Fit 2 Stitch

Celetse Mergens shares her personal story of how she turned an abusive childhood into a positive force to make a difference in the world. She founded an organization that works to eliminate the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation. On set, she demonstrates how the reusable contents of menstrual supplies, assembled in colorful bags, are sewn by volunteers around the world.

Diana Broussard, the queen of accessories, has worked with great designers such as Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Gucci. She shares her knowledge of accessories, their history, how to make them, and how to wear them, on this episode of Fit 2 Stitch.

Haute Couture is a very specialized system of sewing that is regulated by the French Government. However, the methods can be done by anyone, anywhere. Ella Pritsker embodies the fine art of hand-stitched custom couture in each of her stylings, from couture to lifestyle fashion. In this episode, she shares some tips and insight into the sewing methods of haute couture.

The Automatic Continuous Clothing Closure, commonly called the zipper, was first invented in 1917. Sewing in a zipper may seem like a daunting task for someone just learning to sew. Though it will take plenty of patience and practice, learning how to do it is worth your time and effort. Peggy’s guest Ella Pritsker demonstrates easy and efficient methods of zipper installation.

In this episode of Fit 2 Stitch, master tailor Nataliya Desheva shares her techniques for making professional alterations. Nataliya expertly alters a pair of men’s pants and demonstrates how to shorten a sleeve using a method that might surprise you. Besides being an expert at her craft, Nataliya brings a sense of humor and enthusiasm to the set.

The Texas Fashion Collection began in 1938 when Stanley and Edward Marcus began preserving examples of top designers' works. 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, specifically some of the hand-made collectibles.

The overlock machine, also known as a serger, was released into the sewing market in 1889 and had a great impact on the world of sewing. A serger is a machine that trims seams and encloses the seam allowances or edges of fabric. Peggy and her guest demonstrate serger methods and how to apply them to a variety of garments and useful items such as shopping bags, utility bags, and table runners.

There are numerous style archetypes, but those defined by Personal Stylist Roxanne Carne are Classic, Minimalist, Edgy, Boho, and Street. Each style archetype offers a distinct fashion statement. Knowing these archetypes allows you to develop your wardrobe and accessorize it in a way that expresses your personality and preferences. In this episode, learn how to work with Style Archetypes.

Fitting garments is said to be one of the hardest skills in sewing. Peggy defines fit as when the length, circumference, and depth of the pattern match that of the body. It is easy to say, but a bit harder to apply these concepts. On this episode of Fit-2-Stitch, Peggy explains the concepts of LCD -length, circumference, and depth and what you must know to apply them to your garments.

What is a template in sewing? It is a pattern or a part of a pattern that “works” and can be transferred and repeated from pattern to pattern. Using a template, you will know before you cut a new blouse that your neckline or arm hole will fit perfectly, saving time and frustration. Such a simple concept is genius. Peggy demonstrates how to make and use templates in this episode of Fit 2 Stitch.

Simple straight stitching is easy to practice, but we can bend those straight lines and expand our creativity by adding a curved stitch. Maria King wanted to take up sewing so she could create garments that express her own personality. In this episode, she works with Peggy to share what she has learned about concave and convex lines on the sewing machine. She is now ready to expand her creativity.

All garments, no matter how difficult, start with a straight stitch. There are a few methods we can learn that will inform how we hold our fabric, as we perfect the straight stitch. In this episode of Fit 2 Stitch, Maria King, a novice seamstress, brings her enthusiasm and humor to the set, as she demonstrates the ins and outs of creating fun and practical projects with a straight stitch.

Sewing teaches us patience, problem-solving, time management, attention to detail, and creativity. Finishing a sewing project can provide a great sense of satisfaction and joy. Peggy and her guest, psychiatrist Paul Hamilton, discuss the mental health benefits of sewing. In the segment that follows, Peggy gives an essential tutorial in how to choose the best fabric and pattern combinations.