Coming Up at Apparel Arts

Apparel Arts’ June through December 2009 schedule is on the website now (see Schedule). In addition to our popular Patternmaking & Design Program, we are adding two Serger classes in September and November, and a November Technical Design Workshop hosted by Nicole Lenzen, who works at Calvin Klein in NYC. Look for our Couture French Jacket with Susan Khalje in September. We don’t have this class often so sign up early to make your classic Chanel-style jacket for fall.

I am really excited about the Bay Area’s first Pattern Design Conference coming up in October in San Francisco. Sandy Ericson, the Center for Pattern Design (www.centerforpatterndesign.org) and the Art Institute of California, San Francisco, are hosting. The conference will open on Friday, October 2, with a Master Class in subtraction cutting with UK guest designer, Julian Roberts, and an evening reception. On Saturday, October 3, there will be a roster of inspiring speakers in the pattern design field and on Sunday, October 4, I will be teaching a Master Class on Flat Patternmaking at Apparel Arts, based on my text, Building Patterns:  The Architecture of Women’s Clothing. Registration begins on the Center for Pattern Design website on August 1!

For those who do not want to delve into our whole program but want to learn to sew, Apparel Arts is introducing a Home Dec Series with Sara Alm. Some of the projects include napkins, grocery sacks, organizers, shower curtains and more.  Great gift ideas for the holidays! (Also on-line under Home Dec.)

Fall Trends

With fall right around the corner, there are some exciting trends to watch. I really like the chunky, crafty knits coming from Europe (Missoni). Lots of feminine looks in blouses (Pringle of Scotland), printed dresses hitting above the knee (Lanvin and Jason Wu), and suits (Chanel and Max Mara). Look for interesting coats with unexpected shapes and features (Calvin Klein and Chloe). I also like the cropped trousers (Calvin Klein and Etro). Check out New York designer, Julian Louie’s second collection – really impressive.  I love the sculptural qualities. Take a look and see what you think (www.julianlouie.com).

Check This Out

Modern Seamster (www.modernseamster.com) This on-line sewing, style and culture magazine out of San Francisco is as far as you can get from a Martha Stewart model. It is hilarious and often irreverent. This month’s issue (and there have only been two so far) has a good article on stretch fabrics, some really fun interviews, and great resources.  It is well done with clear pictures and inspiring graphics. Somewhat hard to read on-line, so hopefully a print issue will come soon!

Great Reads to Inspire

Pattern Magic, Volumes 1 and 2.  You are not exactly reading these books unless you can read Japanese. But, even if you can’t, these are worth it! The photographs are excellent and there are plenty of progression diagrams showing the pattern drafting in steps. They are hard to find, but with the ISBN number you should be able to track them down. (ISBN978-4-579-11170-1) The books themselves are beautiful.

Until next time!

Suzy Furrer

Director

Apparel Arts