Teachers... OR... There is ALWAYS SO much to learn... part 3 of... ?

One of the great joys of learning a craft like sewing and design, is that every time you learn something new, your eyes are opened to an entirely new level of what more there is to learn. It seems that garment-making can be an everlasting pursuit, and, for those of us who love the challenge, that is terribly exciting. In New York City, we have the amazing benefit of being around such incredible talent and knowledge. While we want to absorb it all, it can be hard to find the right classes, books, and teachers. I can only scratch the surface here, but I will share what I have found below. We are as individual as snowflakes, and each of us gravitates toward a different kind of learning experience and environment. Hopefully, if you are looking, you will find your match here... In an earlier post, I described a few programs offered by the big name schools in this city, and the most well-marketed programs I know of. These are the easiest to find, and likely the first thing a web search would reveal. After writing this post, I received a very helpful comment from Ashlee, who teaches at The Sewing Studio.

As an instructor at The Sewing Studio I can assure you we do offer an awesome array of beginning and advanced sewing classes. Our full class listing and all registration is done on our website, www.lovesewingnewyork.com. There are specific office hours for admin staff to answer calls since we are a small studio, so our website is the most comprehensive source of info and through email is the best way to receive a quick reply to any questions.

Thank you, Ashlee!

Private Teachers
When it comes to private teachers, they generally operate under the radar of search engines and broad advertising. Teaching is a very time consuming, specific, and personal pursuit. Preparation time is significant, and once a well-qualified, talented teacher gets started, it can be hard for others to even get a space in their classes. Sharon Butler
This very talented corset-maker and clothier in Manhattan is currently transitioning from private teaching to teaching groups of students in a space yet to be determined. In the meantime, she is taking inquiries to keep potential students informed as she establishes her schedule and location(s). Sharon has more than a decade of professional sewing experience both in teaching/ tutoring sewing to private students, and sewing for private clients. You can find out more about her on her website www.Tailorchickproductions.com, and/or you can follow her blog atwww.tailorchickandthesewingmachine.blogspot.com.
Cindy Chock
Cindy is a very focused, serious professional costume and clothing maker, who teaches private students in small groups. With more than 30 years of industry experience, she is a force to be reckoned with. You can find her contact details here. Kenneth King
And then, there's Kenneth King... a powerhouse of over-the-top glamour, and vibrant sewing personality. There is simply too much to say, so I'll post the link to his classes, books, CDs, etc. right here. Susan Khalje
If it fits in your budget and lifestyle, you can hop on a plane, and take a class with Susan Khalje. You can go with her to Paris in November, or remain stateside, and attend any of her other teaching events. Explore her whole site... there's a lot more.
I could list many classes you can take, if you want to travel, but I'll stop here for now. More info to cover.... Online classes
Now, let's say you really want to learn professional techniques on your own time, in the comfort of your own home. There are many programs you can follow, in many different price ranges. You will need to get in touch with the individual programs to get more details, but here is a list to get you started:
Lifestyle Learning Direct: Fashion Design and Dressmaking
Academy of Art University: Online Fashion School
Free Online G Fashion Design Courses, Classes and Learning materials
Online Fashion Design Courses-Distance fashion Design Courses
Pattern Making, Fashion Design For Clothing Online Courses
Start a Clothing Line” Start a Clothing Line Fashion Course
College of Fashion Design

Deep cleansing breaths...

How's that to get you started?

Spotted at Mood Fabrics: Gretchen of Project Runway

Gretchen Jones, Project Runway Season 8 winner

I ran into Gretchen Jones of Project Runway today at Mood Fabrics in the Garment District. She seemed relaxed and friendly so I chatted with her while she had some fabric cut (linens and silks in earthy tones). She has relocated to NYC and is busy putting a collection together. "I want to be a designer and not just a famous person," she told me, admitting she is amazed at all the backlash she received for winning Project Runway. But she still is a polarizing persona: When I went back to my office and told two coworkers I had met Gretchen, one gushed and said "ooh, I love her!" while the other launched into an anti-Gretchen tirade. Where do you stand on Gretchen, readers?

Tip: Mondays are the best day of the week to shop at Mood Fabrics in New York. The store tends to be quiet and the sales staff is rested and readily available to help customers.

Sewing Celebrity Kenneth King: where he shops in the Garment District

The fabulous Kenneth King is in the house! Here he pairs a leopard-skin jacket he made with jeans and a Kenzo scarf.

If you sew your own clothes then Kenneth King is no stranger to you. Couturier, author, Threads contributor, FIT professor, sewing class teacher, and hip hop music video extra (he played a pimp), Kenneth is a wealth of information on many topics, some of which even pertain to sewing. I chatted with him recently about my favorite topic, shopping in NYC's Garment District, and was surprised to learn he favors the small stores on W.39th Street over the more well-known stores with the pricey fabrics. A proponent of supporting local independent stores no matter where you live, Kenneth bemoans the contraction of the Garment District as production continues to move overseas. Ack, don't we all.

STGD: What are your favorite fabric stores in the Garment District?
KK: I do most of my shopping on W.39th Street. I start at Chic Fabrics, then Fabrics For Less, followed by Weaver's, and then G&R which is really good for leather. Chic Fabrics has the best prices on silk organza in town, and I just saw some beautiful wools there for $10 to $12 a yard. Fabrics For Less has a really nice wool doublecloth that is only $12. A client who was shopping with me thought that price for doublecloth had to be a mistake. [editor's note: I saw that doublecloth myself and it is gorgeous—heather gray on one side and red on the other, very soft to the touch] Fabrics For Less also has really good linen for $6 a yard. Weaver's is great for silks and getting silks dyed to match.

Got Any Questions for Kenneth King?

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!