Sunday, October 26, 2014

Video Tutorial Part 2- Narrowing Shoulder Alterations

As promised here's video 2 of the Jacket narrowing alteration. This explain how to narrow the shoulder and take in the blade and side seams of the jacket. Again this alteration intimidates most sewers but here I demonstrate it being quickly done. Enjoy! In my last video I'll show how to put everything back together!!!! Hope you're enjoying  my video tips so far :)


Thursday, October 23, 2014

Master Tailoring Tips---New Weekly Video Series!

You guys have spoken and requested and I'm delivering. I've got lots of exciting new things in the works but one that especially excited about is my new video series----The Master Tailor's Tip. It will be a weekly video that will showcase some of my techniques and tips. It will cover a full gamut of topics from doing alterations to construction techniques and info. Well to jumpstart the series here's video #1 of a 3-part series on "Narrowing a jacket shoulder". Believe it or not this is the most involved alteration on a jacket and most intimidating for sewers. Allow me to simplify the process for you. Again, there will be 2 more videos that will complete the process so be on the lookout for them. Lastly, sorry for the phone rings. I was shooting during business hours. Aside from that let me know what you think. Do you think my weekly video postings of my Master Tailoring Techniques will be helpful to you? What topics would you like for me to create a video on?



Sunday, October 19, 2014

Current Project and My New Sewing Academy Studio

Thanks for being so patient with me. I just completed my big move! That was alot of work. Did you know in my 53+ years of being a Master Tailor I have moved my shop 14 times!!!! I'm hoping this will be my last move! (smile). I'm loving my new place. My studio/academy is situated in the 34X37 Fabrics Store building where I have my space at the rear of the store. As mentioned before it's 2000+ sq ft of space which I have masterfully created a layout to accommodate old and new students. Enough of me talking about it, here are some pictures. I'm not completely done just yet. Still have some decorating and organizing to do but it's nice to be up and running in such a quick turnaround of time.
Here's some shots of the space....I have stations for everything---industrial machines, conventional, steam iron, industrial serger, blind hemmer, etc.




Now with students, it feel more like home that way (smile)



And to top it all off I've got my new sign in the window for all to see. I'm excited to be focusing on teaching and training up other tailoring/sewing professionals!!!!



Oh and by the way. I posted pics on my FB page mentioning I was at work on a new project. Well here it is. It's Butterick 6104. It's a jacket pattern but I'm converting it into a coat. I'm using a wonderful orange woven fabric which is pictured below. There's a special reason I'm making this coat and I'll be revealing it soon. Stay tuned!!!






Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Anytime, Anytime, Anytime....and a BIG Move!!!

Greeting all!!!! So sorry I've been missing in action for a while. Actually I've been having a little fun over at my Facebook Page---Gentleman Jim, for those of you who don't know and my Instagram page @ GentlemanJim_ (yes the underscore is part of my handle). But I never like to leave my blog unattended. I've got lots of things going on right now. Two things to be exact!!! For this quarter instead of doing scheduled workshops I'm opening up my studio space to your personal needs.
 I'm offering private lessons from Oct 20-Dec 20th!!! You pick your dates and topics you want to cover!!!
That's right you can schedule lessons with me anytime from Oct 20-Dec 20th (excluding Black out dates Oct 27-Nov 3rd & Nov 24-30th). That's right! Anytime, Anytime, Anytime!!! You can come for 1 days, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks---you decide!
I'm doing this based on demand. Many of you have requested having a little more flexibility so I'm giving it to you. I'm even extending it at the group rate which is usually $565 for 3 days.  We'll resume with scheduled workshops & private lessons next year. But for now, you let me know when you want to come, how long and what you want to study. Remember Anytime, Anytime, Anytime!!! Just shoot me an email if you want to discuss the possibility of scheduling private lessons with me.

Also, I have some other really great changes going on. I'm MOVING!!!! Actually by the time you read this I would've almost completed that task. I'm moving out of my wonderful 1600sq ft space to an even better 2000+ sq ft space. More details on that to come. But here are a few pics of the place as it's coming together...
 (Excited to have more space and in a commercial building!!!)

(ready to move the industrial sewing machines, cutting tables, iron boards etc!!!)


That's all for now. Stay tuned to my blog and Facebook page. I've bot a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming soon and I can't wait to share it with you all. Take Care!!!
~Gentleman Jim