Intro to Fashion Design and Industrial Sewing

American culture has long been separated from the process of making clothing: a basic and essential commodity. In 1964, 95% of all apparel was produced by American textile companies, but by 1995, American textiles accounted for less than 2% of total production due to low cost imports. However, this trend is quickly reversing. As a culture, we are going through a collective and profound realization that the process of making things with our hands is part of what it means to be human.

The intention of this class is to build on this realization and reintroduce the culture of industrial garment manufacturing. The class will delve into the art of creation by using high performance precision tools necessary for quality garment making. Many of these tools are found at the Laura Hlavac Design Studio in St Paul. Laura’s passion for sewing inspired her 25 year career as the owner of a knitwear apparel manufacturing company, having sold her designs to over 700 women’s boutiques in 35 states. Her new passion is sharing her knowledge, skill and her studio with future artisans and curious observers.

You will never look at clothing the same after witnessing the high powered (and very loud) robust cutting machines that can slice through 300 layers of fabric at once and learning to use highly specialized industrial sewing machines. In this class you will:

• Make stitch samples to take home
• Kick the "kick press" - setting studs, grommets or snaps
• Print full color graphics on fabrics and learn an easy method you can do at home