My NEW Sewing Show---The Tailor and the Dressmaker starts next month!

Hello Wonderful People! I'm excited about my new project I have in the works. I'm teaming up with Victoria Baylor from tenthousandsewinghours.blogspot.com and we're bringing to you our new show "The Tailor and the Dressmaker"!!! This will be an insightful show focusing on ALL THINGS SEWING and featuring great tutorials, advice, product reviews, interviews, etc. You DEFINITELY want to stay tuned for this!

You can find out more information by checking out our 2 Youtube Videos below. Also please feel free to subscribe to our Youtube Channel---"The Tailor and The Dressmaker" as well as our Facebook page under the same name. The first show premieres August 10th. To celebrate we're hosting alot of giveaways!!!! So you definitely don't want to miss out. Also, if you have any show ideas feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love to cater to requests!!! "See" you soon!

Catching Up and Exciting New Plans!!!

The last few months have been a WHIRLWIND! I've mostly been on Facebook and Instagram but  will go back to to posting regularly on my blog. I have enjoyed the last few months. I've been working with plenty of students in my Savannah studio and I've been able to extend my teachings elsewhere.

(Here I am working with my wonderful student Ashley! She comes all the way from S.C. to visit every week!)

I LOVE hands on training with my students. Whether they come weekly or spend a block of time with me I LOVE having them around. I love passing "the craft" on to others. I've even started "One Day Visits". I have several students who have a hard time pulling away from their hectic schedules and this works great. It's amazing what you can learn even in a day's time.


I've also been doing alot of filming. For those who want to come to me and can't well I'm making sure I get the instruction to you. I have several new courses available and have been receiving RAVE reviews on them. You can choose from mini courses (mostly alterations) or Full courses such as my Tailored Vest or Matching Plaid courses. You can see my line up HERE

 As most of you know recently I was able to join forces with Mimi G and teach a Tailored Jacket Construction Shortcuts video.

 Chatting it up with Mimi before giving her the custom jacket I made for her using her Simplicity pattern. 

 It fit perfectly and she sure does look great in that color!

 I have around 130 Ladies sign up for my class so it was a PACKED house! Such great energy and questions!!! They really enjoyed it and I enjoyed them!

I've been receiving countless of requests to visit and keep producing videos and courses so that's exactly what I will keep doing. Anything to make you Guys happy. Sharing my wealth of knowledge with you just brings me life. I also have some EXCITING projects in the works and will be divulging soon so stay tuned. I can't believe it's already July and time is passing quickly. There's lots to be done! What project have you been doing and getting in to?

My Tailored VEST course is HERE!!!

I'm sorry I've been away for a minute. But I've been keeping you all in mind as I recorded my Tailored Vest Course!!! That's right, you asked for it and I've delivered! When I requested the course you guys want to see there was an overwhelming response for my Tailored Vest Course. So I've gone and done it. The course is NOW available. I show you how to construct a vest with tailored excellency in less then 2 hours. My methods are different then most instructions so you'll find them refreshing, surprisingly easy and very effective! You definitely want to get this course! You won't be disappointed.  You can use this course to make vests for men, women, boys and girls! You can access the course and other courses at this link....  https://gumroad.com/gentlemanjim/
. The Course is ON SALE for $24.95, regularly $39.95! You can't beat that deal!!!

Here's a commercial for it here!!!

I wanted to personally thank you all for pointing me in this direction. I LOVE teaching and sharing my shortcuts and tailoring talents with all I meet! I have some more courses in the pipeline. If you want to see something specific please let me know in the comments section. And don't forget to get your copy of THE TAILORED VEST COURSE!!!!

Joining Forces with MimiG!!!

Hello Everyone! Forgive me for being away. I've been doing alot of filming (I have some online courses coming out---details soon), been hanging out on Facebook (see the link to my page on the right of my blog) and I have some exciting plans in the works. One exciting plan is I'm teaming up with Mimi G to be a presenter at her 4th Annual Fashion, Sewing and Style Conference. Although the conference has sold out you can find details HERE. I'll be giving a workshop on constructing a Tailored Jacket. I'm SUPER excited to be able to showcase some of my signature techniques & short cuts and I'm delighted that Mimi G asked me as I greatly appreciate her efforts to motivate and inspire others. I hope I get to meet some of you all. Please let me know if you plan to attend. Again, I'm excited about this opportunity and look forward to this wonderful opportunity:) Also, to get updates on my upcoming online courses please sign up HERE at https://gumroad.com/gentlemanjim/follow.

