MAKE A DRESS BLOCK - Wed 30 Apr, 7, 14, 21 May - 10am-1pm

MAKE A DRESS BLOCK - Wed 30 Apr, 7, 14, 21 May - 10am-1pm

£220.00

PATTERN CUTTING & FITTING WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP LOCATION: CAST Helston. Google maps link here.

SESSIONS: 4 half day sessions @ 3 hours each (12 hours tuition in total)

DATES: Wednesdays: 30th April, and 7th, 14th, 21st May.

TIME:10am-1pm

MAXIMUM PARTICPANTS: 4

LEVEL: Intermediate

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The aim of the course is to come away with a well fitted dress block (a basic dress pattern with fitted bodice, pencil skirt and fitted sleeve). Having your own block is so useful and essential for making new patterns at home.

Please note, we will not be drafting the block from scratch, we will be amending a block to fit you. We will start by taking measurements and amending the pattern where possible first. Then you will make a toile of the dress in calico to fit. You will have a couple of fittings, as we refine the fit of the garment in stages. These fitting techniques can be applied to any dress/top pattern that you use in future!

COURSE OUTLINE

Take accurate body measurements
Select the right size block and understand where your body differs from the block
Adapt the block for your measurements
Learn common fit adjustments
Learn about seam allowance, notches, grain lines, preparing fabrics to cut and cutting techniques
Cut out and sew block in calico
Fit the block and make any final tweaks

PLEASE NOTE: Some ‘homework’ will be required, including cutting and sewing your toile(s) at home to ensure we get a fully fitted pattern by week 4.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

We will provide all the pattern cutting tools you will need
Pattern cutting paper, calico to make your toile
Course booklet to take home.
Tea and coffee!

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

A sewing machine in good working order, including foot pedal and power cable - not needed for the first session.
A general sewing kit to include: fabric scissors, pins, needles, seam ripper, fabric marker, tape measure etc.
Please wear something tight fitting like leggings and a vest top for the first session so that we can take accurate body measurements. You can get changed into something more comfy once that part’s done if you’d like!

WHO IS THIS CLASS SUITABLE FOR?

This is an intermediate class. This course is aimed at confident dressmakers who have experience working with commercial patterns. You will get a lot more out of the class if you’ve already made up several garments before and got a grasp of garment construction. We will cover all the pattern cutting basics with you, such as: seam allowance, notch, drill hole, grain line. If you are wondering if this is the course for you, don't hesitate to drop me a line to chat it through!

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Helen Shine is a pattern cutter and seamstress who has worked in the fashion industry in London for 10 years. She has cut patterns for several high-end designer brands, including Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou and Karen Millen. She loves sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years with others, to help them on their sewing journey.

WORKSHOP LOCATION

This workshop is held at CAST in Helston.

CAST is a visual arts organisation, based in Helston, Cornwall. Their ambitious programme includes exhibitions of artists’ film, talks, screening events and workshops, as well as learning programmes for schools and creative activities for children, families and young people. CAST also provides studios for artists, an open-access ceramics studio and an excellent Café.

The class room/accessibility:

My classes are held in Studio 4, which is on the ground floor, close to toilets and the cafe, which are all on one level. There is a step free access at the front door. However, if you are parking in Wendron Street car park (see below), there are steps from the car park to the back door entrance to the building, then steps down to the ground floor once you are in the building.

Address:

CAST (Cornubian Arts & Science Trust)
3 Penrose Road
Helston
Cornwall
TR13 8TP

Parking:

The rear entrance to the building can be reached by steps from Wendron Street car park. Click here for Google Maps link.

It costs £4.60 for 12 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: You must put in your car registration number accurately to avoid a fine. Make sure you pay for enough time to cover the workshop to avoid a fine.

Bus:

The U4 runs hourly between Falmouth and Helston.

The 34 runs hourly between Redruth and Helston.

The U4 runs hourly between Penzance and Helston.

CAST is a 5 minute walk from the Seven Stars bus stop, on Coinagehall Street.

CAST Cafe:

When I was looking for a new venue for my workshops, I purposefully chose somewhere with a great onsite café! CAST Café is open Wednesday – Saturday | 10am – 4pm

TESTIMONIALS

I gained an appreciation of pattern engineering and a better understanding of the subtleties of fit. Lovely hearing Helen’s experiences and dipping into her knowledge. Thank you, it was worth the journey from Devon.

Jacqui - Make a dress block

This was my second course with Helen, consisting of four 3 hour sessions creating a personalised clothes block. It was great fun working with other enthusiastic sewers and I ended up with exactly what I had hoped for: a pattern from which I can create a host of new projects. I also learned that I needed to up my game and be a more accurate seamstress - all brilliant lessons! I would recommend this course as a foundation for anyone interested in creating their own sewing patterns.

Leonora Nattrass - Make a dress block

Really enjoyable four week class creating a pattern block. Helen is super helpful and explains everything in a very easy to understand way. I am delighted with the final toile produced from my block and can’t wait to join Helen for another course soon.

Jo - Make a dress block

I learned how to adapt a pattern block to fit me. We worked on adjusting darts and we had time to look through various pattern cutting books. I loved how technical and personal it was, and the tea and biscuits!

Alice Jacoby - Create a dress block

I learned about the possibilities of using a dress block. How to move darts and make adjustments when things don’t fit. I learnt more than expected and I loved that this was a face to face class. You are such a great teacher Helen and put me completely at ease, thank you so much.

Susan Manson - Create a dress block