New City & Guilds Pattern Cutting Course Dates!

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Anyone who has used dressmaking patterns and is interested in designing their own clothes.  You will get the most out of the course if you can do the following:

• use a sewing machine

• read a dressmaking pattern

• basic arithmetic with or without a calculator.

THERE WILL ONLY BE A MAXIMUM OF 4 STUDENTS PER COURSE MEANING PLENTY OF 1-2-1 HELP FROM THE TUTOR.

WHAT IS COVERED ON THE COURSE:

Your final assessment will be based on a folio of your work, there is no written exam.  The course will cover the following:

•  drafting a basic skirt and trouser block

•  making a toile (sample garment) for the 2 blocks

•  making fit adjustments to toiles

•  looking at the historical, cultural and contemporary design of  skirts and trousers

•  producing your own design for a skirt or trousers

•  making a pattern for your own design

•  making a toile for your own design.

WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO BY THE END OF THE COURSE?

•  understand the basics of pattern cutting and basic style adaptations

•  take accurate body measurements

•  adjust patterns to get a better fit

•  use research to produce your own designs

•  use templates to draw up your own design ideas

•  understand how to choose the best fabric for your designs

•  plan the making of a garment and understand the costs involved.

WILL THIS COURSE HELP ME GET A JOB IN FASHION?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career within the fashion industry or setting up your own business, a City & Guilds course is a nationally recognised qualification focussed on the practical skills needed in that industry.   This qualification is endorsed by Creative Skillset (the Sector Skills Council for creative industries)

Following a structured, nationally recognised course will demonstrate your interest and commitment to potential employers.

COURSE DATES:

35 hours of teaching with a choice of daytime or summer school:

7 Tuesdays 10am – 3.30pm: June 4th 11th 18th 25th / July 2nd 9th 16th

5 day Summer School 10am – 5.30pm: Mon 19th to Fri 23rd August

COST:

£300 course fee plus £35 C&G registration fee.

MIY Workshop takes shape

So, here’s the sign, logo, name for my new shop and here’s some of the progress being made over the last few weeks….

Amazing what a lick of paint expertly applied by Nicky (one of my students who also happens to be a decorating demon) can do!

Here’s the front room – now the “Sewing Room” complete with new screens, new lights, freshly painted, new cupboard doors and on site labourer (aka my dad!).

Labourer number 2 looking like he’s sawn off his thumb (luckily he didn’t)…..

….and the fruits of his labours in progress – some lockers in the “Cutting Room”.

And the view from the street.

So, MIY Workshop is on track for being open on Tuesday 10th January.  The first class will be Tuesday evening at 6.30pm.

There’s going to be classes and workshops as before, but more of them.  You will also be able to hire sewing machines and use of the 2.4m long cutting  table by the hour – I have 5 brand new Janome Sewist sewing machines, 2 brand new Bernina 1008 sewing machines and a Babylock embellisher.

You will also be able to become a member of MIY Workshop.

I’m working on a comprehensive timetable and price list as we speak.  Exciting isn’t it?!!

I hope to see some of you working on your creations soon.

 

More industrious students

December has proved a very productive month for my students, here’s a few more creations from recent classes and workshops:

First up my Alterations students at the Friends Centre.  Here we’ve got skirts made from trousers, customising with appliqué, dresses and skirts altered to fit better and shortened jeans.  And that’s only a small selection of what they achieved in 10 weeks.

Two students from my Drop-in Sewing & Dressmaking classes; Joy in a beautiful cashmere wool coat that was a labour of love with bound buttonholes, handmade shoulder pads and fully lined in silk, and Brenda in another silk frock made from a pattern taken from a favourite dress.

Productive results of the “Make your own Christmas Gifts” Sunday workshop; an apron, 2 cushion covers and a make-up bag.  Pretty good for a day’s sewing.

And students from Varndean in their perfectly fitting skirt toiles after my pattern cutting workshop.  Why they were so surprised that the skirts fitted so well, I don’t know!

Sunday Workshop Dates

Four dates for Sunday workshops to plan before Christmas, not so difficult you might think.  Well, I’ve been ummming and ahhhing and talking to students and friends and here’s the end result; an assortment of popular workshops which have run before and some new ones.  I’m sure I won’t please everyone with this selection but hey, there’s always 2012!

