H-F offers a range of diverse courses to students looking to enrich their skill sets and get access to resources for unique hobbies as well as possible careers. One of these classes is Clothing Construction taught by Alyssa Marassa.
The course is a part of the Family and Consumer Science program, which also includes courses like child development, culinary and interior design (also taught by Marassa).
Along with the class, Marassa sponsors a Clothing Construction Club that meets every Thursday after school until 4 p.m.
Students who take the first level of the class are guided through the process of making a pillow, a pair of pajama pants and a hoodie with fabrics of their choice. Their final for the year gives them complete freedom over what they create.
The second level course in Clothing Construction allows students to further develop and practice their skills with any project they may choose aligning with their skill level.
Senior Boston Mattingly is enrolled in the class and frequently attends club meetings.
“In the class, we’ve learned a whole bunch of different seams with the sewing machines as well as some hand seams,” Mattingly said. Along with seams, the students learn how to use patterns.
While Mattingly intends to study fashion design and merchandising after leaving high school, this isn’t the case for all of those enrolled.
Many of those taking the class continue to use their skills freelance, fixing up their clothes or starting side businesses.
“I have a sewing machine at home that I now feel more confident using and actually understand how to use.” Senior Aubrie Camp shared.
A personal favorite of Marassa’s is the “reduce, reuse, recycle” project. For this project, classes go to thrift stores to pick out various clothing that they then repurpose into something new to practice sustainability.
Seamsters find the elective particularly rewarding because, at the end of the day, students are creating things they get to take home and potentially use forever.
“It’s not just like sitting in a classroom taking notes, you’re actually doing something and creating something of your own, learning a skill you can use for the rest of your life.” Camp said.
Marassa has taught the class for seven years and throughout that time has curated a cozy, comfortable environment in her classroom, demonstrating patience, support and accommodation for these young creatives.
“My favorite part of the class is [Marassa]’s great spirits and high energy,” Mattingly shared.
Despite starting at H-F teaching culinary classes, it wasn’t a surprise when Marassa transitioned into the classes she teaches now.
“I’ve always wanted to teach clothing construction since I was a kid and my mom taught me how to sew,” Marassa reflected. Later in her life, she went on to take four years of fashion classes at Carl Sandburg High School.
Although the course is an elective focused on creativity and student enjoyment, just like other classes, it takes hard work to succeed.
“The class is difficult. You need to be a problem solver, you need to learn resilience and be able to take feedback, but I find most students really love the class,” Marassa said.
The skills taught in Clothing Construction open up a multitude of career opportunities ranging from theater costume design to bridal sewing.
