Taking a sewing class was something fun to do while obtaining extra credits for Stacey Ruff. She had no idea the effect it would have on her and her future.
“I loved it!” Ruff said. It started with her taking the class to see now she would do at it, but after enjoying the course she decided to take more, and eventually chose Apparel, Textile and Merchandising as her minor.
The ATM program is the ideal path to take for students who are interested or have a passion for fashion in any of its many forms. The program is designed to allow students hands-on training and experience through designing, merchandising and textile technology.
The program is designed so students are able to learn and experience every aspect offered within the fashion industry, all of which stem from the three main categories of textiles, fashion/design and merchandising.
Each category explores the importance to the fashion industry.
The textile courses explain the science behind fabrics, while design courses teach students how to sew, create and construct garments.
The merchandising courses teach the formulas and rules of buying, mathematics and visual aspects of fashion. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Christina Ballard credits the hands-on experience from the ATM classes as the reason she enjoys the program so much.
“I think the fact that I’m not just reading and being lectured all the time actually allows me to learn more, in these classes I’m excited about learning,” Reeves said.
The program offers a range of classes that appeal to the needs of anyone interested in being involved with the fashion industry.
Learning within the ATM program isn’t strictly in the classroom.
On the runway and in the display cases in Roosevelt is where students can present what they have learned. Students in the program develop and construct a fashion show every spring.
The show gives students and local designers a chance to reveal their personal creations on the catwalk. A fashion show production class is offered that gives students the hands-on experience of putting together a live fashion show, viewed by all on campus, where tickets are sold.
Ruff enjoyed the sewing course so much she submitted garments to be viewed in the 2009 Synergy fashion show. The hard work and demanding hours didn’t discourage Ruff for wanting to pursue this as a career.
“Being a part of the fashion show was a bit overwhelming, but in the end all my hard work paid off and I was so proud of myself.”
Ruff said it was the ATM program and its teachers that helped her decide she wanted to pursue a career in fashion.
“I either want to open up my own boutique or start my own clothing line, with the experience that I’ve learned from the program I feel confident,” she said.
Each year numerous trips are offered to New York and Los Angeles so students can view fashion districts where they attend seminars, get an exclusive behind-the-scene view of design studios, view museums and shop.
The annual career day takes place in Chicago every fall. Students take the train to Merchandise Mart, where they attend a job fair, seminars and speeches from essential fashion experts about the competitive field of fashion.