Sunday 30th October – Pattern Cutting Workshop

Suitable for beginners and students who have previously drafted skirt or trouser patterns.  At this workshop beginners will draft a skirt block and pattern and make a skirt toile (sample).  Students who have done some pattern cutting before will draft a trouser block and make a trouser toile.  Students who have previously drafted a trouser block with me will draft a one-piece dress block.
•    Class size limited to 4 people.
•    11am to 4pm.
•    £40 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 20th November – How to use your Sewing Machine Workshop

Another date for this popular workshop.  The day is aimed at beginners to find your way around a sewing machine including; different stitches, changing the tension, the different settings, cleaning, changing needles, changing feet, threads, using different fabrics and of course threading and sewing!
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    11am to 3pm.
•    £35 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 4th December – Sewing with Knits Winter Workshop

A winter version of the workshop I ran for the first time in August.  Sewing with stretchy jersey fabrics can be tricky on a domestic sewing machine, so at this workshop I’ll show you the best ways to cut and sew knitted fabrics.  I’ll provide you with a choice of long sleeved winter patterns specifically designed for jersey fabrics for you to whip up something to wear by the end of the day. All you need to bring is some jersey fabric of your choice and matching thread.  This workshop is not suitable for complete beginners.
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    10.30am to 4.30pm.
•    £45 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 11th December – Make your own Christmas Gifts Workshop

Everyone loves a handmade gift.  At this workshop you will be able to make a choice of gifts and stocking fillers ranging from soft toys to make-up bags and aprons.  I’ll provide all the patterns, you just need to bring the fabric.  Suitable for all levels of ability, but you need to be able to use a sewing machine to get the most out of the day.
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    10.30am to 4.30pm.
•    £45 payable in advance to confirm your space.

As always, if you need more info or would like to discuss in more detail, email me at thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com or give me a ring on 01273 775951.  Look forward to hearing from you.

10 week Pattern Cutting course at Friends Centre

My popular patten cutting course will be running again for the third year starting in September.  Suitable for beginners and students who have learned some pattern cutting with me in the past.  It starts on Monday 19th September from 6.30pm-8.30pm and costs £90 (£54 concessions).  Enroll direct with the Friends Centre on 01273 810210 or on their website www.friendscentre.org

This course differs from my Made By classes in student numbers – there will be at least 10 students per class at the Friends Centre, Made By pattern cutting classes are restricted to just 5 people.

A word of advice; you must have some sewing experience using dressmaking patterns before you start pattern cutting!

Yesterday’s Pattern Cutting Workshop

Although yesterday was a scorcher here in Brighton my Pattern Cutting Workshop was full and I had a lovely day showing 4 eager students how to draft the perfectly fitting skirt pattern.

Lots of concentration, a bit of maths and plenty of mutual encouragement resulted in 4 perfect skirt toiles.

Ladies, I expect to see you around Brighton parading a whole collection of pencil and a-line skirts!

Here’s some of their feedback on the day:

“Supportive, positive, step-by-step instructions and guidance throughout the session.”

“It’s been awesome!”

“A great way to spend a Sunday.  Highly recommendable.”

More Sunday workshop dates

I’ve planned all my Sunday workshops now until September.  Where does the time go?!

There are 5 of them and among some popular ones that you’ll have seen before there is a new one hiding – Sewing with Knits: how to sew stretch fabrics.  Covers all you need to know to sew stretch (jersey) fabrics on a domestic sewing machine and the price includes a pack of jersey needles for your machine and a choice of pattern to make yourself something on the day.

Here’s a full list of dates:

26th June – Pattern Cutting Workshop
17th July – Sewing Workshop
14th August – Sewing with Knits
11th September – How to use your Sewing Machine
25th September – Skirt Making Workshop

Full details of all the workshops can be found here.

As always, if you have any questions or would like to book a place please contact me via email at thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com or give me a ring on 01273 775951.

No rest for the wicked

Yesterday’s pattern cutting workshop was a great success again – 3 skirts and 1 pair of trousers later! Well done to 4 hardworking students.

The latest pattern cutting course also came to an end last week – a very busy and creative 6 weeks resulting in; a perfectly fitting skirt, a lovely tunic which I can’t wait to see finished, a festival dress and another dress and possible jacket.

No rest for the wicked though, I’m hoping to confirm more workshops for March this week and (due to being almost at maximum capacity and eager potential students forming an orderly waiting list) another Drop-in Sewing & Dressmaking class.

