Class is in session...

I started my class on Tuesday.  As I have previously mentioned, I am taking courses at Mohawk College in Hamilton in dressmaking.  I am working towards getting my Dressmaking Certificate:  it is eight classes in total, and this one will be my sixth class.  I take one class per semester, and each one is 10 weeks long:  it's a lot of work considering I am working a full time job, plus the rest of my life.

I have been looking forward to this particular course though.  It is the evening wear / special occasion outfit class.  We learn how to work with specialty fabrics (e.g. lace, satin, silks, etc.), boning, beading, shirring, etc., and then we also sew an outfit for ourselves (from a pattern).  I am excited to learn a lot in this class, because every other class thus far has dealt with fabric that is quite easy to work with.  Moreso, I would really like to start sewing more with delicate fabrics:  I love the idea of designing and creating beautiful gowns and dresses.

But because I haven't learned yet how to take my own ideas to the fabric, I am stuck using a pattern!  I have narrowed it down to two patterns, I think.  One dress is gorgeous but I would have nowhere to wear it, and the other one is less fancy, and definitely more wearable (but still would be beautiful).  Perhaps I will post the two options, and see if anyone else has an opinion?

Not what I had thought...

There is one truth that has been glaring me in the face lately, as I have embarked upon numerous renovation and design projects for our home over the last year.  Brace yourself:  it is a sad truth, and one that many of you may be avoiding in denial.  Or perhaps you have already realized it, and now you are wallowing in a deep design depression.

And here it is:  completing a project from design concept to final details never happens like it does on tv.  Darn you, HGTV, for making me think that a renovation or design project can be finished in a reasonable amount of time, with minimal mess.  You have real nerve to make me think I can pull it all together, including accessories, and find exactly what I'm looking for from two or three stores in a week and a half.  Of course I don't just blame HGTV - that would be very narrow of me.  I blame all design shows, and I blame my naivety and my unbridled sense of hope.