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Showing posts from 2010

Update on Next Tutorial

I've been wanting to do a video tutorial for some time, but with work and lack of natural light in my studio I've been putting it off. I might do a few short tutorial on hand sewing. Which I've been wonting to do for a long time now. What I really wanted to show you are some tailors techniques for hand sewing, but I haven't been able to find the proper information over the internet. This means a trip downtown to the BIG library ... hmmmm. So what I'll do is make a tutorial on basic techniques. If you have any request about hand sewing please let me know and I'll include them in my tutorial.

Creating a Sleeve for your DressForm

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I've been debating on making this post. In the end I think it would be easier to create a blog entry than to make a video tutorial. I few weeks ago I purchase this "Draping" book which I've been trying to buy for some time now. I really goes into detail on the history of draping and how it all started. Which my school failed to teach us. Okay ... its time for the draping part of this tutorial. [I would like to add that this book deals with CM not INCHES so if you don't have a measuring tape with CM on it you'll need to do some converting here is the formula: cm x 0.39* = in in x 2.54 = cm *Shown as 0.39 after rounding to the nearest hundredth (0.3937008).] You'll need the following measurements: (size 6 US) • Upper arm width (27cm) • Elbow width (23cm) • Wrist width (16cm) • Arm length (61cm) • Lower arm length (25cm) • Arm hole circumference (40cm) Supplies: • Muslin Fabric • Cardboard • Poly-Fil • Pins • Rulers: L-Ruler, French Curve, Clear Ruler • Threa

Documentary Update & Stuff

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Little update ... I've been trying to keep up with fashion week and all of that fashion programing on the Sundance Channel. And I finally found time to do some research, so I'll have a new tutorial up very soon. In the mean while, I want to share my Documentary review. I watched the "The September Issue" not that exciting, but I found out of about the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which took me to the "Seamless" documentary about this awards program. I guess since they are giving away $200,000 you have to be bankable. In other viral videos I found out that if the Fashion World has a president its Anna Wintour, she can make or break your career. I've known about her and others, even before I started at FIDM, it just seems so surreal to me that one person has so much pull with the marketing aspect of this industry. I've never realized it before or never wanted to admit to my self, but its true. Next!!!, "Unzipped", I didn't enjoy it much and i

Fashion Documentaries

Yesterday I was doing some research and I stumbled across www.fashion-gorgeois.com . These tutorials are worth watching. I learned some things and others I already knew. But, having designer share ideas or the way they work can help others learn. I've always been interested in watching how other designers work. By watching them even if they don't tell you how they are doing whatever it is that they are doing, one can get a general idea on how something is made. (Wondering if that makes sense :/ ) Here's a list of the recent documentaries I've been watching: Valentino: The Last Emperor Lagerfeld Confidential The September Issue Unzipped Seamless Starz Inside: Fashion Film The Secret World of Haute Couture Signe Chanel Notebook on cities and clothes Other Documentaries: • Haute Couture: A Fashion Documentary -- Film Trailer • The next documentary I'll be watching later this week is Jay McCarroll : Eleven Minutes. • Also the Sundance Channel* has a Series called "

Serger Problem

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After using the Serger for my BF's Jeans , it stopped working. I was in a panic because I had orders to fill. Long story short I had to use a clean edge and bias tape for the raw edges of the seams, because I dropped my serger off at a locale sewing repair shop. Prier to dropping it off I called around and fold what at the time seemed like a reliable repair shop. But when I received a call from them 2 days later I was enraged. I was told that it was going to be $145 which included timing and oiling. I just wanted them to do the timing, so I can continue working. They said they wouldn't because the timing wouldn't hold if I didn't oil it. They tried to convince me that the oiling was needed because the handle felt ruff when you turned it. The handle felt a little ruff or tight, but it only after the timing happened. So they where full of shit. I think they wanted more money. Yes, the machine needs grease on the inside of the machine, but that has nothing to do with the t

New Tutorial :: Setting up Industrial Sewing Machine

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I think it was two weeks ago I purchased a Juki DDL-8300N sewing machine. I've always wanted an industrial sewing machine, but I didn't start researching it until recently when my home sewing machine started braking down on me. I sew way too much not to have an industrial sewing machine. Also the machine sews 10 times faster than a home sewing machine. I made a very quick tutorial on how to thread the machine, threading the bobbin, threading the bobbin case, drawing Up bobbin thread, and removing or placing bobbin case into the machine. Visit pandemicapparel.com to view the tutorial.

Replacing Broken Zipper on Jeans

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My boyfriend (BF) had two pairs of jeans one had a perfect zipper but was torn; the other had a broken zipper and was otherwise perfect. He had asked me to take both jeans and make one. Rather than make a video tutorial which would take more time that I at the moment I decided to make a blog entry. The following picture is from the jean that is missing the tooth, a second tooth broke alter on. But you can see that it needed replacing. This next picture I'm removing the stitches of the waistband. If this is your first time replacing a zipper on jean or any other garment take notes on how its constructed or better yet take a few pictures before you start ripping seams. Once the waistband seams were removed I started on removing the zipper on the left side of the pants. I also had to remove some stitches that were holding the zipper in place at the crotch seam. Next I moved to removing the zipper on the right side of the pants. After doing this to both pants, which took some time, I h

Update regarding Alice Cullen Trench Coat

I had originally scheduled to make a tutorial about the Alice Cullen Trench Coat worn in the movie New Moon. But As I discovered with my last two episodes making a technical tutorial takes too much time and ends up being too lengthy to upload on youtube. I still want to show you you how its made, I just cant figure out how to do it and not boar you to tears. I'll keep you posted ...

New Tutorial :: Draping 101 - Trueing Front/Back Bodice Part 2 of 2

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My new tutorial takes you step-by-step on transferring all of your muslin marking onto dotted paper & then onto manila paper. In pattern making one usually has two scissors one for cutting paper and one for fabric. Designers usually have many scissors, but two scissors should be the minimal amount you should have. Never use your fabric scissors for cutting paper & vice-versa. I've added a PDF to my tutorial for anyone that needs a pattern card. I'll either do a tutorial explaining a pattern card or I'll start a blog post. Either way I'll explain how to fill out a pattern card at a later date. Tips for Pattern Making: I just had way too much info that didn't fit in my tutorial, so I'm including it in this blog post. Let me know if this information is useful to any of you. • Circle Symbol: To make a perfect circle to mark the dart punch, I used a template. To make one all you'll need is a piece of manila paper & a rabbit hole-punch. First cut out a

Feedback

I would like some feedback regarding my tutorials. I'm starting to think they are too technical for my time limit of 10 minutes. So maybe, I should start doing some that are easier and more entertaining. What do you guys think?

New Tutorial :: Draping 101 - Front/Back Bodice Part 1 or 2

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My new tutorial takes you step-by-step on draping the front & back bodice. You will need a dress form, if you wish to try out this tutorial. I've also been working on Part 2, so hopefully I'll have it uploaded by next week. I'm trying not to have such a big gap between tutorials. Unfortunately I have to work and having two family members in the hospital this year doesn't help. Plus making tutorials doesn't bring in any cash, I just do it because I want to shear my knowledge with people who want to learn. You will be able to find step-by-step instruction if you visit my website PandemicApparel.com . To view this tutorial on youtube.com, click here . Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel while you are there. I also have this tutorial on vimeo.com, click here . And if your interesting in receiving updates regarding my tutorials or website.

New Tutorial :: Stitch Markers & Coffee Cup Sleeve

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My new tutorial shows you step-by-step how to make two stitch markers & a coffee cup sleeve. You will be able to find step-by-step instruction if you visit my website PandemicApparel.com To view this tutorial on youtube.com, click here . Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel while you are there. I also have this tutorial on vimeo.com, click here . .

New Tutorial :: Fingerless Mittens inspired by Alice Cullen

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My new tutorial shows you step-by-step how to knit Fingerless Mittens. I recently got inspired by the Alice Cullen character in the movie "New Moon". Vimeo's doing some maintenance on their site, so in the mean while check out my video on YouTube.com . Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel while you are there. And if your interesting in receiving updates regarding my tutorials or website, follow me on Twitter, click here . Here are a list of supplies you'll need for this tutorial: Visit PandemicApparel.com for more info and to download the pattern.

Vimeo Group DIY Sewing

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For those of you interested in finding out when the next fashion show will be, then check my Vimeo Group DIY Sewing . I have a calendar filled with dates. And if your interested in international fashion shows drop me a line and I'll them too.

18th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition @ FIDM

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Sat., February 6, 2010, was the opening night of FIDM's 18th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition. While attending FIDM and after graduating I never found a reason for attending this event on opening night. However this year I thought it would be fun to experience it for the first time. And let me tell you, it was great. I was only expecting to go to the museum, but they had the front of the building decorated like a red carpet event, a tent catering service and music. I wish I would have taken pictures of the party, oh well, maybe next year. Upon arriving at FIDM we were just a few minutes early, so we got to see Monique Prudhomme (Costume Designer for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) being interviewed by the press. I did not speak to her … I'm kind of a chicken when it come to things like that. Nick Verreos was there also giving an interview at the same time. Here is a sneak peek at this years costumes. The Duchess Michael O'Connor | Paramount V