Stars on the red carpet are often asked, “What are you wearing?” in reference to who designed their attire. Participants in CSMA’s Project Fashion summer camp are also learning how to bring their own personal creations to life.
From how to follow a sewing pattern to how to use a sewing machine, this camp provides all the tools to create personalized looks.
Participants (Ages 10-13) have an introduction to fashion design and sketching, then jump into sewing. They receive guided instruction to help take their ideas off the page and turn them into real pieces of clothing and fashion accessories.
One participant shared that she often sews by hand so the Project Fashion camp was an introduction to learning how to use the sewing machine. She said she was excited to see how her pleated skirt turns out.
Many camp participants liked the idea of creating something from start to finish. They also learn something new every day.
“I’ve hand sewn before but this was my first time using a sewing machine,” one camp participant said. “It’s definitely more practical and faster.”
CSMA’s Project Fashion Camp is taught by Junghun Yu. Junghun holds an MA in Apparel Design from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a fashion designer for women’s apparel companies for more than six years in Seoul, South Korea and has taught fashion illustration and pattern making courses at the Arts Institute of California.
Junghun encourages her students through the creative process as they work on their designs. Her teaching philosophy is one centered on acceptance.
“I believe students thrive in an accepting and positive atmosphere. I want my students to feel that fashion classes are a safe space to try something new and risk making mistakes while learning new skills. It’s important to me that my students experience the physical process of drawing illustrations, making clothing, or pattern making and see how enjoyable it can be.”
In addition to summer camps, CSMA offers a range of fashion classes throughout the year, for kids, teens and adults. Learn more about our programs at arts4all.org.
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
