Sewing useful for designer

Dear Vicki: I am a high school student, and I am very interested in fashion design. I have been sending my drawings to a university that I am interested in attending, and they are very encouraging. My question is this: Just how much sewing do I need to know before starting design school? Thanks for your advice. — Ben Z. Dear Ben: It’s true that illustration is a most important part of being in the design business, not to mention being a fountain of creativity. I don’t think you need to be a professional dressmaker, but you should sew more than adequately so that your hands learn to manipulate fabric very confidently.

Take sewing classes now, and make basic looks over and over. Learn to control the media; find out how different weaves behave by actually constructing garments instead of reading about them. You also need to know enough to be able to direct the work of those who will be executing your designs. Good luck, Ben.

Dear Vicki: An elderly lady at church gave me a piece of faux fur and wanted me to make a stole with it. I have looked for a pattern, but had no luck. This piece is 17 inches by 56 inches, so it’s not long enough. Can you help me in finding a pattern? I do not wear fur, but would like to make the stole for her as a surprise. Thank you so much. Nora N.

Dear Nora: This was a toughie, but I did find McCall’s 3880. It has a view with a clever opening that the end goes through, so you can have a stole with your shorter piece of fabric. I think you should shop for a beautiful coordinating lining fabric, and then it will end up looking like a designer piece.

Each week I share a reader’s tip. This one is from Marion Blank, of Albuquerque. Marion says:

“Since leaving my home and moving into an independent living apartment, I had no sewing room, but I fitted my cabinet into a walk-in closet with an overhead spotlight. I am 89, and sewing is important to me. I have shelves for thread and trimmings. When I close the door, it works fine.”

For her tip, I will send Marion a set of wonderful English hand-sewing needles. She added that she could use them.