Sometimes the most difficult thing, is to make or take that very specific decision. When options are plenty – like in bespoke tailoring – sorting things out can be a real time consumer. “And what are the rules for decision-making anyway?” the tailor said to himself. “I know tailoring as a technique, I know how to make it. Sure. But what should it actually be?”
As always, when he was stitching along, new and old thoughts and ideas went through his head. It was like, an almost meditative state. Routine motions done for hours and hours has that effect on you – you can let your thoughts wander. And now, his thoughts was slowly taking shape around the denim jeans he was creating. Thread colour. Fit. High waisted or low rise? Choices, choices…
“But” he wondered, “are these choices a real blessing?” And, furthermore, was the choices in front of him actual real ones? If the background for these choices weren’t presented together with them, how could he even make a good decision? Was he coached on his way by others, or, was he completely true to his own path in life – whatever that was…?
It was a strange trail of thoughts he suddenly approached. Could he himself actually decide on how he should create these jeans at hand, without knowing in depth how others did, and had been doing earlier on? Didn’t he have to study big brands and historical garments, before designing his own? Or, could one just trust in that one’s own instinct was an original one, not just shaped into a copy of what was considered ‘correct’?
Well, this felt a bit too complicated for him right now. It had to wait – time for that later, when he wasn’t just as busy as right now. He quickly decided on a fit he remembered from his youth – just a basic tight fit, with a rather high waist, and with a brownish thread colour, reminding him of the golden one’s from back then, memories of the 80’s.
“There! Made it!” He felt blessed that he could even make a pair of classic denim jeans in his workroom! A product most people often thought only could be made in factories far, far away. And was it tailoring? “Well, I think so!” he thought while inspecting the newly made trousers. “Maybe I should start taking notes about how I make these garments I do? Just so I will remember… Maybe a kind of structure, or coherent idea will come out of it…?”
He took a piece of paper and started writing.
STEN MARTIN first I would like to take your courses and cant find out any information please feel free to write me kellywayne2@yahoo.com and yes pants are some times difficult I would like to learn more about the academy and how to take your courses if possible I live in the United states of America thanks again sincere wishes stay safe Wayne Kelley
Hi Wayne! Thank you for your writing! Appreciated! Most of the information regarding our cources can be found on our sister-site DTTA.dk which is more about learning in pre-determent structures. This site is more fluid, like the craft itself, as I see it. That’s why we work with subscriptions here – to be able to structure each learning-path more on, and around, the individual process, in a path suited for the actual moment. Maybe a bit more daring – but also more… well, individual maybe? Which area would you like to dive into Wayne? Are you more interested in production-technique… Read more »
beginning failed draping class so I would start from the beginning that way I can feel comfortable with the creative structure and learn to drape better
STEN I will have to wait until after the COVID 19 virus to take any of your classes America is still in lock down and I would have to find out how to exchange American dollars to euro and register for your courses stay safe Wayne kelley
It’s of course up to you – I understand the stress a lock-down must bring upon both you, and your country. Life can easily become very problematic indeed! But I also do belive that learning and creativity can be a soothing experience (if at all possible). And also to be an important key for keeping the spirits up!
Just let me know when you feel ready to start up your learning experience again. It could possibly, you know, start right there where you are!
Looking forward to hear from you again!
Sten Martin
Yes, it could sometimes be great to start fresh, just to give room for finding your own voice in your draping. But I would never concider any learning as a “fail” – learning always makes you stronger! You could fail a specific grade in a certain class, if you had a pre-decided goal. But otherwise I would say, that a learning curve is often not a straight one!