriously difficult even for experienced seamstresses. Sometimes I think pattern makers secretly enjoy giving us these tricky challenges! But with persistence and some creative thinking, our student succeeded in giving the blouse a beautiful finish.

The Skirt Transformation: From Tight Waistband to Perfect Fit

At first glance, this skirt looks perfect—but it wasn’t always that way! The fabric is a gorgeous, decorated material that stands out in its simplicity, but the waistband was originally too tight. Nobody wants to spend their day feeling constricted, so we decided to make some changes.

We removed the waistband and extended the fabric using a curved cut for a more comfortable fit. The finishing touch was securing the waist with black bias binding, giving it a polished and professional look. The student’s attention to detail and willingness to make adjustments really paid off, transforming the skirt into a piece she can wear comfortably and confidently.

Final Thoughts

These stories are a reminder that every project, no matter how challenging, offers valuable lessons. Our students’ creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills shine through in each piece they create. It’s inspiring to see their progress and to share in the joy of their successes.

We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!