Tie Sew-Along: Final Sessions 3 & 4 (6 videos included)

Sorry for the delay folks but here are the FINAL Tie Sew-Along videos.

(screenshot from one of the videos. You'll find all 6 below)

There are 6 videos, yes 6, below and I show you how I sew the lining on the tie, baste it together and then do the final sewing using my fellon stitch. I also have helpful advice on how to work with slippery tie fabrics. Of course you can go back and view my Session #1 videos HERE and Session #2 videos HERE. I was delighted to put this together and share this information with you all.  Be on the lookout my Tailored Vest Online course. It's coming soon. Enjoy the videos.....

Made 2 More Fancy Vests!

I had to interrupt the last segment of the Tie Sew-Along so I could show you 2 vests I made for one of my favorite clients. One is a deep burgundy velour vest (that's right, velour. It's what he wanted) and the other is a white polyester fabric vest. He likes his vest with specific pocket placement and lapel style---it's his signature. Of course it only takes me about an hour to whip one of these up. Wonder how I do it so fast. Well you'll have to wait and see when I offer my Men's Vest Tutorial Course----DETAILS ON THE WAY. You'll get all on the juicy details on how I'm able to make these so fast and so flawlessly. Enough about that for now---see my client's vest pictures below!

 (Burgundy velour vest before buttons)

(Finished product)

 (Took pics outside so you could see the details better)

(Working on the white vest)

 (Lining up close)

(Finished product---perfect!)

Tie Sew-Along Session 2---Laying and Cutting Out Your Tie

We are nearing the end of the Tie Sew-Along. Just one more session to go. In this, session 2 I'll cover why it's so hard for most people to sew a tie pattern and how my strategy of using an actual tie and deconstructing it and using it's tie filler is one of the easiest methods to use in creating a tie. One thing that I address in the video that I don't want to confuse anyone is which part of the tie to machine sew and which part to hand sew. The tie will only be sewn where the linings are added at both ends. Otherwise you'll be following your deconstructed tie's "roll lines" so you'll know how to fold the tie fabric in on itself before hand sewing down the middle.  Check out this video for the clarification and details.

Now let's move on to laying out the tie pattern and cutting it out. Here you'll learn about the importance of cutting your tie out on the bias among other important details.

Ok, now we're ready to move on to our last session which is sewing.....

Winners of the Tailoring Supply Kit Giveaway/ Upcoming Webinar!!!

The time has come for me to announce the the winners of the 2 Tailoring Supply Kits I'm giving away.........Ok.....I'm going to do the drawing and pull the names out the bucket.......

.....and the winner's are Titi and Dawn Hardy!!!!

Congrats Ladies!!! Looks like you'll both be winning 2 Tailoring Kits full of essential tailoring supplies. Please email me your address at Gentlemanjimmt@gmail.com.

The 2 Kits each contain the following Premium Tailoring supplies:

-1 Yard of both Woven Black and White Interfacting

-3 yards Ban-Roll

-1 Pair sleeve heads

-1 Pair Shoulder Pads

-2 Pieces of Disappearing Chalk

-1 Skein of Waxed Thread

Thanks for all who entered and for all of your helpful webinar requests!!!! Due to an overwhelming request looks like the webinar for this month will be on .....

Fitting and Sewing Custom vests

People rave about my vests! And I'm excited for this first webinar that I can show you all the details on it concerning doing the proper fitting, sewing, matching designs, etc. That's right I can make one of my vests in about 1 hour with pockets and all. Let me show you my methods from start to finish!
Be on the lookout for that in the next few weeks. I'll start with showing how I do my Men's Vest and will do a Women's vest separately shortly thereafter.  Also, I'll be wrapping up the Tie Sew-Along this week. Again, stay tuned! Lots of exciting things coming up!!!!

