LATEST UPDATE!!!

May 2024 course date now available for booking.

 

Are you tired of making cushions, bags and garments with elasticated waistbands and would like to move up to the next level? Have you tried your hand at making up a simple garment using a “very easy” commercial pattern but it didn’t turn out as well as you hoped it would? Would you like to start making yourself beautiful and unique clothes that fit like a glove but are too scared to go it alone? We don’t blame you! Understanding commercial patterns, how to alter them in order to make garments that fit well and how to put into practice what’s written and illustrated in their instructions can be very daunting if you’re new to dressmaking, so let us help you with that!

This two day course is the perfect place  for advanced beginners to get started on the real dressmaking journey and the perfect follow up to our  Complete Beginners Sewing Course . In order to attend, you’d  need to be very confident on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic dressmaking project, or taken either our Complete Beginners Sewing Course or equivalent elsewhere, or a combination of two of our shorter beginners courses such our Ultimate Beginners (Gifts & Accessories) course followed by the Easy Pyjamas Intro to Sewing one.

*Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use  a sewing machine without assistance. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home.

This course will take you from making a super flattering circle skirt to completing a stylish shift dress in your preferred length (or you can make a top or tunic instead if you prefer!) providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to get started on similar or more advanced projects at home.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • How to accurately take your measurements
  • How to alter the pattern to fit you, including those much dreaded bust alterations!
  • How to construct and attach a lapped waistband
  • How to insert a centered zip
  • How to sew darts
  • How to attach a neckline facing
  • How to finish armholes with bias binding
  • How to create and finish a hem and much more!

WHAT TO BRING

We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course 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.

DAY 1: Circle Skirt

  • All sizes 2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven (non stretchy) fabric, or 3m of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your waist measurement is above 90cm/35 1/2″ as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you would like your skirt)
  • 25cm of light fusible interfacing
  • Matching thread
  • 20cm regular zip (matching colour to your fabric)

DAY 2: Dress, Tunic or Top

*PLEASE NOTE ON DAY 2 YOU WILL ONLY BE MAKING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GARMENTS BELOW NOT ALL THREE OF THEM. Please bring enough fabric for the one you decide to make.

Dress

  • 1.5m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
  • 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric
  • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
  • Matching thread
  • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing

Tunic

  • 1m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
  • 2m of 114cm wide fabric
  • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
  • Matching thread
  • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing

Top

  • 75cm of 140/150cm wide fabric or
  • 1.5m of 114cm wide fabric
  • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
  • Matching thread
  • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing

Recommended fabrics: Woven (non-stretchy) fabrics such as medium weight cotton, cotton chambray, cotton lawn, poplin, linen, challis, lightweight denim, crepe, lightweight wool. *Please remember that very thin, shiny and slippery fabrics are difficult to handle and therefore not suitable for your level.

*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 at the beginning of the class instead.

All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make these garments again and again!

 

Dates

  • Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May 2024, 10:30am-5:30pm

* Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

Got a question for us? Please check our  FAQs  before contacting us! Having trouble completing the booking? 

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