STEP Sewing Workshop Reflection 

1. During the course of this summer (June- July), I participated in private sewing classes at The Sewing Hive located in Columbus, Ohio. In these classes, I learned the basics of sewing, how patterns work, how garments are constructed, and I got an inside look of the design side of fashion and retail. Over the past two months, I have learned how to create and sewn a pillowcase, drawstring bag, lounge pants, makeup pouch, button-down shirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt, and a maxi dress. 

Here are some photos of my progress and finished projects at The Sewing Hive!

2. This project has thoroughly changed my view of the art of sewing and has also helped me understand what I want in a career. Learning to sew has opened my eyes to how much precision it takes, and how difficult and time consuming it is to construct garments in fashion and retail spaces. I am majoring in business with a specialization in marketing with a minor in fashion and retail studies. Choosing my major I had a passion for the business side of the fashion industry and had interest in someday designing and constructing clothes for my favorite brands. 

After taking these classes, I have learned to sew efficiently and have gained so much knowledge on what goes into garment creation in the industry. I now look at garnet construction much differently as I know the time, dedication, perseverance, and precision it takes. Not only has this project given me an inside look on the difficult yet rewarding side of design but also it has helped guide me make a decision on which way I’d like to steer my future career upon graduating.

3. The relationships I formed throughout this project have had a positive impact on me and my career. Through the duration of my sewing classes, I worked one on one with an expert leveled sewing instructor named Jamie. Jamie and I completed all of my projects together and everything that I have learned about sewing for this project has come from her. Jamie is extremely talented with sewing and has great teaching methods. 

Due to the amount of time Jamie and I have worked over the summer, I have gotten to know her well and now see her as a mentor or role model for my future. Jamie has previous experience working in arts and fashion and now works as a leader in a small business (I aspire to one day have my own small retail business). With Jamie’s experience in this, I now have someone to refer to and get advice from moving forward career wise. 

Not only has my relationship with Jamie blossomed over the summer, but so has my connections with other instructors at The Sewing Hive as well. Recently a new instructor started, she is in her mid to late 20s and graduated from Columbus School of Art and Design majoring in Fashion. Her current job is a costume designer for Broadway productions such as Frozen and other Disney hits. She is taking on a second role as a sewing instructor at The Sewing Hive. Hearing about her journey through school and where she is today has truly inspired me to do what I love and never stop following your dreams no matter what anyone says.

Both of these relationships have strengthened me as a person, and I am so grateful to have met and developed connections with both of them. They have both taught me the importance of perseverance, dedication, and passion in your career and in your everyday life. 

4. This transformation has been extremely valuable to me because it has helped me narrow down which career I want in the fashion industry after I graduate. Before learning to sew and getting an inside look at the design side of fashion, I thought fashion design may be a good fit for me. I recognize now that design is fascinating and rewarding but I think my true passion is for the business and production side of the fashion industry. Without this STEP experience I may not have figured that out until too late. I now know I want to hone in on a career in fashion buying, fashion merchandising, and fashion marketing and fashion branding. 

These sewing classes have allowed me to learn a lifelong skill that I can use forever. I do have a passion now to start my own sewing projects as a hobby and it is an outlet for me to explore creativity and be imaginative. I am incredibly grateful for this new skill I can now use to explore and create in my personal life.