Fit 2 Stitch

Peggy’s guest, Cindy Vance, loves to create artistic compositions by putting together scraps of fabric, beads, fur, leather, and other materials. In this episode of Fit 2 Stitch, Cindy shares some great tips on how to create high-end items with everyday materials.

Haute Couture is a very specialized method of sewing that is regulated by the French Government and includes business restrictions as well as sewing methods. However, the methods can be done by anyone, anywhere. Ella Prikster embodies the fine art of hand-stitched custom couture in each of her stylings and shares some tips and insight into the sewing methods of haute couture.

Stonehenge was the first neckwear manufacturer to transpose artwork onto neckwear, including the works of Jerry Garcia, Miles Davis and Christopher Reeve. More than conversation pieces, the company's ties quickly became some of the hippest, most commercially successful ties in the world. Ella Prikster is the hands-on maker of many of these ties.

Roxanne Carne is an expert at strategies for determining what colors work best with your skin tone. She helps her clients discover their own personal style and feel confident in their fashion choices. On this episode of Fit 2 Stitch, she explains the science behind her method and does a live color analysis for her friend Karen.

Annette shows us examples by American designer Nancy Johnson, who specializes in vintage-inspired, romantic women’s clothing; Todd Oldham, an innovative designer who recontextualizes familiar materials into a fashion context that makes us consider them in a new way. And Japanese designer, Hanae Mori, who would upcycle, or repurpose textiles from traditional Kimonos into contemporary designs.

Karl Lagerfeld was a German designer and the creative director of Chanel from 1983 until his death. He was instrumental in revitalizing the Chanel brand, helping it regain its position as one of the top fashion houses in the world. Discover the story of Karl Lagerfeld through our guest Matthew Minick, stylist, ready-to-wear and fur expert at the Fendi Boutique in Dallas, TX.

Drawing from the Texas Fashion Collection and her vast knowledge of fashion history, Annette shows us the evolution and influences on the woman’s suit. Beginning with an ornate men’s suit from the 17th century to Armani, Patrick Kelly and Bonnie Cashion, Annette shares insightful details about each of these designers and their influence on the history of fashion.

Designer James Galanos was famously known for dressing Nancy Reagan, actress Rosalind Russel, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Dianna Ross and many others. Michael Faircloth, a personal colleague of James Galanos, will show us what sets these garments apart and some ideas on applying Galanos’ techniques to our fashions using garments from the Texas Fashion Collection.

The Texas Fashion Collection began in 1938 when Stanley and Edward Marcus preserved examples of top designers' works in honor of Carrie Marcus Neiman. These artifacts became part of a continuing collection housed at UNT. Annette Becker, director of the 20,000-piece collection, gives us a privileged look inside a few of these distinguished garments.

Matt Porter is an educator and researcher with a design specialty in menswear and custom tailoring. In this episode, he introduces us to the basic types and construction of pockets. We learn that pockets can not only be practical, but add flare and elegant detail to a garment. Matt is a very precise teacher and makes it fun to learn.

This episode of Fit 2 Stitch is about flat pattern making and draping. A lack of pattern knowledge can be frustrating. Draping and flat patterns are related, but how? Host Peggy Sagers firmly believes that knowing patterns helps us become more successful seamstresses. Expert pattern maker and teacher Barbara Trippeer collaborates with Peggy to illustrate step-by-step pattern making..

Matt Porter is an educator and researcher with a design specialty in menswear and custom tailoring. In this episode, Matt gives a step-by-step lesson in the construction of men’s pants. Matt is an experienced and fun teacher. With particular attention to the construction of the waistband, he shares the meticulous details that can make men’s pants fit perfectly and make a fashion statement.