By George, I think she's got it!

Draping class is not so bad anymore.  I just stood in front of my dressform and got to work.  I was able to complete my project before the end of class, unlike past drapes, and do it correctly!    It wasn't easy, but it wasn't at all overwhelming as it was before.  I also tried my best to not ask questions and just figure it out on my own, which is what you should always try to do first! 

The surplice bodice I draped: 

 

It was a disaster in the beginning because I got too scissor happy.  The multiple pieces of muslin I cut all ended up being too short.  Fortunately, I found this really cute pink, striped fabric in the scraps bin and was able to use it, making the project a bit more fun! 

I’m finally getting the hang out of it, although, pattern making is still very tedious.  After eight weeks of this class, I’ve finally gained some very valuable insights that anyone taking or will be taking a draping class should know.  They are as follows: 

1. Sit as close as you can to the teacher.

2. Use your iphone to film her demonstrations and instructions.
• It’s like bringing eyelash glue with you to a party.  You’re pretty sure your eyelashes are on tight, but you never know when they could fall so it’s better to just always have it.
• I film her just in case I get stuck later. Plus, filming helps you focus on the demonstration (read #3).

3. During the demonstration, watch her through your iphone screen.  
• This will ensure that you are filming her correctly.  It will also help you pay attention.  I know that when I am filming her, but not watching away the screen, my mind and hand tends to wander so I get really bad angles or end up filming the wall next to her.

4. Film her in short intervals, especially when there’s dead time (no instruction or demonstration).
• The short intervals will help when playing back the video to answer a quick question.  You do not want to forward through the entire 30 minutes just to find out where she placed that dart.
• I think five minute intervals are sufficient, but that really depends on how long (or short) and complicated the demonstration is.

5. Take short notes while filming and watching the demonstration.
• Yes, it sounds impossible and probably requires three hands.  Really though, it’s do-able. I hold my iphone with my left hand resting on my upper right arm while my right hand is writing. 
• And I’m not writing some crazy long paragraph describing every step in the demonstration. I have categories (left bodice, right bodice, back bodice, etc.) and write important numbers (measurements, seam allowance, etc.) or very short notes where the teacher specifically states, “remember to…” or “you have to…” just in case I might forget them.

6. After the demonstration, jot down any last minute notes.

7. Start draping right away while the demonstration is fresh in your mind.

8. Have confidence, accept the mistakes, and let it go. As long as you do each step correctly and it looks decent, just keep going.  You can always fix it later. 
• Don’t second guess yourself or try to make it look “perfect.”  Constantly fussing with it is a huge time and confidence sucker.  
• This was my biggest problem and it made everything worse.  The more I fussed with every little dart and fold, the more frustrated I felt.  The frustration ate away at my confidence, which affected how I worked.  I was a mess so my work reflected that.  It was this endless, overwhelming cycle. 

9. If you get stuck, take a step back and look at your dressform while remembering the instructions from the demonstration. 

10. If you’re still stuck, look back at your notes or ask for help.  Watching the video would be your absolute last resort. 
• Actually watching the video is a huge time sucker because you might have to watch the entire thing or watch multiple video files to find that one segment of the demonstration that will help you or answer a simple question. 
• Another downside is I get caught up in trying to do it just the way the teacher does it, instead of figuring it out myself.  You want and should find your own way!

Remember to have fun. Good luck!