THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you looking to build on your dressmaking skills? Do you struggle to find trousers that fit well? Have your previous trousers making attempts resulted in a disaster or have you been too scared to attempt this garment by yourself? We hear you! Achieving a well fitting pair of trousers is no easy task UNLESS you have the help of some super skilled pros! So... if you'd like your first (or second!) pair of trousers to be a success, look no further than this class! On this course you will learn to alter the pattern to fit your shape and measurements to create a great fit. You will then learn some great construction techniques such as darts, facing a waist and inserting a concealed zip. PLESE NOTE: We have ready made toiles (test garments) for you to try on so the tutor can establish the necessary pattern alterations. Please be aware that depending on your size and shape, you might need to make your own toile first before cutting into your fabric. Once we fine tune your toile and pattern, you may cut out you fabric and get started on the sewing. This may result in having to finish your trousers at home (don't worry, we'll give you plenty of instruction!) and if you've never inserted a concealed zip before, you'll be given the opportunity to practice this in class. However, making a toile will not be necessary if one of our own toiles fits you reasonably well, in which case you'll be able to move straight onto altering your pattern and cutting into your fabric. So! Are you ready to take your dressmaking and pattern alterations skills to the next level??? Then come along and be part of a lovely group, learn some invaluable skills, chat and make friends. The tea and biscuits are on us! NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: To be able to attend this course you need to be very confident on the sewing machine as well as be able to sew at a good speed and have previous experience of working with dressmaking patterns. You will also need to have previously completed our Complete Beginners Sewing Course,  and our Advanced Beginners Dressmaking Course or equivalent elsewhere. Alternatively you would need to have previously undertaken some dressmaking projects independently. WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase on the day at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, zips and threads. Materials Required:

• Sizes 8 to 12 – 2m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.50m of 114cm wide fabric
• Sizes 14 to 20- 2.5m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric
• Matching thread and a 9″ invisible zip (if bringing your own fabric)

Suitable fabrics: Medium weight woven fabrics with 2-3% elastane such as medium weight stretch cotton, stretch cotton drill, stretch gabardine, light to medium weight stretch denim, stretch crepe. Please allow extra fabric if choosing a material with bold patterns or checks. Not suitable for diagonals. *Important note: If you’re bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash it according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you’re buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it instead. The class includes pattern and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make this trousers again and again! Got a question for us? Please read our  FAQs  page before contacting us. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY

THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you a budding home sewer with some garment making experience who often struggles with achieving a good fit on your projects? Maybe you are full or small busted, have a broad back, narrow shoulders or full thighs...fitting issues can be endless, and often the problem is that you might not know how to fix them. Well... because we are very aware of the problems home dressmakers can come across, we have created the perfect course to help you identify and fix all the head-scratching fitting issues that are standing in the way between you and perfectly fitting projects! Because of their extensive dressmaking and pattern cutting experience, our tutors can help you identify, address and fix any issues you may be struggling with. During this course you will work on fitting and toiling a basic semi-fitted dress pattern with sleeves. What you will learn:

• Getting to know your body shape and identifying your own unique fitting issues
• Learning how to alter the pattern in order to achieve a great fit
• How to check for further fitting issues after having made up a toile (test garment) and how to transfer the changes onto the pattern

Course structure: Weeks 1 & 2 - Fitting the bodice Week 3 - Fitting the sleeves Week 4 - Fitting the skirt PLEASE NOTE that you will have to do some of the toile sewing at home in between classes. You will be provided with the pattern free of charge but will have to purchase calico for the toiles and so you know we do have calico available to buy in our studio  :) *This class is not suitable for beginners. You will need to have completed some sewing and dressmaking projects prior to attending this course . Please arrive 5 minutes early to allow time to settle and ensure prompt start. There will be tea and biscuits to keep you going sweetly though the session! Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY