Helping revolutionize the DIY clothing and cosplay world one stitch at a time.

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Anyone who's tried to make a proper tailored costume knows that it's not easy. I'm a student of the sartorial arts, and I've been studying the ways of the old masters on my own since 2008. Becoming a master tailor is a life-long journey, but I've had the urge to share the information I've discovered. The net is here! There's no reason not to, and it will help others.

I'm making several different learning tools. These include how-to videos, remastered books, articles, and diagrams. I have a background in graphic design, A/V production, and desktop publishing, so I'm utilizing these skills to create everything myself. Patreon is a my tip jar which I'm hoping will enable me to create bigger and better things, and more frequently.

Things I'm making:

• A Video-based Tutorial Series, demonstrating how to perform the functions of tailoring.
• A repository of historic texts, drafts, photo plates, and illustrations.

Things I want to make:

• Free software for drafting and fitting which includes 3D scanning and virtual mannequins.
• Interviews with professional tailors and clothiers to get an inside look at the real deal.
• Field trips to destinations like shops, fashion districts, historic landmarks, conventions and events!
• Live broadcasts and workshops from the Brass & Mortar Riverside Steamshop in Reno.
• A learning website and marketplace for people to share works freely,

Project highlight after finishing a 1930's vintage suit:


A Madman on a Mission.

In 2008, I fell head-over-heels in love with the "dying trade" of vintage bespoke tailoring.  Without a master to study under, I set forth to teach myself.  It involved long, hard hours of studying period texts, conversing with professionals, visiting museum collections, and analytical problem solving.  I didn't speak to people for days at a time, or see the light of day for months as I hunkered down in my apartment and studied.

People thought I was crazy, unteachable, stubborn! ... But it was working.

I was determined to back every stitch with historical knowledge.  If I hit a snag, I stopped and searched for the answer, sometimes for a month or longer, creating my own updated reading material if I had to.  Once the piece was found, I moved onto the next step.  As I grasped the fundamentals, it all started to click.  The result was empowering!  The process became freer and intuitive, instead of merely following a recipe.  More importantly, I was astounded at how easy and quick it became!

I believe that learning involves acknowledging both one's successes and failures, so I documented my progress openly, critically analyzing all of my mistakes so others can learn from them instead of repeating them.

A turning point:

Learning would have been a snap had there been someone to demonstrate the processes.  "If I could get only these books to jump out of the pages and SHOW me," I remember thinking, "the learning curve would have been MUCH less severe."  Something needed to be done.  Seeing as there were no videos online, I decided to make them myself, open-source style.  I started with basic hand-stitching tutorials.  I began to plan a full video curriculum.  Things were looking up, but things became delayed!

Because of financial constraints, I was forced to get a "real job" and take a respite.  (In other words, I was about to run myself into the ground with my obsession, and needed a reality check.)  I also had my eyes set on a better location to pursue my goals.  Now, I'm back, with a full workspace inside a supportive local artist commune.  It is time.

With the support of my fans on Patreon, I know we can do this!  Let's give the power of creativity back to the masses.  Let's create a world filled with handmade, beautiful, luxuriously-fitting clothes that we can all enjoy. Whether you are a chardonnay-sipping Mahler devotee or an absinthe-touting upbeat fandomite, bespoke tailoring has something for you.

The Long-Term Goal:

My long-term goal is to create a free Khan Academy-style community learning website where tailors and students can interact in a constructive, positive manner.  Students can chart their progress, and others more experienced can guide them.  Creating the fundamental videos is the first step. Help me turn the world into a fun, global classroom where beautiful, custom-tailored garments are a possibility for everyone!
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