Kenneth King teaches this class (as well as several other classes) at Sew Fast Sew Easy in NYC, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. My class met for four sessions, scheduled for three hours each, and had five students, including me. We brought a range of sewing abilities and had different figure types, and each one of us came away with an absolutely perfectly fitting bodice, along with the ability to adapt it for blouse,dress,jacket and coat slopers (note that we didn't learn how to do sleeves, collars, necklines -- to get the bodice in four sessions was magic enough!).
Kenneth teaches a very specific and detailed drafting system, and while he covers a great deal of information, he is also extremely clear. He allows plenty of time to work, and he makes sure that everyone is carrying out the methods correctly. He does so with extraordinary patience, kindness and good humor, so that it is easy to ask questions, receive corrections, and learn. He is very, very generous with his knowledge and help. He also tells great stories!
When you have sewn up a muslin, Kenneth checks and adjusts the fit. If you are familiar with his work in Threads, read his books, or taken a class with him on PR (I haven't, yet), then you know how astonishing it is to have such a benefit. Along these lines, let me add that he throws in sewing tips, insights into garment construction, etc., as he teaches. Can you tell I loved every minute?
I should note that this class does not go into using the bodice moulage to adjust commercial patterns (Kenneth recommends Lynda Maynard's CD, which is sold here on PR, for that). But so many of the skills being taught and practiced are fundamental and widely applicable that I feel much more confident about fitting/adjusting existing patterns, and I am sure that a more experienced sewer would take away much more than I have. |
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What a great experience to have! Thanks for your review.
2/24/10 8:37 AM
What a clear and thorough review. Thanks.
2/24/10 3:42 PM
Wow am I jealous! How wonderful!
2/25/10 1:25 AM
What a wonderful opportunity to have Kenneth King help you draft your bodice. How fortunate you are to have been able to attend.
2/26/10 2:12 PM
How wonderful that you got to take a class with Kenneth King! I remember when he used to appear occasionally on Sandra Betzina's TV show. I learned so much just from those little segments. I'm sure you learned a ton during those four long sessions!
3/5/10 9:50 PM
Thank you for the review. I also took this class , and agree: it was an invaluable experience. This July I am taking Kenneth King's Fit Clinic class. It teaches you how to use the moulage to adjust commercial patterns. Kenneth King will be teaching Fit Clinic again in August 2011 at Sew Right Sewing Machines, in Queens. They still have spaces available. The class is based on Lynda Maynard's book.
7/20/11 6:31 PM