Comments on: How I got my start (by Hannah)

By: Alisa

Alisa — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:41:07 +0000

Hi Hannah! You may not know me, but I’m Maria’s niece.

By: Alyson Clair

Alyson Clair — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:47:54 +0000

First off w00t PDX! I love Sharon Blair and was lucky enough to have her my last term of school at the AI. Your story is so awesome, and I am really enjoying the new discovery of your blog. I think I know Carly, if it is the same Carly who does Auntie Fashion. I am so glad to know that there are others out there that are so excited about patterning.

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:45:12 +0000

Well, I am totally jealous. I am well past the age of taking on such an endeavor but have been drafting my own patterns for a very long time. I did get a fashion design degree at a community college after retiring from teaching. I did this because of my love of sewing and pattern drafting.
It never occurred to me that I could ever work as a pattern drafter even though that was the aspect of fashion that challenged me the most. I am overwhelmed with your moxie in persueing a dream. Continue the good work and congratulations on following your instincts.

By: Marialexandra

Marialexandra — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:46:02 +0000

Good for you Hanna! I loved your story. Thank you for sharing, it is truly inspiring.

By: Tonya

Tonya — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:45:44 +0000

Ditto the ‘Great Story’ comment! I want to be Hannah when I grow up! If there is anyone looking to take on an apprentice near Memphis- let me know!

By: Christelle

Christelle — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:29:28 +0000

What a great story! I have been wishing I could take private patternmaking classes. Anyone inRhode Island or SE Connecticut looking for a student? Or I would be willing to travel for a workshop…. Kathleen?

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:08 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story Hannah. It sounds just like mine (minus the awesome apprenticeship – I chose the school way). As I’m finishing up my certificate program and looking for a job, I’m curious as to what I should put in a portfolio. Do you have pictures of finished garments? the actual garments? entire patterns?

By the way, after Kathleen recommended your blog, I’m reading that one too!

By: Amy Mello

Amy Mello — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:07:38 +0000

So very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can relate to your love of patternmaking. I started school for design and instantly fell in love with patternmaking instead. I envy your courage to take on New York. You deserve all of your dreams to come true.

By: Lisa B. in Portland

Lisa B. in Portland — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:05:41 +0000

Yay!! Hannah, you’re so awesome!

I moved to Portland from Eugene, OR in the middle of 2000. About a year later, I saw a giant billboard for the Art Institute of Portland that had all its programs listed, including apparel design. That’s when it clicked in me that that is what I really wanted to be. I have a BA in Romance languages from the University of Oregon, ‘95, and I really didn’t want to be an interpreter or translator. I had been sewing since the end of middle school/beginning of high school, so I don’t know why it didn’t click earlier. I didn’t even take theatre costume classes at the U of O. I actually really wish we had more pattern making classes. I don’t think I’m a *stellar* designer; what I do well is sew. I’d like to be better at making patterns.

By: Jessie

Jessie — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:06:36 +0000

Yay for Hannah! Your friends in Portland have watched with admiration and envy!