New classes and workshops

Blimey, the year has started at a gallop, but I’m trying to get ahead of myself.  Details of new classes and workshops starting in February below.  I’m getting March dates booked and have Easter in mind……..

As always, if you need more info or would like to discuss in more detail, email me at thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com or give me a ring on 01273 775951.  Look forward to hearing from you.

REGULAR CLASSES & COURSES:

PATTERN-CUTTING – TROUSERS
A 6 week course for beginners and students who have previously drafted skirt patterns.  On this course students who have done some pattern cutting before will draft a trouser block and design and make your own trouser pattern.  Beginners will draft a skirt block and design and make your own skirt pattern.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Thursday 10th March and finishing on 14th April.
• 10am to midday.
• £95 payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).

DROP-IN SEWING – NEW FRIDAY MORNING CLASS!!!
If you’ve bought a sewing machine that’s now gathering dust in a cupboard, or are a more experienced sewer in  need of a bit of help with a new project, a few classes can help set you off in the right direction and boost your confidence.  Come along and make clothes, cushions, curtains, toys, do your own alterations, or whatever takes your fancy!
These classes can either be booked in blocks of 4, or paid per class, giving you the freedom to come to as many or as few as you feel you need.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 5 people.
• Every Friday 10am-12pm.
• Option 1 – £50 for 4 classes payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).   You don’t have to come on 4 consecutive weeks, however, your 4 sessions must be used within 6 weeks of your first class.
• Option 2 – pay per class at £15 each (must be booked and paid for in advance).

WORKSHOPS:

SUNDAY 20TH FEBRUARY – PATTERN-CUTTING WORKSHOP

If you missed the last one, it’s on again – this one-day workshop will teach you how to draft a basic skirt to your own measurements using flat pattern cutting techniques.  Previous students and those who have already drafted a skirt block are also welcome and will work on trousers.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• 11am to 4pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

SUNDAY 27TH FEBRUARY – SKIRT-MAKING WORKSHOP

If you want a focused day of learning to sew, with a lovely end result to show for it, this is the workshop for you.  At this one day intensive workshop you will learn the basics of reading a pattern and using a sewing machine whilst making an a-line skirt.  Pattern provided, just bring some fabric and a zip.  See the impressive results of last month’s workshop at Purl in this post.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 5 people.
• 11am to 4.30pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

January classes & courses now booking……

Here are my courses and workshops starting in January.  Contact me for more info, if you have any questions and to book your place on 01273 775951 or email thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com

PATTERN-CUTTING – THE BODICE

A 6 week course for students who have drafted skirt patterns.  On this course you will draft a bodice and sleeve blocks and design and make your own pattern for a simple top or loose jacket.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Thursday 13th January and finishing on 17th February.
• 10am to midday.
• £95 payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).

NEW EVENING CLASS!!  – DROP-IN DRESSMAKING

If you got a sewing machine for Christmas or are a more experienced sewer in need of a bit of help with a new project, a few classes can help set you off in the right direction and boost your confidence.  These classes can either be booked in blocks of 4, or paid per class, giving you the freedom to come to as many or as few as you feel you need.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Wednesday 12th January.
• 6.30-8.30pm.
• Option 1 – £55 for 4 classes payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).   You don’t have to come on 4 consecutive weeks, however, your 4 sessions must be used within 6 weeks of your first class.
• Option 2 – pay per class at £15 each (must be booked and paid for in advance).

SUNDAY PATTERN-CUTTING WORKSHOP

If you missed the last one, it’s on again – this one-day workshop will teach you how to draft a basic skirt to your own measurements using flat pattern cutting techniques.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Sunday 23rd January.
• 11am to 4pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

SUNDAY SKIRT-MAKING WORKSHOP

If you want a focussed day of learning to sew, with a lovely end result to show for it, this is the workshop for you.  At this one day intensive workshop you will learn the basics of reading a pattern and using a sewing machine whilst making an a-line skirt.  There’s the option to bring your own sewing machine to this workshop – perfect if you got one for Christmas and haven’t got it threaded up yet…..!

• Held at Purl in Seven Dials in Brighton (16 Upper Hamilton Road).
• Class size limited to 6 people.
• Sunday 30th January.
• 10.30am to 4.30pm.
• £40 payable before the day.