From a trained draftsman who preferred working as a factory worker so that he could have ‘stories to tell my grandchildren’, an ex-forces train driver who’s Mama was a pattern cutter for a big well known company, to a statistician, a mathematician, an audiologist, a pharmacist, ex students of mine from National Diploma and University courses, GCSE students who want extra help, designers, artists and craftspeople of all kinds who want to use their specialist skills in a garment (Saori weaving, leather workers, soft sculptors),…… and nurses.
(Is there some special relationship between nursing and pattern cutting? If so, will someone please tell me what it is?! I'm intrigued, as I've had about 5 nurses come for classes now....)
When you have been doing certain things for a LONG time as I have, you kind of forget how amazing it is when you first learn to do something new, and it looks good.
I showed one of my students the other day how to do a hand sewn hem - sometimes the best and quickest way, depending on the fabric, and the finish you want. She was so pleased, and really enjoyed doing it. A little thing to me, but a big discovery to someone who’s never done it before!
Yesterday, a friend dropped in and was impressed with the studio, especially my industrial steam iron. describing it as 'very vintage looking'! I never see it in an objective way, as it's part of the furniture, and every fashion department I've ever worked in have these, or a variation of...it was expensive but worth every penny - no horrible 'brown water' when you're least expecting it, and potential ruination of a precious garment. These machines are made in Italy, so maybe they follow the style of the Espresso makers - kind of vintage, but solid and classic and made to take a lot of use and to last!! I like it's shiny functionality. (Image at the end of this post).
Let me know what you think! This steam iron lives in the 'sewing room', as opposed to the 'pattern cutting room' (the main studio where I do the fittings, and teach), in case you were wondering.
I made said friend a linen suit once - the sturdy Japanese crumpled look - not an immaculate, smooth and perfect thing (that's not how he wanted it!), and he used to be in our band - the one I joined when I first met my husband, Jonny. He's a VERY good musician, and played us some of his lovely stuff yesterday. Is there a special relationship between music / style / art / clothing? I would say in lots of cases, yes.
Again, let me know what you think....these emails I send may look kind of 'official', but you can reply to this just as you would any other email - give it go, oh g'wan, g'wan.........
Any comments on anything I send are always gratefully received, and a bit of discussion on fashion / clothing / style / pattern making / sewing is always good!
In other news (as they say), and in other parts of my life, (I do like a bit of variety!), we will soon be going to Barcelona as my husband and I (so regal!!) play with a band who are part of the PrimaVera festival there. Current 93 play on the Saturday - it's a very short visit, sadly...but hey, I'm not complaining, and we'll make another visit to Barc as soon as possible. They're such a brilliant bunch of people, and it's a massive festival with LOADS of big names, I'm sure we'll have a great time....
If you'd like to come here to learn how to make a perfect body fitting 'block' to your own measurements, become au fait with the methods and terminology, and go on to make patterns for your own designs whatever they may be, please either reply to this email here, or contact me through the website. Have a look at the 'Classes' tab for more details, and phone / email / whatsapp me, whatever!
And if you're needing something fabulous to wear for whatever occasion - marriage, being the belle of the ball, hiking across the heather moors of Scotland or the lowlands of Oxfordshire, headlining, please contact me here. I look forward to meeting you.
Speak soon,
Bobbie