maminstl

I had the good fortune of taking a full year - or maybe it was two, don't remember - of sewing in high school (definitely not the college track for me) Although I do not remember making any pattern alterations...don't think I needed any in those days... I did learn many construction and tailoring skills that have been valuable throughout my life. I will never forget that teacher. I did not take up quilting until my late 50's, but have recently gotten back into garment sewing after a very long hiatus.

Wintersewer

That boggles my mind.....did she make her own paper pattern?

"oh my Mother made wedding dresses and most anything without a pattern."

orangeroom

Welcome to the other side lenabeena!! It'll open many a doors for you! Funny how one teacher's words can stay with you and either give you cause to experiment or reign you in! Glad you were receptive to trying something new!

mselroy

I use patterns for everything - that way I never doubt that my project will turn out. I have been sewing for about 50 years - and though I will modify a pattern to get something different, I always use a pattern. Haven't been sorry or felt that I wasn't creative ever!

tessagin

I wasn't "allowed" to study Home Ec in high school. I had to learn Latin (2 years) and some other courses I wasn't interested in. I had 12 years of Latin mass and in elementary we dissected our missals so we knew what we were singing/saying. Anyway when my cousin took Home Ec and got an award for her efforts, I tried to learn as much from her as I could. I helped her alter her wedding dress she made from her own design. To make sure it fit right she turned it inside out and we pinched /took in where it needed it. Saturdays on PBS I learned over the years and on You Tube I picked up a few tips. Helped immensely the other day when my grandniece needed help with a top she loved but it was way too large (3 sizes). We both sat in front of PBS last Saturday and caught by chance the perfect episode. Funny because she was at home and I was at my home. She called me immediately. I found the episode on You Tube. When she gets out of school on Friday, she's coming to my house so we can stitch it up. Wish us luck.

Jo Anne B.

Older than Macybaby, younger than LeenaBeena- 1 yr Home Ec was required, a semester of cooking and a semester of sewing. Our first sewing item was an apron and 2nd was a dress where we were free to choose the pattern and fabric. I sure could have used some better guidance, the fabric I chose was all wrong for the pattern. I don't remember very little of either semester of any value.
My big memory of sewing class was being in horrible pain, bent over at the machine, having no idea what was wrong with me, yet not telling the teacher of the situation, walking home from school in dire pain. It was the first day of many to follow. It was female thing...

Evie

My mother was an excellent seamstress and did it the same way. She made my clothes until she taught me how to do it myself. Showing my age, I would pick a dress I liked out of the Sears catalog and she would make it with a pattern she drafted herself. She was amazingly talented and I still miss her!

Jordan

When I was a teenager (many, many years ago!) I would just show my grandmother a picture of a prom dress I would like her to make and she just looked at the picture and told me to get the fabric and next time I would stop in at her house she had it made up and ready for a fitting. I think that is why I start with a pattern but kinda venture off and create my own parts to the project.

RedGarnet222

Congratulations Lenabeena! Your sewing life will never be the same again. I see no reason to not use a pattern so that you can assemble a garment in record time. I usually alter and put my own spin on the finished product to make it mine or to make it something that will come out of the wash like it went in. I like the classics and it is not a sin to start with a pattern. I do sometimes do draping but why when a tried and true is affordable and worth every penny.

I also use specialty rulers and patterns while quilting, same difference really. Right?

The home ec class I took in high school was to finish a garment by the end of the year. I made a simplicity front button up linen jumper with a floral long sleeve blouse. I never got to wear it for it came up missing. I always suspected the teacher.

K-Roll

tessagin, I was SO not into anything domestic in high school and always angry that my girls' school did not offer us Latin - that was 'for boys' -- -- omg how I resented that. My high school also did not offer 'home ec' or sewing or cooking, all college track. Which was cool by me at the time, but then: no Latin! The only practical hands-on class offered was typing - which I barely passed - and it was required. My typing partner was a whiz, she said 'it's because I play the piano'. I wish I had been into sewing then. Mother & both Grandmothers were expert with every kind of needlework. I wish I had my one Grandmother's ivory tatting shuttles: what gorgeous lace I used to watch her make when I was small.