Last term I was in an introductory pattern drafting class and I really enjoyed it! Well technically I was in two pattern drafting classes, Intro to Pattern Drafting and Haute Couture Pattern Drafting. Intro was one term, and Haute Couture was two terms. Both are now done. I learned quite a lot. It was also interesting comparing the two classes, as one was more orientated towards industry or ready-to-wear (RTW) techniques and the other was oriented towards an “older” or Haute Couture method. Intro was taught by a young woman who graduated a while ago from Kwantlen and the other was taught by an old 80 year old woman with an accent. The old woman, named Blossom Jenab, is a very skilled woman who has been making clothes for decades and has been teaching in Vancouver for a long time as well. She teaches various courses in pattern drafting, draping, embroidery, and bead work. Very couture!
However, I am not sure if she will be able to continue teaching. During the second term of the class, she had to bring in a former student of hers to finish teaching the class. Blossom needed to go to hospital for a surgery. I was/am very sad about this. I feel like I could have taken her other courses and learned so much from this woman. C’est la vie. I am young, there will be other opportunities. I am mostly worried for her health. She is such a lovely old lady with brash and brusque mannerisms. Such a breath of fresh air in comparison to polite and sometimes passive aggressive Vancouerites.