Tie Sew-Along Session #1

Hello Folks! As promised here's the start of my Tie Sew-Along. It will consist of 3 sessions which will entail the following:

Session 1: Supply Review, Deconstructing a Tie, Fabric Prep and Pattern Creating Tips
Session 2: Creating the Tie pattern, Cutting out the Tie and Sewing Machine Assembly
Session 3: Finishing the Tie with Hand Sewing Techniques, Pressing the Tie, Fabric Care and                              Modifying the Tie pattern to create various styles.


Here are the 3 videos in session 1.

Video 1: Getting Started and the Intro & Explanation of Supplies used

(Larger view of supplies being used)

Video 2: Deconstructing the Tie and Pattern Creation Plans

I will warn you that due to a technical difficulty this video came out a bit blurry. Much apologies for that!!! I didn't scrap it since there was so much good information in it that I wanted to share. Not to worry, I'll recap it at the start of the next sessions. But definitely listen  to it and follow along as best you can so that you can work on creating your pattern. 

Video 3: Tie Fabric Details. This video details the types of fabrics used for making a tie and pre-treatment recommendations.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy these and much apologies about the blurriness in video #2. I'll be recapping/ reshooting it so again you miss anything but by all means please follow it's tips so you can create your own tie pattern!

Next up I'll show you the tie pattern I created from my used store-bought tie and I'll cut out the ties in both fabrics and start the sewing process! Stay tuned!!!

Also, don't forget to enter my Tailoring Supply Kit giveaway! The entry deadline is almost over. Please visit my blog post HERE!

We Interrupt the Regularly Scheduled Program for a Move!

Hello All!!!! Yes, today was scheduled for my next installment of my Tie-Sew Along but I had a minor interruption----I moved! That's right I had to relocate my sewing studio which meant moving 6 industrial machines, 2 industrial irons, one vacuum board, a large cutting table, tons of patterns, fabric, thread and supplies. I apologize for the interruption but it couldn't be helped.  I spent the last 4 days quickly making this happen to ensure we don't have any more interruptions in the future and I'll resume with the Tie Sew-Along on Wednesday, I promise!!! Thanks so much for your patience!!!

I ABSOLUTELY love my new sewing studio. It's spacious and I believe will be a welcoming environment for all my students and all those of you who choose to visit for  my workshops or private lessons. You won't believe it but out of my 53+ years of Master Tailoring I've moved dozens of times ---literally! There's nothing like finding the right spot.

 (Breaking down the old space. Nearly finished)

 (Old pics of the studio)

(Another view of the old studio)

 (Here's my WONDERFUL new space!!! Can you see me all the way in the back?)

  (How about now? I love the layout and space. This is the main room with more space in the back)

 (Lots to unpack and still move around. Then on to some decorating.)

 (Digging through patterns)

 (One of my prized and most envied possessions---my 12 foot custom built cutting table. I made it myself many years ago and it's traveled and moved with me so many times!)

 ("Bare bones" of my cutting table)

(Almost put together. Just have to add the dark wood top panel. FYI--I plan to extend another 8 feet on this table to have a 20ft long table!!!) 

Ok, I'm moving fast to get things all set up and as mentioned I'll be ready to send you the next Tie Sew-Along video on Wednesday! See you then:)

The Tie Sew-Along is Underway......

Ok everyone it's time to begin this tutorial!!! Well sorta!!! I want to give just a little more time for others to get tuned in and gather their supplies. Plus there were also some questions about the tie interfacing so I address those in the video below. So I'll begin prepping the tie pattern and cutting out my ties on Monday and moving forward showing you all of my steps that lead toward making a Perfectly Tailored Neck Tie!!!!Thanks to all who have shared info about this Sew-Along on FB and by other means!!! Again, in the video below I want to clarify what you'll be learning from this sew along and there were a few questions about how to get some tie interfacing so I addressed those. Make sure you have all of your supplies.
Supply List:
-1 yard of fabric
-1 scrap of lining 4X4" or so
-1 old tie (to use as a pattern and harvest interfacing) or purchased tie interfacing
-Sewing Machine
-Thread
-Hand needles

 Remember this Neck Tie Sew Along is FREE and there is no need to register. I'll be posting details and video in a series of blog posts. Ok.....here's the first video. I apologize it came in so late. The video is High Def so it took a long time to upload.....  Also, don't forget to register to win one of the 2 Tailoring Kit's I'm giving away HERE.

