Replies

1. 
   lindamaries | Jun 25, 2002 05:56pm | #1

   Hi...you should join PACC...as an alteration specialist. You could get an answer to your question from other business people who do alterations. PACC stands for The Professional Association of Custom Clothiers. The web address is

   http://www.paccprofessionals.org

1. 
   NansiM | Jun 25, 2002 09:26pm | #2

   Thanks. I hahave been thinking about that, since it was mentioned once or twice at our local RI Sewing Network meetings.  i know there is a chapter in Mass.  The network doesn't meet in the summer or I would have asked them.  Thanks for a good reminder, though!

1. 
   lindamaries | Jun 25, 2002 09:34pm | #3

   Hi...Does RI stand for Rhode Island? What is the RI Sewing Network?

   Are there other sewing networks in other states?

1. 
   NansiM | Jun 26, 2002 02:55pm | #4

   Hi Linda,

      This group is an off shoot of the Master Seamstress Program offered thru the extension service of our local University of Rhode Island.  Diane Martin is the coordinator and chief instructor of the basic program.  It is a one year course, broken up into 3 parts.  First you take a basic fitting unit where you are measured and sized PROPERLY using McCall's basic fit sloper.  The Minott method is used to help you understand how to ad just the sloper to your personal fit and you do a muslin as the main project.  Second is a tailoring unit where you use the skills you learned in the first unit to adjust a tailored blazer to fit (actually begun in part one)  and then construct a true Hand tailored blazer in fashion fabric.  Lots of great inner construction details as well as wlt pockets and bound buttonholes!  Third part is basic understanding of fabrics and how to work with them, with emphasis on special occasion, knits (including swimwear) and lingerie.  you choose which one you'd like to work on for a final project.

      The students learn SO much that a group of them decided to form a group with monthly meetings to keep in touch and keep up skills.  The Rhode Island Sewing Network was formed and has been going strong for over ten years.  We pay dues, have a guest speaker each month on a wide range of sewing related topics, have a sharing time and of course time for refreshment and conversation.  Many of the women have small businesses so it's a good opportunity to "network".

      The Master Seamstress program has been expanding, also.  You can do a part two, selecting from 10-15 more specialized courses.  Each of these last one third (about 6-8 weeks) and you get another certificate on completion of three of these.  There's alot to choose from. 

      I had been sewing for 25 years before taking the course.  This one taught me all the things about fit I wish I had known from the start.  As I mentioned to Diane,  our mothers, or home ec teachers taught us basic sewing skills;  but fit was only very basic.

      You can find out more about that program by calling URI @ (401) 277-5050.  This is the CCE office (continuing ed.)

      From what I understand, we are very lucky to have such a program.  Students from nearby Mass. and Conn. have also attended,

      Hope this wasn't too long for you, but I'm an enthusiastic member!

   Thanks for asking,

   Nansi

1. 
   lindamaries | Jun 28, 2002 12:33am | #6

   Hi...Find me a house in RI...I'm moving! I need this.

   Thanks for telling me about it. It sounds wonderful.

   Anyone else out there...do you have a similar program near you like this?

2. 
   bellefille | Nov 30, 2002 09:02pm | #7

   I'd also love to know if there is a program similar to Rhode Island's in New Hampshire!  [email protected]

   Linda

2. 
   cucumberhill | Jun 27, 2002 04:24pm | #5

   you may want to check out Men's Wearhouse in Warwick on Rt. 2 for alteration rates.

   Sleeve adjustments  $12.00,,,waist in or out $10.00 and other jacket adjustments $15.00

   Hope this helps,and happy sewing !