Description
February 22nd and 23rd 9.30am - 4.30pm and March 15th and 16th 9.30am - 4.30pm
28 hours
Can't make these dates, class full or just have a question? Click here.
Please contact us if you would like to pay in instalments and we can discuss options.
'Mastering Your Bodice Block' - over two weekends, you will learn how to create your own bodice block from scratch.
You may be thinking...
'I can use a pre-made block, why would I want to make my own when there is one already available?'
This is true, however, once you understand the principles of creating your own block, it gives you the freedom to create anything (after time, patience and practice).
Over two weekends we will cover:
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A ‘modern approach’ to drafting your block from scratch, including sleeves - this way of drafting a block from scratch is easier than following pattern cutting books, promise!
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The basics - equipment, grain lines, fabric
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The human body - shape, form, posture & how this relates to the pattern
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How to take measurements - we will begin by focusing on UK8 measurements before moving to our own measurements so that you become familiar with a structure and method before branching out.
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How to fit a garment accurately and translate it back to your block
The goal is, as a fashion lover, sewing enthusiast and soon to become pattern cutter to be confident in your pattern cutting skills through learning new skills and growing existing ones to support you in your sewing, fashion and creative adventures no matter what stage you are currently at.
What makes this course unique is a strong focus on understanding the 'why' when it comes to pattern cutting, as then everything becomes 100x more understandable, and you are able to translate your knowledge to different areas of pattern cutting.
The Course Layout
Weekend ONE
Day One
- Assessing body shape & posture & how this affects your pattern
- Taking accurate measurements (you will be working in pairs). Please bring leggings and a vest top for this
- Drafting your front and back dress block
Day Two
- Toiling your front and back dress block (making a pin calico toile)
- Fitting your dress block to you body
- Accurately transferring amendments to your block
- Finalising your front and block dress block pattern (tracing it off to create a clean pattern w/ S/A)
Weekend TWO
Day One
- Drafting the sleeve block
- Toiling your updated dress block plus sleeve pattern
- Fitting your sleeve
- Accurately transferring any sleeve amendments back to your block
- Finalising your sleeve pattern
Day Two
- Other ways to use your block - please bring photos or drawings of styles you would love to make and we will talk through how to begin manipulating your block to do so.
- Techniques for dart manipulation/ block manipulation
- Time to start creating a new design from your block
What Makes This Course Different?
As mentioned, understanding why is so important. It is hard to obtain good explanations about the 'why's' in pattern cutting which is why Geri is so passionate about sharing these with you. They will drastically improve your pattern cutting skills in all directions.
The method Geri will teach you is uncomplicated, understandable, transferable across all designs and you will understand how to get a modern fit.
This course isn't specifically about being creative, but is uniquely designed to help you improve your skills and confidence so that you know you are able to obtain a good fit and troubleshoot problems you come across - this is vital knowledge to get your creative designs into reality.
Who is the class for?
- You want to learn from a senior pattern cutter who has worked with top design houses such as The Vampires Wife, Victoria Beckham and Halpern.
- You have a passion for pattern cutting and a self motivated attitude. This course is suited to ALL levels. If you are very new to pattern cutting this is a great place to start. If you already have experience in pattern cutting then this course will give you some great concrete knowledge to advance your practise.
- You have some basic skills on a sewing machine and have used some commercial patterns.
What will you need?
- Calico or a similar weight fabric to make up your toile(s) up in.
- We will provide all the tools needed on the days but if you would like to have your own kit, the suggested list from Geri is as follows: Pencil (preferably mechanical with 2H led), pattern cutting ruler, rubber, tracing wheel, fine pins, calico, pattern paper, tape measure in cm, scissors (paper + fabric), biros (red/black/green) and Scotch magic tape . Optional things are an awl, notchers, drill hole.
We will provide the tools you will need on the course but you may want to have your own or try ours and purchase after the class.
What is included?
- Use of our sewing machines.
- Use of a number of high cutting tables
- Use of any equipment you might need
- Pattern paper.
Class size
6
Teacher
Geri Li
Please read our cancellation policy
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits/snacks will be available throughout the class. We recommend that you bring lunch with you as there are not many options to purchase lunch nearby.
We have a kitchen with a fridge and microwave here at the studio.
Photography
Photographs are sometimes taken during the class for promotional purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let us know.
About Our Studio
Our Sewing classes are all held in our spacious sewing studio in Brighton & Hove. Our Sewing studio is easily accessible by train (nearest station Fishersgate) or bus from Brighton. We also have parking on site.
Accessibility
Our studio is only accessible by stairs.
For those who wish to purchase fabric on the day, we offer a 10% discount. If you would like to order your fabric before the class, please email us for a discount code.
If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact us
