The best way to learn tailoring starts by knowing WHY you want to learn tailoring. Intention is everything. Defining your intention will filter out the pathways you should avoid or navigate towards.
I want to learn tailoring TO make clothes for myself.
I want to learn tailoring TO make it my profession.
I want to learn tailoring TO set up a business.
I want to learn tailoring TO ….
Different intentions require different commitments and sacrifices. You must know with great clarity which commitments and sacrifices your path requires you to make.
Example:
If you want to learn tailoring as a hobby, an online course may be sufficient. But if you want to make it a profession, you will need to position yourself in a workshop environment. As a hobby, learning the techniques will probably be the most important thing, but as a business, you will have to network with suppliers, learn about workshop management, marketing and more.
The clearer you define your intentions, the more obvious your choices will be. Your inner compass becomes more accurate.
To define your intentions, ask yourself:
Why do I want to learn tailoring? To do what exactly?
You don't have to answer this question immediately. Maybe you don't know it yet. We are often drawn to things without fully understanding why. But asking yourself that question will put your brain to work and before you know it, an answer will appear.
Once you know your intention, as vague as it may be, ask yourself:
What do I need to learn to successfully do what I intend?
Again, let your brain do some background processing. While you mind your daily tasks, answers will present themselves. Try to hold on to these and articulate them. See if they fit your intentions.
Once you know your intentions and what you must learn to get there, ask yourself:
Where can I learn these best?
Sometimes a few books are enough. Other times, you will have to find a mentor, a peer group or an institution to find the knowledge and opportunities you're looking for. If you're living in a country with limited industry factors (suppliers, schools, books, workshops, funding, customers etc.), you may have to relocate to another country.
One thing is certain: the better you articulate what you want, along with why and how you want it, the faster your route to that destination will be. Good decisions begin with having a clear vision for the outcome.
Reza
To have a Mentor is very important. If I find one I could improve and develop my tailoring in a more confident way.
Sounds like great advice to me. I learn new things for several reasons, but it usually starts as research for a novel or to solve a problem. In the process of learning about whatever it is, I always wonder about the people who make a living doing it. I also wonder about the people who started and built successful businesses, what got them interested in it, how they learned to do it, what they’ve added to the industry, and where they see the future of their business going.
I truly hope Reza’s school takes off, and everyone involved in tailoring contributes to its growth. 👍
Thank you for the clarifying questions, Reza.