In Class 4/5

The class started out a little rocky. It seemed like a third of the class hadn't turned in their 3rd Quarter Evaluations, and got a zero. Ouch! Ms. Lord wanted us to learn that despite the class being WISE, deadlines would still be enforced, and that we shouldn't slack off. I was really glad I hadn't slacked off on my evaluation. Actually, I had sort of gone overboard on my evaluation, writing four pages. It was a way for me to evaluate my own work, and it really helped me see what I had done, and what I needed to do. I enjoyed the chance to be able to organize my outlook on the whole project. It wasn't my best writing (I did it pretty fast, honestly), but it was very useful.
We were also told that on Monday, 4/11 at 6:30, our journals would be distributed amongst others in the community in order for them to evaluate our journals! Fun fun! I hope they enjoy mine. I've put in a lot of effort trying to make it SHOW as well as tell.
We also were given an assignment to collect research for a peer. It will be due next class. I thought that I would do research for Katherine, since my line is inspired by birds, and she's doing a nature journal. I just found a cool website on birds, and I think it would be great for her (see Browsing).
Finally, a word of advice from Ms Gergley, which I must keep in mind- if it's ont in your journal, it didn't happen!

Why Blog? Notes on Mr Heurich's Presentation

• Blogging is social media- share info of community or even world
• get unfiltered info- immersed in the crowd- get info of the moment
• mentor check blog- respond- mentor commenting every day
• great way for mentor to track progress
• motivational- go back and see that you did what you wanted to do- use as a check list to makes sure you have done something
• can journal on cell phone
• can integrate media content (audio, video, photos)
• something to show, if things didn't go right
• never lose journal- online archive of accomplishments
• nothing gets lost from old high school days
• Blog 2 Print- formats blog into chronological order and organizes it in .pdf
• blogging websites- blogger under google

Second Week (or more)

1. Start with apprenticeship (1.5 hr/day, more or less)
• OR: watch one tutorial movie and make what it directs per day (at least 1 hr each)
• Can have combination of both
2. Start making a pair of pants (if time, may continue to next week)
• Take pics along the way
• undo seams on jeans (1 hr, really!)
• LABEL beforehand!
• lay out pieces and make a pattern (.5 hr)
• adjust/change if necessary or want to
• research adjustments for materials! (stretch/fall), experiment
• make dud with cheap cloth & glue it in order to test pattern

PREVIEW: next make collared shirt!

First Week

1. Call and email Sew Green & Jo-Ann contact, as well as any other contacts on list (1 hr)
• Schedule apprenticeship interview (1 hr)
2. Take inventory of each fabric/amount that I already have, as well as colors and thread types, and old clothing that I can take apart (1.5 hr)
3. Do check up/ set up of machine
• Read whole manual back to front (1 hr)
4. Meet with mentor! (.75 hr)
• Talk about what I have so far, possible interview
5. Make a list of necessary materials based on inventory, searching online for lists/tips on materials, and listing where to find them (1 hr)
6. Design two complete outfits (1 hr)

Dear Reader

Dear Reader,

For my project, I decided that I would like to learn how to sew, and then start designing and making my own clothes. I have always been interested in fashion, and I have frequently drawn designs for dresses and outfits, however I have never known how to create them. As of yet, I haven't been able to learn how to sew due to a shortage of time and patience, but now that I'm older, and I have this golden opportunity of actually having time, I decided that learning this new skill would be a good way to spend the last semester this year.
I became interested in sewing and design mainly because of my aunt. My aunt makes traditional Indian clothes (with a modern flair) as a hobby, and for my cousin's weddings, or when she'd visit, she's always make me something. Once, when she was visiting, she even had a fashion show with pieces that she had brought over from India. They were gorgeous; I kept every piece. Now I want to learn more about sewing and experiment with Eastern and Western designs, traditional and modern garments, fusing cultures and time periods. I want to be able to make what I design.
Currently, my plan is structured as such; first, I must find a place to teach me to sew. My best option is an apprenticeship at Sew Green, which would be free (and possibly with pay, which would help me buy supplies), and would teach me not only sewing, but garment design, and business skills associated with fashion design. I will be learning intensively for a month, and then start designing clothes, and making the clothes I have already designed. At the end of the project, I hope to have five full outfits, with all the necessary accessories.