The always fabulous Kenneth King has agreed to do an interview for Shop the Garment District. You're probably already familiar with Kenneth, creator of "one-of-a-kind, made to measure pieces for women and men, as well as limited edition pieces for boutiques," frequent Threads contributor, FIT professor, and sewing instructor extraordinaire. If you have any questions for him that pertain to shopping or finding things in New York's Garment District, please leave me a comment here and I'll ask him. Thanks!
What's his strategy for overcoming that "deer in the headlights" blank stare we sometimes get upon entering a completely overwhelming store full of gorgeous fabric?
ReplyDeleteI recently had this problem when I was in NYC, I stepped foot in the door and suddenly couldn't focus on what I needed, despite my shopping list in hand!
Melissa, that's a good one! Would you believe it still happens to me too?
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find a good low-pile faux fur like the one you made a jacket out of last fall? I'm inspired by this picture and want to make something similar:
ReplyDeletehttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vzGMrWcepsc/TNQaaC88mYI/AAAAAAAABPQ/U4poR5EXFTM/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG
How did he get into sewing? Does he make his own clothing? What's his favorite fabric store?
ReplyDeleteThis is fun Meg.
Too bad I didn't know about the best place to get silk organza when Sigrid was here we only found it in Mood and it was too expensive to use for underlining in any quantity.
Hi, Prof. King (off-and-on FIT evening student):
ReplyDeleteAs there aren't that many questions posted, here goes:
What is the most accurate method for creating a sloper?
Is a sloper even necessary? I read a post by a pattern maker who said that it actually is better to find a basic commercial pattern, alter it, and thereafter use it as block.
I understand that sloper formulae are based on algorithms that reflect an "ideal" body. But what if the shape of the person for whom the sloper is being made is in no way ideal -- is there some other, more direct method to create a sloper, or does one have to make the template based on the formula and then fiddle with it until it's right?
Are there any specialty places you can recommend in New York that take small orders? For example, I might want to have some machine embroidery done. Or what if I wanted to have special hardware made, or a belt?
Where do you buy your muslin and pattern paper and Berol Prismacolors? I assume you buy them in bulk and for a good price.
Thanks!
Do you know of any places in NYC that sell sweater cashmere or fine quality sweater wool?
ReplyDeleteAre there any places in the Garment Center where one could rent a table for a few hours a week?
Is it possible to rent machines, for example, a cover stitch machine, in Manhattan?
These are all good. I think I may try to limit the questions to shopping and resources in the Garment District for the purposes of this interview. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteSo my questions more focused on how the garment district has changed in the last 20 years. What has been the change he most welcomes? What is the change he most mourns? Does he think that the garment district will ever return to its past glory or does he see a different but better future or does he see it continuing on its current track? If he has amore positive view of its future, from where/whom does he envision those improvements will come.
ReplyDeleteAlso, what are his favorite sights, smells and sounds that are unique to the garment district.
So fun to think about all this..... Thanks!
Here are some more possible questions:
ReplyDelete1) Is there someone I can go to who could help me make a sloper or block and who also could give me a comprehensive style appraisal? E.g., "A person of your height, body shape, and coloring might want to consider X shapes and fabrications and avoid Y shapes, etc."
I once watched an episode of Tim Gunn's style guide show and he came out with a pronouncement about the length of sleeve the client should wear. Apparently the length of the sleeve she had on made her look boxy. I'd never heard it before. I'm not sure I agreed, either, but it interested me.
The general instructions about what to wear if one is pear shaped, an hour glass, and inverted triangle, etc. are sometimes too general, and every woman of color is a "Winter."
2) Are there places I can go to get my patterns copied (personal use only, of course)?
3) Say I have a pattern, but feel the execution is beyond me, or I don't have the proper equipment, for example, a raincoat, or lingerie. Are there places I could take the pattern and material and have them make it up? Or would that be exorbitantly expensive for an individual?
How lovely to have Kenneth King's advice.
ReplyDelete1) What staples do you keep on hand/buy in bulk? What sources do you use for these staples?
2) Do you ever order online? If so, are there any you would recommend? If so, what type of fabrics from each? My option of going to the garment district is extremely limited, so being able to order online and support the garment district is very important to me!)
Yeh, when are coming to Australia?
ReplyDeleteRe. Stabilizing Knits:
ReplyDeleteI've seen a couple of cute blazer-style jackets on the internet or in magazines that appear to be close fitting & are made of knitted fabric (probably doubleknit) What would be the best way to stabilize this type of garment so as to maintain shape without sacrificing stretch? (esp. shoulders & armholes) THX! BethS
What's his favorite go-to store?
ReplyDelete