If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.

First published: 11/6/2015
It generally takes me a long time to learn most things. 
I only  discovered I was dyslexic in 2010 while doing teacher training.
It took me almost two years and three attempts to finally pass my driving test. It took six months of driving my first car before I was truly comfortable driving alone, knowing there was no-one else with access to a secondary brake pedal.

It took me so long to learn how to pattern cut, I do not actually remember when I finally got to the stage I could create a complete pattern on my own. I studied fashion for five years, with at least one pattern cutting class per week. I also made things for myself in my own time... some projects were more successful than others.

When I graduated and started my first job as a pattern cutter and design room assistant, I discovered that many of the pattern cutting processes I was taught in college were too slow for industry work. I heard time and time again, “Oh! I haven’t seen it done like that in years! We don’t do it like that…” (Usually accompanied by an “oh, bless..” smile.)

I guess learning to pattern cut in college is like learning to drive - I learnt the skills I needed to pass the courses, then I needed to learn how to pattern cut for day to day purposes.

Over the years (as I previously mentioned in my blog “Networking is no longer a dirty word”), I have been lucky enough to work with some really talented and skilled pattern cutters and machinists who were willing to pass on their knowledge to me. I used to be so unsure of what I was doing, working in fear that making a mistake could hinder my career progress. Once I gained confidence (Yes, Allyson confidence IS the key! I still have the card you gave me J), I realized that I learn from every mistake, so fear of making mistakes should not be my focus. I should simply ‘give it a go’ and see what happened.

It makes me smile now, when I am teaching and see pattern cutting and sewing students have similar struggles I had. I now hear myself giving the same advice I was given by all the people who have taught me. I have been pattern cutting for over 20 years and I am still learning! I have found teaching has really helped me see just how much I have learnt….so far.

Now that I have now moved in to leather work, I found I am more willing to make lots of mistakes, as I understand it is all part of the process of learning and mastering new skills. I also have a better understanding of how I learn. 

So, frustrated pattern cutters , new learners in general.. Just be patient with yourself. Things WILL go wrong, sometimes you will have to start again from the beginning. It will take a while to understand what works for you when learning new things.
But ”If at first you don’t succeed…”
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https://uk.pinterest.com/infodeco22/teaching/

Sewing and pattern cutting

https://uk.pinterest.com/infodeco22/sewing-and-pattern-cutting/

Other blogs that might interest you.

Teaching blog

http://principalj.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/encouraging-growth-mindset.html

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