Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Upping My Game in 2012

I truly believe that there is always something new to learn...even with sewing, especially with sewing.  Times change and technology has invaded all aspects of our lives...including sewing...so there are new ways to learn things.  Because of that I recently signed up for Susan Khaljie's, "Couture Dress" class at Craftsy.  In full disclosure, I have yet to watch one of the classes but one of the reasons I signed up for them is because I can view them whenever I want and I can watch them over and over again.  I enjoyed her sewing show on the DIY network, so it's good to glean some knowledge from her again.  I'm sure that I will learn something new or see something in a different way that will enhance and take my sewing to another level.


www.powersewing.com

In that same vein, I also signed up for Sandra Betzina's, Video Sewing Lessons.  I own every book that she's written, quite a few of her Vogue patterns and use to watch her faithfully on HGTV when she hosted a sewing show there.  She has definitely influenced my sewing in the past and I'm hopeful that she will help me up my sewing game in 2012.

I'm sure you're wondering why I need to take some video classes since I obviously know how to sew and have a pretty extensive sewing library...and the answer is simple...there is always something new to learn. I will report back on how the video classes are working for me...gotta carve some time out to sit and watch them...but I'm excited!

...as always, more later!



27 comments:

  1. Good for you! I am a big believer in education. We are never too old to learn something new.

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  2. Couldn't agree more. I stopped sewing for years, and just recently took it back up again. I took Susan's course and learned a great deal. Mostly that I need to be more patient, the results make a huge difference. I'm upping my game as well this go around. I do not want my garments to look "homemade" any more and the class was my kick in the behind I needed :).

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  3. Being a teacher (for adults) I know that learning should be a lifelong pursuit. Good on you. I look forward to hearing about your "lessons" seeing the creations you come up with.

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  4. How exciting, not only for learning new techniques but also for added inspiration and motivation. I also look forward to seeing what fabrications come from this additional learning.

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  5. I signed up too. Still waiting for the pattern to turn up.

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  6. My tutor has been sewing for donkeys years, and she said she is always learning something new.

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  7. I am constantly on a journey of learning something new and enjoy watching her dvds. There are 2 more that I want.

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  8. One can never learn enough,particularly about something they are passionate about. To me there should be a constant quest to improve skills and knowledge so kudos to you.

    I miss SB's show as I thought she was a wonderful teacher. We sure could use someone with that fire on the tube now.

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  9. I am looking forward to your reviews of these classes. I still have tapes with SB shows, she was the one that inspired me to sew garments.

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  10. I'll be anxious to hear about your experience. These are two wonderful teachers (I've seen both of them in person). I haven't yet availed myself of any of the online or DVD classes--not because I think I couldn't use them, but because my modus operandi is to use books and articles.

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  11. I'm taking Susan's class also. I learned a lot from her TV show and her books. When I made my girls wedding dresses and many prom dresses her books really helped me make professional looking gowns. I love Sandra's video's and her little website lessons. Lots of them are to easy for me but there are always so good time saving tips. I agree that sewing always has new techniques to learn and enjoy. I've been watching and have marked my 5/8" seam allowences on the pattern and started tracing them onto my muslin. Waiting for my wool to arrive to actually start the dress.

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  12. I've been sewing for many decades but I still watch every sewing show there is, cause you just never know when a snippit of new information will pop up. Alas, where have all the garment sewing shows gone? DVD I guess.

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  13. Cool! I signed up for the Susan Khalje class, too. I'm half way through watching the videos, but haven't begun any of the sewing process yet....Also signed up for the jeans class with Kenneth King! Love the format.

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  14. I've been on the fence about both of these. I did just purchase two books for my sewing library. I'll be eager to hear about your experiences.

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  15. I did the Couture Dress class and I loved it. I am incorporating bits of it at a time in my current project.
    I also did Gertie's Starlet Jacket and am thinking strongly about the Kenneth King jeans class.

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  16. I loved Sandra Bezina's HGTV show. I've been a member of the Power Sewing site since it's inception. I love the video's and the interaction between Ron and Sandra is really entertaining. I also have all of her books and many of her patterns. I also Nancy Z's DVD's and her PBS show, which now I can watch on my iPad. I always learn from the online video's. I'm so happy that Trudy from Hot Patterns does video's for many of her patterns.

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  17. I agree wholeheartedly! I have been sewing for years with a few dry spells. I always like to try new techniques and I never know when I will find a new and better way to try. Keep up the good work; you are an inspiration to all.

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  18. I think a seamstress of your capabilities can do anything you set your mind to anyway! but I agree it is fun to check out new things. I hope you enjoy the courses!

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  19. I'm doing Susan Khalje's online class. I think she comes across wonderfully and I'm really enjoying watching the lessons. The class discussions section can be a little confusing but whenever I have posted a question, Susan has replied really fast.

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  20. I think that you have to watch someone perform a technique to have it truly sink in to your consciousness. Even well-written, well-illustrated books cannot explain some facets of sewing as well as watching someone who knows what they are doing. Watch on television, or on a computer screen, or in person. Then, when you understand it, go out and teach someone else.

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  21. I've taken two classes with Susan (Couture Techniques/Hand sewing & The Little Black Dress), both at the Amnerican Sewing Guild National Conferencs. She is AMAZING!!!!! You will learn a lot from her and your sewing skills will be bumped up a notch or two!!!! Sit back and have fun learning from a true master!!!!!

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  22. I agree with you, there is always something to learn. As an advanced sewer - I have picked up a wealth of tips from blogs and books recently. I will be very interested to hear what you think of the Craftsy class, I am thinking about taking the "Copy your jeans" class.

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  23. I here you, Carolyn. Upping the game is the way to go. Always, always something new to learn. Susan Khaljie is our guest speaker tomorrow (Haute Couture Club). I'm so excited. She also teaching a class. I didn't sign up this time, maybe next time.

    You always inspire me to kick it up a notch and to try something new. Much appreciated.
    C

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  24. Nice! I signed up for that class, too. If you can gain one small nugget of sewing goodness from the course, it will be worth it. Even a confirming moment where you realize you are doing a technique the right way can be reassuring and satisfying.

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  25. I'm looking forward to your feedback on the Craftsy course as I'm seriously contemplating signing up for it too.
    One of the joys of our hobby/passion is that you can always learn something new and always stretch your skill set and take your ability up a notch. It's cool that way!

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  26. Since my mom passed in '09 I've lost my desire to sew or do anything, I guess that is natural. I got this book "colette patterns" book and her words got me to thinking about sewing with a new mindset. I always rushed to get a finished garment and never gave any thought about the actual processes involved.It sortof got my juices flowing. I believe it's time to change my methods, I've been sewing since jr. high. It's time for this old dog to learn new tricks (LOL). I read your blog regularly. thanks for all you put out there. I've read new blogs and find out things that the internet offers. thanks again.

    Jocelyn

    Jocelyn

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  27. I'm late in commenting, but I'm taking the Couture Dress class too. Have I started yet? Of course not! Maybe I'll see you in class :-) There is always something to learn. I know Susan will be good, and I like the means of delivery, I'll try more. I'd like to take the Starlet Suit workshop. Just got a notice today...

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