A whole day of dressmaking suitable for anyone that can use a sewing machine and wants to add to their own or another’s wardrobe. Many commercial patterns have tricky to follow instructions and the best way to improve is to keep adding to and practising your sewing techniques. The class is small and allows your tutor plenty of time to give advice and show techniques that will help you gain a successful result. Choose a pattern according to your previous abilities, bare in mind this is a single day, so if a novice, unlike on The Great British Sewing Bee you will unlikely make as much progress in a day as you first imagine, however you will learn a lot and cement good sewing practise. Attainable projects are simple skirts or items like PJ bottoms . If you are a more advanced dressmaker then choose something to stretch your abilities as much as you wish, in this case you may wish to have prepared a little in advance or indeed require advice starting something out of your comfort zone.
Skill level- If you know how to use a sewing machine and have completed small craft projects and simple dressmaking you will be at a skill level to partake in this course. Please bare in mind your ability when choosing your pattern. As with all projects some take longer than others so you may wish to finish off at home.
Understanding of how to read a pattern
Learn how alter a commercial pattern to your requirements
Understand terms used
Methods of putting your garment together
Tips on which seams to use and where
Correct pressing techniques
Professional finishing hints and tips
You will need to bring a pattern of your choice, if possible please choose a multi size pattern. Commercial pattern sizing tends to work out smaller than dress sizes of ready made clothing so please check to ensure your basic measurements fall within the size range on the pattern. (When measuring yourself for this, bring a tape measure around your waist, hips and bust and pull tightly enough to get an accurate measurement don’t add anything for ease.)
Fabrics – Please choose the fabric quantities as advised on your pattern envelope according to your size
All notions requested on your pattern
Aly Warner
