Total Serious Happy Thread

[Morrigoon]

Had a rather interesting email exchange regarding the sewing vintage fashion class I wanted to take at Saddleback:

Originally Posted by Me

Hello,

I was unable to attend the first class session, but I would like to add your Wednesday night class. I was very excited when I saw a class that covers parts of my favorite eras in clothing design.

I am told that you are able to give me a code that would allow me to register? May I please have the code, as well as any list of required materials you may have given out on the first night so that I can show up prepared to the next session?

Thank you very much.

Originally Posted by Professor B

Hi Cindy,

While I appreciate your love for vintage, (my particular area of sewing passion), I am going to tell you what I tell other students with this request.

I do not like late adds. You have already missed a good portion of material that I do not plan to revisit. This will require you to get the notes from another student outside of class time and in addition you've missed in class examples, course requirements, expectations and the base line quiz.

Why were you not enrolled in a timely manner? And why were you unable to notify me that you would be unable to be in class the first night and check if this would be okay? It is now 'after the fact'. You have already missed alot by not being in class. As I am not a full time instructor and am only on campus 2 times a week and work full time else where, I do not have the luxury of time, (as probably most full or part time instructors) to get you 'caught up'.
Before I issue you an APC code I need a better understanding of why I should issue you a code.

[QUOTE'"Me"]Hi (Professor B),

I fully appreciate your position regarding late adds. I apologize for the inconvenience of requesting it from you. I offer you the following explanation:

It was a late decision on my part to take the class (a late realization that it was being offered), compounded by an issue with registration where the school rather insanely opted to classify me as a non-resident for tuition purposes (I moved back to California in 2003, so such classification is patently ridiculous). I had to be sure I could resolve that issue, because at non-resident rates the class would be a no-go for me.

I have been fully occupied the last three days at an (employer required) all-day seminar up at the Anaheim convention center, leaving me no luxury of time to resolve the issue. Had I not been classified as a non-resident, I still would have arrived disruptively late that first night because of the seminar, which I imagine would have been equally displeasing.

Okay, so enough with the excuses, how about some positives?

I sew purely for the joy of it. For my own amusement I research and drool over just about any period from 1820 through 1910, with occasional forays into the early 20th century. I have spent untold hours learning about those eras on my own, on sites such as fashion-era.com. My favorite areas of study are early bustle, natural form, and late bustle. I admittedly spend more time researching historical fashion than I do sewing. However, I have been sewing since junior high (early 90's), after becoming fascinated with the costumes in Phantom of the Opera. (My unfulfilled dream project would be a recreation of Christine's "Wishing" dress.) I am currently in the middle of attempting my first *genuine* vintage bustle skirt pattern (as opposed to the more costumey ones you get from the 3 major pattern manufacturers), the Truly Victorian 1875 Parisian Trained skirt (TV216). I am now at a point where I feel I could really benefit from the expertise of someone who understands the unique concerns of constructing period garments. I can read about things like using wadding to prevent wrinkles in a bodice, but that sort of thing really requires hands-on assistance. In addition, I believe I need guidance in the construction of period undergarments, something I have not yet attempted. I am just beginning to explore specialized presser feet (such as my new favorite toy, the ruffler foot), and I feel like I'm at a point where I'm ready to take my construction to the next level.

Since I have missed your baseline quiz, I have attached examples of 4 past projects, in hopes that that will assist you with understanding where my skill level is at present.

I hope this explanation is sufficient for you to grant me an APC code. If not, I may be forced to resort to groveling...

Sincerely,
[/quote]

And the reason that this whole exchange is in this particular thread, would be her response:

Originally Posted by Professor B

Sold!

You are a sewer after my own heart! I am sorry to seem like such a 'hard ass' BUT my experience with late add students has not been a positive one. It has seemed in the past that because I allowed an exception they continue in that vein with turning in assignments late or incomplete etc etc. etc. vexing my semester.

Thank you for your due diligence and explanation and the photos! I think this is the class for you. You are already 'in there' with the sites you frequent, and we will be using alot of those sites and more in class as well.

I am sending you the syllabus. Please be sure to bring it and the last 2 forms signed and ready to hand into me. By Wednesday night you need to bring in a printed pattern from the 50's through to the 70's for my approval. As you'll see from the syllabus, we will be completing 3 full scale projects starting at the earliest and then working our way back to the 1880's and 90's!

Here is your APC code : (code) and the syllabus is attached.

While we do have lecture on historical sewing topics, the bulk of the class is focused on construction and we will have a section on heirloom sewing techniques as well.

The equipment in the room is limited to 10 industrial machines and 3 Bernina 130 home sewing machines. I can never guarantee that any of those machines will not be 'taken' or that all are in good working order on any given night as we have multiple students i multiple classes with varying degrees of abilities who use those machines before our class every week - Wednesday night.... "if God is willing and the creek don't rise", if you get my drift!

SO, if you want, I have no problem with your bringing in your machine and IF I can help you to use and improve your skills on your machine, I am always happy to do so!

Now, get added, read the syllibus, bring a pattern, fabric if you've got it (so I can approve it), sewing equipment and machine if you want and I will see you Wednesday night!

Have a good week-end and thanks for your speedy response,

My cheese is happy (and apparently also round)