Saturday, January 20, 2007

Sew Happy! at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines =)


Back when I was in grad school, I supplemented my allowance by designing and producing made-to-order sleepwear (pajamas, girl boxers, etc.) which were regularly ordered by my very supportive friends, dorm mates, and classmates in AIM (Thanks everyone! You didn't know you were sort of putting me through grad school huh!). It all started when Rai, my roommate, saw the pajama bottoms that I had on (it was a blue floral capri pj with a blue & green striped trim and drawstring; low-slung, ie 7"-8" crotch; snug around the hips but loose around the legs). I told her that I made it for myself (with the help of the neighborhood seamstress of course!) and she asked if I could make some for her, and her sister who was leaving for Italy to study fashion and needed some stylish sleepwear I suppose (hahaha). Conci then thought that my concept would make a good DE (Development of Enterprise) project, and the idea of stylized pajamas for my clothes crazy friends took root.

Apart from Rai's orders, I soon found myself making sample items for Conci's project, and a couple of our guy classmates who wanted to order for their girlfriends as well! So when the other dorm residents saw my friends modeling my pjs on the hallways, I found myself spending all my free time just trying to fulfill orders, and breathing down my mananahi's neck to hurry up and make sure I had the items ready at the timeframe promised.

But was I stressed? No way! It was the most fun time I ever had! I walked around school with a tape measure, fabric swatches, sketches and order sheets in my bag. It was not unlikely to see me get a classmate's measurement inside the classroom, right before class started! I hung out at my mananahi's place to help her cut patterns, refine the proportions, discuss what color of drawstring ribbon would make the print "alive", stuff like that. I even got her to make me use a spare sewing machine so I could make the drawstring bags that the pajamas were packaged in!

That started my goal to one day really really really learn how to sew. Last week, I signed up for sewing classes at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. Although I inquired at Slims and Lasalle College, it was the "individual time schedule" and the very reasonable price (Php7500, with the course to be completed in a max of 6 months) that convinced me that this was the school for me.

This morning was my first day in class! And you know what! I love the place! Both the teachers and students are very warm and friendly. None of that pretentious air typically associated with fashion folks. As soon as I stepped in, I was instantly greeted with sincere smiles from the girls. I felt so welcome, even if I wasn't really a serious design student. I mean, in five minutes, I was laughing and kidding around with my sewing teacher (sewing classes are one-on-one sessions). Though she was nice, she was also very frank in telling me when I could have done a better job with my sewing exercise, and would patiently teach me how to do it all over again. When I jammed the machine because I put the bobbin case the wrong way, and one of the sewers had to stand up and unscrew the machine, all I got was some humored ribbing! I tell you, the atmosphere there is just so conducive to learning!

As Little Orphan Annie said on that day she set foot at Daddy Warbucks' Fifth Avenue mansion, "I think I'm gonna like it here!"

Fashion Institute of the Philippines
One San Miguel Avenue
Unit 2407 Shaw Boulevard corner San Miguel Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel. no. 635-5838

PS
Speaking of Annie, I broke my mom's locket and I lost the other half! I have no idea where I can get someone to make the replacement part? Thing is, its quite elaborate so it would involve a lot of engraving. Can the Bulacan jewellers do this? Help!

20 comments:

prettypower said...

hey! i wish you all the luck! :D

cd_mfo said...

Thanks Ruby! =)

prettypower said...

try my friend, connie toledo. she might be able to help with regards to your locket. her mobile no. is 0917 5217667. hope this helps - let me know, ok?

cd_mfo said...

Oh thank you! Will get in touch with her! Thanks again! =)

Anonymous said...

Hey there! I can't be any more thankful for having read your blog. For months I have been searching for a fashion school here in Manila. Whenever I google, the school that kept on appearing was College LaSalle. I wanted to search for a school with cheaper a tuition fee. So thank God for your blog! If it wasn't for your blog, I wouldn't have the address and contact number of Fashion Insti. Haha. :D Thanks.

cd_mfo said...

You're welcome Neenya! Glad to be of help! If you need any fashion related info, just let me know! I may be able to sort it out for you! =) Thanks too for visiting my blog and leaving me a heartwarming comment! I feel so useful! Haha!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tin! I've been trying to call FIL at 6355838 but keep getting "the number you dialed is not yet in service." Would you know if they have another number? Thanks so much and I can't wait to try out one of their courses!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this very inspirational piece... I've been thinking of learning to sew for the past few years. I guess reading your blog is a signal for me to just go and do it.

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks for blogging about your experience at Fashion Institute! I've been deciding between a fashion styling class at SOFA and the sewing class at FI, but I think the latter is more my thing. I don't really want a career in fashion, but I'd like to sideline in it. Haha sorry for the rambling but I'm just really excited! Thanks again!

liz said...

hi, i'm also thinking of taking up sewing classes that's why i'm really glad i got to read your blog. in the course basic sewing for ladies wear, did they also teach u how to get measurements and make patterns? :)

cd_mfo said...

Hi Liz! If I remember right, they do teach you how to take measurements. But I remember making use of the pre-made patterns they had in school. The objective of the sewing class really is to teach you how to sew. So they do help you out in cutting the fabric and getting the pieces ready for construction. I found that a prior course I took at Lasalle on pattern making prepared me well for the sewing class. It's not a prerequisite though. They are very helpful at FIP so if you want to learn more, just don't be afraid to ask questions! =)

Anonymous said...

hi,

how's the sewing class at fip? i inquired with them but the receptionist was not very helpful. :-( could you give me an idea on how many hours it took for you to finish the course? and what are the materials that we need to provide. does it also include basic pattern making? thank you very much

cd_mfo said...

Hi Anon! You have 6 months to finish the course if I remember right, and you can do it at your own pace. I only had an hour or two each weekend but you can stay longer if you want so you finish earlier than the 6 months required!

They will advice you on what materials to bring as soon as you sign up for the course. Typically you have to bring in your own sewing supplies (pins, sewing machine needles, bobbin, thread, scissors, measuring tape, etc) and buy your fabrics and that's it, you're all set! =)

Anonymous said...

Hello.. thanks for this post. I'm also interested in really learning how to sew as i've been hand-stitching some of my clothes all my life. THis is very helpful, i'm gonna call them tomorrow. THanks!

akazukin said...

hi!

I'd also like to share, its through this blog that I found out about FIP. I started my sewing class last May and I'm enjoying soo much! I even decided to pursue Basic Fashion Design and Pattern Making :-)

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi I'm from Nigeria but want to study fashion in the Philippines how can i apply thanks somuch

Unknown said...

Hi! Richien here. I'm only 15 and I guess I'm developing a hobby on how to make/sew clothes. Can I enroll there? I mean is it like a summer class or is it a real class... thanks!

cd_mfo said...

Hi Richien! Yes! You can take sewing classes at your own free time! You just have a time frame to finish your projects but you are free to come in any time!

Anonymous said...

Hi! Can I ask if how much is the tuition fee? I've been searching and I'm kinda confused. How many semesters do FIP have and how many years will it take you to finish their course. Thanks :)

cd_mfo said...

Hi Anon! It depends on the course you are taking, you may contact FIP via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FIP.Makati

Related Posts with Thumbnails