GLM Workshop Holding Report

Activity Record 2023.09.03 19:12

On Saturday, September 2, 2023, we held the 1st GLM Workshop!

This time, we welcomed Ruri-sama from the popular brand "Sakauji Ruyamato," known for classic style Lolita fashion items, as the instructor, and held a workshop on how to make a classic headdress.

Handmaking Lolita fashion items full of frills and lace can be tricky, and many people may feel it's a high hurdle to start by just copying what they see.

We have been planning a project in the form of a "workshop" to overcome this hurdle together with everyone.

We decided to hold this workshop hoping it would encourage many people to try Lolita for the first time, seek a more personalized Lolita style, or take the first step toward becoming a Lolita item creator.

▲ Example of option combinations

▲ New Make Labo

This time, the venue was "New Make Labo," a facility in Harajuku that upcycles clothes and miscellaneous goods.

This facility upcycles clothes and goods provided by domestic and international brands to address the issue of clothing waste. Community members can use the sewing machines, printers, sewing tools, and materials inside the facility free of charge.

Although workshops have been held here before, this was the first genre-specific course like the headdress workshop!

- The Day Before -

▲ Preparation completed the day before



We set threads on the sewing machines participants will use and did test sewing, checking that all selected materials were included.

The headdress pattern is the ultimate size and shape that instructor Ruri-san reached after making many prototypes!

We are excited thinking that tomorrow participants' hands will create three-dimensional headdresses.

- The Day Of -

▲ Harajuku on the morning of the day



The weather was sunny! Although it is September, the temperature was still a summer-like 35 degrees in Harajuku.



The workshop was held in three 2-hour sessions.

We had done demonstrations before, but the first session with customers was nerve-wracking.



We were surprised by the wide age range of participants, from teens to 50s, regardless of gender!

Some came with school classmates, some were invited by their daughters, and some came from afar, which made us very happy.

▲ Headdress making kits distributed to participants



At the start time, we began by explaining the kit contents.

The kit included materials, a very easy-to-understand photo step-by-step instruction manual, and a pattern for making your own after the workshop (commercial use allowed) — a luxurious set!



Many participants hadn't used a sewing machine for a long time, so we also gave a lecture on how to operate it.

This time, to encourage casual accessory making, we used fabric glue for temporary fixing and attaching motifs.

The instructor constantly circulated, teaching each participant how to finish more beautifully and tips.

With moderate conversation, everyone worked quietly and progressed faster than expected, which surprised us!

The biggest challenge was gathering and sewing the lace! But since it's an essential step for Lolita items, we explained it carefully.

Participants who struggled at first became much faster by the time they finished gathering the lace!

Gathering the lace makes it feel closer to the finished form, which is exciting♪

Sewing the gathered lace onto the base requires careful positioning and ensuring the lace doesn't fold while sewing, which many found difficult.

However, everyone persevered, going back to sew missed spots or fixing by hand.

Once the gathered lace was attached, it was almost done!

Finally, we removed unnecessary threads and attached motifs to complete.

Even with the same kit contents, some made very carefully following the sample, some creatively placed lace differently for a unique impression, and some used scrap materials provided by New Make Labo to create more individual styles, each shining with charm.

▲ Work using pearls provided by New Make

▲ Work using bijoux provided by New Make



Some participants who were worried, saying "It's been since elementary school that I touched a sewing machine, I wonder if I can do it..." ended up smiling happily, looking at the completed headdress saying, "I made it myself!" which made us happy to see.

▲ Customer who came coordinated with the headdress



Some customers even came dressed to match the headdress they were making that day!



In the post-workshop survey,



"At first, I was worried because the style was different from the Lolita I usually wear, and I thought I might not use it... but after using it, maybe because of the affection, I really like the piece I made!"



"It was very fun! I applied because I wanted to experience making something myself. I want to try making various kinds from now on."



We received such happy comments. We are truly glad to have held this event as it increased the option of "making your own Lolita items" for some participants.

We will continue to invite various instructors and hold workshops to make Lolita items, so please look forward to future updates!

▲ Left: Instructor Ruri-sama from "Sakauji Ruyamato" Right: GLM organizer Yamada



And...!

We have other events planned within the year! We look forward to your participation.



🧺 2023/9/23 (Sat) GLM FREA MARKET3

@IKE BIZ (Ikebukuro Station)

GLM FREA MARKET, abbreviated as GLM Flea Market

A flea market hosted by the Gothic Lolita Market for gothic and Lolita fans!

Clothes, accessories, miscellaneous goods, tableware, books, furniture... many items that will delight you gather here. Whether you are looking for something or want to start wearing Lolita clothes, or seek a blend of old and new, please come.

　[Exhibitors Wanted!]

▼ Details

https://gothicandlolitamarket.themedia.jp/posts/33211796/



🌹 2023/10/7 (Sat) 9th Gothic and Lolita Market

@WITH HARAJUKU HALL (Harajuku Station)

Japan's largest event gathering all genres of gothic and Lolita

"Gothic and Lolita Market"

Also known as GosuLoli Market, held twice a year in spring and autumn, with over 100 gothic and Lolita brands and more than 1000 enthusiasts gathering in the sacred place Harajuku.

Besides brand sales, there is a popular project of coordinated snap photography by professional photographer Motonari Takayama!

A dream space overflowing with "cute."

▼ Details

https://gothicandlolitamarket.themedia.jp/posts/36712228/



🇺🇸 2023/12/8~12/10 GLM in San Francisco

Coming soon✨