A Bit of Brainstorming

[girlygothic]

I'm pondering developing a new class in a pre-existing series, and have been trying to figure out what I should include. Then it hit me... Some of you here in this community might have some good ideas.

Comments

[sixtyforty]

For pattern alterations, I'd include how to get rid of princess seams. Princess seams seem to pop up in a lot of costume patterns, but they aren't period.

[girlygothic]

That really depends on what time period you're talking about, and what *your* definition of princess seams is. And no, I really don't want to get into that here. (FWIW, I'm really not trying to be argumentative here. It's just that I've participated in waaaay more "princess seams are/aren't period" discussions/arguments than I ever wanted to, and I really don't care to go there again.)

But as the focus of my classes isn't about historic sewing, but just sewing...

I'm curious what you mean by "get rid of princess seams". What would you replace them with?

[sixtyforty]

Wow, I didn't intend to spark that intense of a reaction. I'm tempted to avoid this altogether because I'm not looking for confrontation.

I was thinking of the common costume patterns that novice sewers pick up at the big box fabric stores. A lot of those bodice patterns have princess seams that aren't appropriate for the time period. Yes, I know that princess seams have been in clothing for a long time, but that's not the type of seam that shows up in these patterns.

Also, since your post focused a lot on SCA, I just assumed your classes had an emphasis in garb. But since you're not teaching historic sewing, I'm puzzled as to why you included all that information if it wasn't relevant.

[_paegan_]

But since you're not teaching historic sewing, I'm puzzled as to why you included all that information if it wasn't relevant.

I just assumed so we'd know the kind of student she's dealing with for these classes. Most *new* SCA folk are more interested in having garb "right now" and just want the basics, as apposed to the interests of beginner fashion design students or even those of more settled-in SCA folk. Even the approach would be different if it were basic sewing classes for pre-teen Girl Scouts.

[sixtyforty]

That's what I assumed as well...that they'd want classes centered around their particular interest in sewing.

I guess I'm just confused.

[_paegan_]

I think, eventually, these newbie will be interested in specifics such as if a seam is period. At the beginner member level, the anachronism part of the SCA title probably plays a heavier influence.

At least that was my experience during my time with the SCA. It may be different now since that was almost two decades ago.

[girlygothic]

I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to jump down your throat. You just inadvertently hit upon a hot button of mine, and I was attempting (apparently poorly) to direct the conversation away from potential argument. But you had no way of knowing about this hot button, and it's entirely my issue, so you have my apologies.

Regarding why I included the information about the SCA... I guess I didn't make it clear. My point was that while these classes are (usually, although not always) taught at SCA events, they're not about historic costuming. I leave that for other people, where they can focus on specific time periods, garments, etc. My classes are about building a basic knowledge of sewing technique.

And again, not meaning to be argumentative, but just trying to understand what you're thinking of... When you talk about inappropriate use of princess seams in costume patterns, do you mean something like Simplicity 3809 (the first pattern image shown here)? If so, then yeah, I can't agree more that's quite possibly the stupidest design

[sixtyforty]

That was exactly the pattern I had in mind, actually! It's a decent pattern otherwise (not great, but certainly reasonable), so it's disappointing that they put those seams in. There are a few others like that too.

[girlygothic]

Ha! That's funny I found the one you were thinking of.

Although actually, I disagree with you about it otherwise being a reasonable pattern. Yes, historically that seam would have been a straight one into the neckline. But even putting aside the historic reasons for having that seam arrangement, the only thing the princess seam accomplishes is that it makes the pattern require more yardage. Duh?!

[sixtyforty]

Reasonable for beginners, not for serious costumers =)