Final 20% Project from Ulises Cisneros on Vimeo.
This was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I wasn't sure what I was embarking on when I choose my 20 percent project, and was very nervous because I was unsure if I would be successful. These guiding questions were instrumental in organizing and guiding my learning.
Authentic Questions
1. What kind of thread do I need?
I learned that cotton is usually the standard in thread, but this will depend on the fabric that you are working with. Silk, Synthetic, Wool, etc. work best with threads made of the same material.
2. Is a computerized sewing machine better than a regular one?
There are many types of sewing machines out there. Therefore a computerized sewing machine is not necessarily better it just has features that make some sewing projects easier. I bought one that could do a lot, but I realized that I didn't need all those extra features that it came with because my objective was simple.
3. What are the costs involved?
This also depends on your project. I spent about $140 dollars total for my tailoring project. Though I could have spend less, if I had bought a simpler, used sewing machine. The other materials I had, so I did not have to spend more on those.
Sewing machine $130
Thread, practice fabric, pins, $10
4. Will I ruin my shirts?
Fortunately I did not. All the shirts I tailored looked and fitted better after.
5. Will the results look professional?
The results were very close. I still have to work on technique, but I think this will come with practice, which I will definitely continue to do.
6. How long will it take me to learn how to use the tools?
It took me about 3 days to learn how to use the tools I needed. This was due to fact that my objective was simple and it didn't require that I use more of the complex techniques and tools that intermediate/advanced levels of sewing require.
7. Will online learning sources be enough?
Online sources were not enough. I loved having someone guiding me and coaching me through various parts. Thanks mom. My mom was able to point out things that I should be looking out for which made it faster/easier to catch/fix my mistakes. This also minimized my frustration level, because when I was doing things on my own even though I really liked what I was learning I hated having to waste time on things that I knew could be resolved faster if someone that knew was there supporting me.
8. What are the learning steps involved?
First, familiarize yourself with the tools you will be using: Sewing machine, pins, needles,etc.
Next, observe, read and ask questions. This made it easier for me to find what I needed to work in.
Then, begin exploring/playing with the tools and scrap fabric. This was fun because I literally just bough some scraps of fabric and practiced using the sewing machine and it's features.
Lastly, have someone support you who knows what they are doing, this will make everything come together beautifully.
9. Are there different types of tailoring?
There not different really different types of tailoring, but there are different types of tailoring projects that require various skills and levels of knowledge. I would definitely not embark tailoring a suit jacket on my own, that requires a lot of practice and knowledge.
10. How should a shirt be tailored?
There were various ways, it all depends on the person who is tailoring.The only thing you have to make sure you do well the first time is the measurements. This will ensure that you have a well tailored shirt.
Authentic Questions
1. What kind of thread do I need?
I learned that cotton is usually the standard in thread, but this will depend on the fabric that you are working with. Silk, Synthetic, Wool, etc. work best with threads made of the same material.
2. Is a computerized sewing machine better than a regular one?
There are many types of sewing machines out there. Therefore a computerized sewing machine is not necessarily better it just has features that make some sewing projects easier. I bought one that could do a lot, but I realized that I didn't need all those extra features that it came with because my objective was simple.
3. What are the costs involved?
This also depends on your project. I spent about $140 dollars total for my tailoring project. Though I could have spend less, if I had bought a simpler, used sewing machine. The other materials I had, so I did not have to spend more on those.
Sewing machine $130
Thread, practice fabric, pins, $10
4. Will I ruin my shirts?
Fortunately I did not. All the shirts I tailored looked and fitted better after.
5. Will the results look professional?
The results were very close. I still have to work on technique, but I think this will come with practice, which I will definitely continue to do.
6. How long will it take me to learn how to use the tools?
It took me about 3 days to learn how to use the tools I needed. This was due to fact that my objective was simple and it didn't require that I use more of the complex techniques and tools that intermediate/advanced levels of sewing require.
7. Will online learning sources be enough?
Online sources were not enough. I loved having someone guiding me and coaching me through various parts. Thanks mom. My mom was able to point out things that I should be looking out for which made it faster/easier to catch/fix my mistakes. This also minimized my frustration level, because when I was doing things on my own even though I really liked what I was learning I hated having to waste time on things that I knew could be resolved faster if someone that knew was there supporting me.
8. What are the learning steps involved?
First, familiarize yourself with the tools you will be using: Sewing machine, pins, needles,etc.
Next, observe, read and ask questions. This made it easier for me to find what I needed to work in.
Then, begin exploring/playing with the tools and scrap fabric. This was fun because I literally just bough some scraps of fabric and practiced using the sewing machine and it's features.
Lastly, have someone support you who knows what they are doing, this will make everything come together beautifully.
9. Are there different types of tailoring?
There not different really different types of tailoring, but there are different types of tailoring projects that require various skills and levels of knowledge. I would definitely not embark tailoring a suit jacket on my own, that requires a lot of practice and knowledge.
10. How should a shirt be tailored?
There were various ways, it all depends on the person who is tailoring.The only thing you have to make sure you do well the first time is the measurements. This will ensure that you have a well tailored shirt.