It’s finally happening. After years of lurking on their Blog and Instagram, I’m going to The Tailoring Academy in Macclesfield , UK!
I’ll be joining four other Americans and one student from France as the “international contingent” for the next 10 months. We’ll be the first group to go through the newly created pathway that allows non UK students to participate in the programme. (notice how I threw that British-ism in there!).
For all the tailoring geeks (you know who you are). Enjoy falling down this rabbit hole!
Ok, If you watched the video we’re WAY off track. This is supposed to be a video about my back to school clothes. I mean, what do you pack when you’re going to be away from home for almost a year? Add to that, it’s going to be mostly winter and reportedly raining A LOT. Oh yes….you’re also going to be walking everywhere.
I decided my feet come first, since I’ll be without a car for almost a year. After being hugely disappointed at the local outdoor Maine institution a few towns away (you know who I’m talking about), I ended up at REI (gasp!) and picked up these waterproof hiking boots. Amazingly comfortable! These guys have to take me everywhere and I’m sure they will. Gloves, check – Scarf, check – Wool bomber jacket, check!
Have I ever mentioned that I hate being cold? I pulled out all the heavy shirts in my closet and it became clear that I needed more. Luckily I had some heavy plaid flannel from Stylemaker Fabrics in my stash, so I could add another warm shirt. Stash busting and practicality all in one. Win / Win.
I’m a compulsive scrap saver, so had some coordinating pinwale corduroy left over from the Stylemaker Blog Tour that I participated in several years ago. Back then I made the Belvedere Waistcoat with it. This time I used the leftovers to make a storm flap, inner cuffs and inner collar stand. I also threw in some polka dot shirting for the inner yoke. I love how it turned out. The lesson here..If you’re a shirt maker, it pays to save scraps!
Pantone has selected Orange Tiger as one of its colors for Fall / Winter 2022-23, and I’m here for it! These shorts, a hack of Thread Theory’s Jedediah Pants, may not be quite as bright as Pantone’s orange, but they meld perfectly with my existing wardrobe and seem ready for end of Summer days; here in Maine or in England.
I think the Trend Council would approve of my choices!
I like to try new things with old patterns. This time I popped in a little coin pocket at the left front. It’s really just a miniature version of the welt pockets I make on the backs. That’s one of the beauties of being able to make our own clothes. One thing just leads to another. Fabrics from Mood, NYC.
I’m taking my Faux Fur / Harris tweed fold-over messenger bag with me because of its versatility. It can carry a laptop or food from Tesco. (You can buy premixed G & T’s in cans there! Seriously)
I figured a pair of jeans would come in handy. These are the Quadra Jeans from Thread Theory. I’ve made them once before, so this pair went together quickly. I have a couple of videos for making these jeans on my YouTube channel. It’s a fun pattern to make, and a lot easier than I thought. The fabric is an olive green Japanese denim from Stylemaker Fabrics. I believe it’s still available if you have a hankering to be Mr. Green Jeans.
I used a batik cotton from JoAnn’s for the pocketing. I also used Ban Roll interfacing for the waistband which I prefer. I’ve probably mentioned it before, but I have a video on my YouTube channel that shows how to use it. It takes a little more time and effort, but I feel it’s worth it.
I had a little extra fabric left over, so I made a dust cover for my beloved Singer 201. In fact, I made covers for all my machines (even the ones that are still being repaired!). I know it sounds crazy, but I’ll miss them, and want to be sure they’re protected while I’m away.
Lastly, I made these wide wale corduroy trousers. The fabric is deep stash Michael Kors from Gorgeous Fabrics (long gone, but Ann has something similar in stock now). These guys are guaranteed to keep me warm. I thought it would be difficult to work with corduroy, but it was a snap. And for those who care, green also features heavily in the menswear Fall / Winter color forecasts.
These trousers are my “go to” Jedediah Pants by Thread Theory. When working with a heavy fabric like this corduroy, I use rayon seam binding to reduce bulk wherever I can. It works well inside the pockets, and is so much more glamorous than serging. No one ever sees it, but I love knowing it’s there. And that pistachio green….Swoon!
