Common Threads
Fiber Art Store and Learning Center
On-line Internet classes
Fashion Design
Welcome to Common Threads on-line classes. We hope this offers you a way to interact with us even if you are many miles from San Diego.
Are you tired of sewing when nothing you make fits properly? Well, have you thought about making your own patterns or at least knowing enough about your own body to change commercial patterns just enough to make them fit better? In this class you will draft and fit a basic bodice sloper. We start by taking in-depth measurements and from these measurements draft a flat pattern, add seam allowance, cut the pattern out of muslin and custom fit the muslin to you. Corrections will be made and you will have a basic pattern from which you can make any design. We will discuss several ways to make simple tops with your bodice block. You will also learn how to make simple adjustments to commercial patterns so they fit better.
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You might be wondering how are we going to teach you fitting without seeing and touching you. Well, we are up to the challenge. We have developed several animated demos, and streaming videos, to help with the obvious difficulties in teaching fitting over the internet. Each lesson will be e-mailed to you on the day of the dated class. You have a full week to work on the assignment. You can post questions on the bulletin boards, use the animated demos, and chat room any time you like for the duration of the class.
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Check out samples of your class format!
Prerequisites
Sewing Knowledge
A common question we get from students is, "Do I need to know how to sew to take a pattern drafting class?". Pattern drafting is different than sewing. Although it is helpful to have a working knowledge of how a garment is constructed, it is not required to take this class. Just remember that once you know how to make your own patterns, there will be no instructions on how to put them together. Students that are completely new to sewing and need instruction on running a sewing machine I recommend enrolling in a local community college sewing course. Many of these classes are state subsidized and free to the student. Otherwise, find a friend or local sewing store to help you get started on your sewing machine. Once you draft your first pattern you will be required to sew a sample of your pattern to check the fit.
A great sewing book for beginners as well as advance sewers is "Readers Digest Guide to Sewing". This book is the most comprehensive sewing guide on the market. I have been sewing since I was 6 years old and still refer to this book for lots of reasons. It has very well illustrated step by step instructions on how to sew many types of techniques, from basic hand stitches to detailed tailoring techniques. Common Threads sells this book for $30.00, and if you are a current on-line student you can receive a 10% discount on the book.
Partner to assist you
In order to take proper body measurements, you will need a partner to assist you. A husband, best friend, family member, or a neighbor are the best people to ask first. They do not need to know any thing, as you will be guiding them to where the measurements will be taken from the diagrams given to you from this class.
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System Requirements
Browser
Common Threads web site is best viewed on Netscape or Internet Explore browsers.
E-mail address
You need an e-mail address to receive class assignments and ask questions on the class bulletin board.
Adobe Acrobat
Class lessons will be transferred to you by e-mail and are read on Adobe Acrobat PDF files. This file format compresses the images and information sent to you, so that downloading is fast and easy. This file format can be viewed on Macintosh, PC, and Unix computers.
You will be required to download a free version of Acrobat Reader to read the PDF files. This free software is offered by Adobe systems. Get your free Acrobat Reader by linking to:
To learn about Adobe Acrobats systems requirements click on this link.
RealPlayer for video viewing
To enhance your on-line experience, we wanted to show several demonstrations using an on-line video streaming format. If your computer does not fit the requirements for downloading the RealPlayer, you can still take this course. You just won't have access to the video portion of the course. Just remember you are not missing core class information, but rather do not have access to an optional visual format that we hope gives you, the student, another way of learning.
System Requirements
Windows 95/98 or Windows NT v4.0 (or later)
5 MB free on your hard disk
A Windows-compatible sound card (not required for installation but required to hear audio)
CPU: Pentium 100 minimum / Pentium 133 or faster recommended
16 MB RAM / 32 MB RAM recommended
16-bit (thousands) color display resolution or higher recommended (see your Display settings in your Windows control panel)
Modem or other Internet connection: 28.8 or faster
Netscape 3.0 (or later)/Internet Explorer 3.0 (or later) to access embedded content
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Demo video
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If your system fits the requirements above and you would like to sample a video demonstration you can click on this link to view our Welcome Video.
This video is viewed on the embedded player on this site. If you would like to get your own free RealPlayer, click on this link:
to download the RealPlayer now.
Once you have the player loaded on your system, you can come back to this page to click on the streaming video to view the video on your own systems stand alone RealPlayer.
Please let us know what you think of our class format by e-mailing us. We always welcome feedback in building our on-line courses.
Thank you for taking interest in Common Threads Fashion Design on-line courses!
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How to Register
Once our secure server is up, (some time around September 4), you will can follow this link to the on-line registration form. By registering on-line you can use our secure server and easily pay for your class with your credit card.
If you feel more comfortable using the mail-in registration form follow this link to the mail-in registration form. When you use the mail-in registration form you simply print out the order form and then choose between faxing us your registration including your credit card number, or mail in your registration, paying with a check or credit card.
Any further questions regarding our on-line classes, feel free to e-mail us with the address at the bottom of this page.
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