Page:The cutters' practical guide to the cutting of ladies' garments.djvu/111



In response to many enquiries continually reaching us, from young men desirous of improving their position in the world of tailoring, we find it desirable to state briefly in the form of a prospectus, not only the course it is necessary to pursue, that these young men may attain the object of their ambition ; but also to impart a little information and sound advice which may guide them as to the best way to go about it. Most young men, of an intelligent and aspiring turn of mind, when they have acquired a fair knowledge of practical tailoring, look with longing eyes towards the Shears and the Cutting Board, and picture to themselves a time when they hope to be foremen, to wield the larger implements with skill and dexterity. They are conversant with the history of many men who started in the humblest circumstances, who achieved marked success, and became a credit to their calling. They think of Andrew Johnson, the poor fatherless lad, who while still in his teens, supported his mother by his skilful use of the needle and the venerable goose, and who eventually became President of the United States—a distinguished statesman as well as tailor. Well, doubtless young men can say to themselves and act on the belief that " what man has done, man can do ; but to do so, young men must set themselves to be masters of their business in all its branches. They must be like the needle, whatever they undertake they must go through with it Their first ambition must be, to master the practical problems in connection with the business. We say practical problems ; for not a few men waste both their time and energies on theories and controversies, which profit neither themselves nor anyone else. The practical outcome of this stage of the young man's ambition must be his finding himself a successful cutter. Coming now more directly to the point, we shall enquire briefly as to the time

Circumstances so alter cases, that it would be impossible to give one definite, unqualified reply to this question. As we look back over twenty five years, and the long line of students who have passed through our Cutting Academy more in number doubtless than have attended any similar Academy in Europe—we have received Students of every age, from 15 to 50 years, and of pretty well every variety of capacity and circumstances. But recently we received a youth of 15, son of a master tailor in the City desirous of getting his son an early and complete education in the Art of Cutting. He came for a term of three months, which was afterwards extended to four months. Being an intelligent and devoted lad, desirous of acquiring the Art, he not only acquired the systems with their varied applications to disproportionate figures and different styles of garment, but also gave special attention to the daily lectures—the subjects of which for the ensuing season will be found further on in this prospectus—and took notes to impress the different points upon his mind. Shortly after leaving the Academy he secured a situation in a middle class trade, which he kept, with credit to himself, and profit to his employer. This we admit is a somewhat exceptional case. We relate it to show what can be done.