The pocketing and bias binding is quilting cotton from JoAnn’s. Just a yard can take your makes to the next level, and it’s a great way to really personalize your makes. I love this green / purple combination. Party on the inside!
Off to school!
And if you ever need proof that sewing people are the BEST…….These arrived as a Bon Voyage gift from a dear sewing friend. I can’t wait to sew them into what comes next!
I would never be at this juncture if it weren’t for the encouragement and support I receive from the sewing community. I am so grateful. Be well and keep sewing!
Mainelymenswear 
I am so happy for you. I really hope you will have time to continue to blog or video update us about your journey. Truly you are an inspiration to the believers of life long learning.
All the best from a Canadian follower of your sewing journey.
Now, I must get back to finishing the Belvedere waistcoats that you inspired me to make for my husband and brother-in-law.
Donna DeCourcy
Sent from my iPad
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Your sewing is great now so no doubt this will take you to a very new level . It is not always raining here in England but I trust you have a great time and look forward to future posts, enjoy yourself.
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As someone who has followed your blog for years, I can’t think of a better person to represent the USA at this school than you, Duane. I look forward to your posts from England and hope that this class will be everything you hoped for.
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THRILLED for you! And … I can’t wait for your reports back from Eden to the rest of us! Congratulations!
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How exciting to be off to school and a new adventure! Please keep us up to date – I love your blog and think you make fantastic clothes and have a great sense of style. I expect to see you with a brolly and bowler. Have a wonderful, safe time in Jolly Olde!
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I know that you will enjoy your trip. Be safe! I can’t wait until you show us what you have learned on your journey. By the way, I love those green jeans and the cords on you. Just “smashing”.
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What great news. I hope the course is all that you wish it to be and I hope it goes well. Good luck!
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My goodness, how exciting! What an adventure! Have an absolutely wonderful and learning time! I can’t wait to hear about it, vicariously enjoy it and learn from your new knowledge. Also glad to hear from you after a stretch – but I see you have been sewing up a storm. Thinking of this delight for you makes my day!
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This looks amazing! As does your wardrobe!!! Congratulations on your acceptance; I’m sure it will be an amazing experience!!!!!
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How exciting! I am looking forward to vicariously enjoying your time abroad and the projects you produce, which will be even more beaurtiful! You are an inspiration!
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I’m rather thrilled that you’re coming to my country to study tailoring – I certainly hope you enjoy it and it meets your expectations. I’ve never been to Macclesfield – it’s up north and I’m a southerner, but I think you can reliably expect plenty of rain but hopefully a warm welcome. Northerners are reputed to be a much friendlier lot than we southerners. Lastly, I hope you like pubs – as you’ll be missing a lot out if you don’t! I wish you all the best.
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God speed, and be safe! I look forward to all and any blogs while you are away. Take good care and I know you’ll have a blast!
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Your wardrobe is wonderful, I love the color palette! You look great ! I am sure you will have an exciting year of creativity and learning. Wishing you all the best. Keep us posted, please
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Bon voyage!! Pls. post your adventures in England!
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Love the bag, love the clothes! But I see a big gap here – where are the wool socks?!? You might also consider a pair of good old Clarks once you get there, so you don’t always look like an American backpacking refugee, countries where people really walk have much better shoes (for men at least). Can’t wait to read more about your adventures!
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Well have a wonderful time. I think that you will impress the other participants with your well made superbly finished garments!
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Oh, I so hope this adventure exceeds your wildest expectations! I really enjoy your blog and videos, your beautiful clothes and how you figure out how to do new things. I hope you share some of what you are learning. I will wait with bated breath.
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this program sounds fantastic and your sewing will be super-powered after this as it’s already amazing! love the whole wardrobe and the colors. And love the reference to Mr. Green Jeans, one of my childhood favorites.
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What an opportunity. There are loads of us who would love to be able to take time and indulge in this experience. Enjoy every minute and keep your readers updated.
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No doubt a fabulous opportunity. But most commendable is your willingness to live your dreams! It takes courage and determination, and for that you should be proudest of all.