Here's the first Tie Sew-Along Video......

Neck Tie Sew-Along Starts Next Week!!!

I'm delighted to be hosting my Very First Sew-Along!!! I'll be demonstrating how we Tailor's construct a Necktie. I hope you all will join in with me. It will be exciting and will give you another opportunity to see how I do things. Although it's not a complicated project don't underestimate what you can learn from it! Alot of great sewing lessons come from simple projects. I'll go in depth, explaining every step. This will likely be 3-4 sessions complete with video!!! No doubt you'll be able to apply some of these lessons to other projects!!! Plus isn't the thought of making a tie a fun one! They can be worn by both men and women. And think how much fun you can have making them in all sorts of fabrics!!!! NO NEED TO REGISTER! THESE WILL BE YOUTUBE VIDEOS OPEN TO EVERYONE!!!

Here's the video giving more details of the project. You'll find a supply list below as well!!!

Supply List:
-1 yard of fabric
-1 scrap of lining 4X4" or so
-1 old tie (to use as a pattern and harvest interfacing) or purchased tie interfacing
-Sewing Machine
-Thread
-Hand needles

As mentioned I plan on making 2 ties to demonstrate how to work with a slippery fabric and a plain cotton. Again, this is FREE!!!! I hope you'll be joining. Please let me know in the comment section below.

See you at the Tie Sew-Along!!!

PS. Don't forget to enter my Tailoring Supply Kit Giveaway HERE
~Gentleman Jim

Happy New Year - 2015 Plans and a GIVEAWAY!

Happy New Year! I wanted to post this video to make you all aware of some EXCITING plans I have coming up for this year! I want to celebrate those plans by hosting a Tailoring Supply Giveaway all month long ! Check out this video and see below for the Tailoring Supply Giveaway details!!!

As mentioned in the video I've got some wonderfully, exciting plans for this year!!!

That's right there are new things in store---highlighted in the video....

-I'll be doing monthly webinars (beginning in February)  that will allow everyone to learn my clothing construction techniques and methods. These will be 1-2 hours in length and VERY clear and detailed. I'll be able to show you some of my easy and effective methods to making garments. They will be affordable and fun! And you can decide on the topics I'll present on (more info in the GIVEAWAY below).

-I'll continue with my weekly Master Tailoring tips videos. A little bit of information goes a long way when my tailoring tips are concerned!

-Skype Consultations!!!! I've been asked on numerous occasions if I would give Skype consultations for those trying tot start a business, already in business and want to make it grow, have pricing issues, or anyone with a general sewing question or want to learn a technique. Thankfully technology will help me serve you in a greater way.

-For fun I'll be heading up my first sew-along. I know you guys like those kind of group activities. I will have those periodically to further share some sewing and construction techniques. For the first Sew-Along we'll start with sewing a Man's Necktie! Details coming in the next week!


Ok, let's move on to this Tailoring Supply Giveaway!!!!

It's REAL SIMPLE---I'm giving away 2 Tailoring Supply Kits!!! It's everything you see here! 

Rules: All you have to do is a leave a comment answering the question What You Would Like To See Me Do A Webinar On? below and you'll be considered. I'll draw the 2 winners on Feb 1st!

The 2 Kits each contain the following Premium Tailoring supplies:

-1 Yard of both Woven Black and White Interfacting
-3 yards Ban-Roll
-1 Pair sleeve heads
-1 Pair Shoulder Pads
-2 Pieces of Disappearing Chalk
-1 Skein of Waxed Thread


Ok, just leave your answer to the question-----What Topics Would You like to see me Give a Sewing Webinar on?---in the comment section below. Drawing is on Feb 1st and there will be 2 lucky winners!!!

Also, don't forget to follow me on FaceBook and on YouTUBE under the name Gentleman Jim to keep up with my latest videos!!!

Ok, good luck to you and again have a wonderful New Year!!!!