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Such a wonderful post, Duane. All of your sewing friends are thrilled for you. Your back to school makes will be perfect for your new experiences. I hope you’ll have time to keep us posted. Nirmala
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Oh my gosh, you are soo in for a fabulous time. Sew sew sew, and all those tiny little tips and tricks you will learn. Enjoy every moment . The UK is fabulous. Safe Travels and God’s protection.
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Hey Duane, so happy for you to experience UK weather and Tesco shopping. I spent 8 years in the North of England and even went to college there to see how their fashion techniques differ from the US colleges. Tesco trifles and Barbary duck breasts can’t be beat! Best of luck, my friend!
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I am absolutely thrilled that this has finally happened, we discussed it when we had dinner with you. Your machines will miss you but they will be ready and waiting for all the inspiration that you will have on your return.
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What wonderful news, the course sounds great and I am sure you will have a great experience. Just one thing your headwear is more likely to be a flat cap (or the ubiquitous baseball cap) rather than a bowler (that is for, or was for, City gents). You will also get the chance to buy some fabulous British fabrics. Have a marvellous time.
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Have a wonderful time! I’m jealous.
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Your clothing is already fabulous! I can’t wait to see what you produce during, I hope that you will be posting while there, and after. My grandmother always told me that the inside should be as beautiful as the outside and you have certainly met her expectations. I do love a good Hong Kong finish. It’s so nice when you put it on to see it. Have a wonderful time.
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My grinch heart just grew 3 sizes. This is so exciting! Are you sure they don’t want you there to TEACH? I love all of the details in your garments, especially the ones just visible to the wearer.
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Happy trails Mr Greenjeans! Your back to school wardrobe is just perfect and now you have sent me down the rabbit hole of trying to make trousers with all the trimmings inside. Looking forward to following you thru the UK, what a dream year this will be. Footwear👈🏿👍
Blanca
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Oh I’m so excited for you!!! Have the best time!
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Loved this “back to school” blog post–interesting and instructional. Best Wishes for a safe and successful journey. If the opportunity arises keep us in the loop on your happenings.
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Hi Dwayne, long-time lurker here from the UK, so excited for you! Welcome to England (when you get here)! Your packing plans look a lot like what I’m dreaming of making for autumn/winter here so hopefully we’re both right. Travel safe, Luke in Oxford
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*Duane, sorry for the mistake!! Forgot to say as well that the pistachio seam binding is so gorgeous, got to copy that. Do let us know if you’re going to visit any other bits of the UK, I’d be happy to buy you a cuppa and show you around Oxford (altho our fabric shopping opportunities are almost non-existent so I’d be surprised if you were in town 🙂 )
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International sewing! The adventure of a lifetime begins!
Please pack your blog in your pocket.
Ah, Mr. Green Jeans – this world could use his insight and kindness right about now.
Safe travels…
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So happy for you, I know you’ll be busy but I hope you’ll keep us posted on EVERYTHING. Macclesfield is my ancestral territory (before my parents emigrated to Canada) – have visited the Silk Museum and very much enjoyed it. Lots to see in the area when you have a free weekend.
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Fabulous news! It doesn’t always rain here, honest (hasn’t for months now) and our winters are usually pretty mild. That said, I’m in the southwest and it’s definitely wetter and colder up north. I hope you enjoy our beautiful country, learn lots and keep us all updated with your inspirational blog posts xx
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How exciting. I live just over an hour away from Macclesfield and was blithely unaware of the academy. Thanks to you I’m now on their mailing list to do the week long bespoke shirt course as an introduction with a hope that I can join the tailoring cohort in 2023 or 2024.
And, of course, do reach out if you need any help whilst you’re here. Have a most fabulous time!
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Congratulations! That is so exciting. I can’t wait to see all the new things you learn you do such a beautiful job with garment now. Cheers!
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I enjoy learning from you , even though I sew for myself. A 75 year old great grandmother…you have great tutorials for all sewists.
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Great makes for a fabulous adventure!!!
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