I recently undertook a full week of patten cutting workshops with the lovely Helen of Dot.n.Cross in Falmouth. We covered 2 day Dress Block , 2 day Trousers Block , 1 day How to Adapt a pattern, and an added bonus we had time to draw up a button down Shirt-waisted dress pattern from scratch using the dress block we had created based on my measurements taking into account the Full Bust Adjustment we had made on the dress block. The section we did on Full Bust Adjustment was a revelation and explained why I had so many problems fitting garments. This new pattern will fit properly no gapping or pulling over the bust, no overlarge shoulder or arm holes because I've had to make a larger size to accommodate my fuller bust. HEAVEN.

Each workshop we did had full and comprehensive supporting documents and notes which will allow me to develop my own patterns or adapt commercial patterns at home and get a great fit.

I had an amazing week with Helen her teaching was exceptional, doing a one on one really allowed me to take so much on board in a very short time.

Would highly recommend Helen's courses her wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she so generously shares is amazing and inspiring.

Came home so excited to make up my new self drafted pattern (with a lot of help thank you ) .

Thank you Helen had a really inspirational week.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class series with Helen. She is an expert teacher and enabled me to complete a dress pattern block that fits me beautifully. We are able to work at our own pace, Helen explained alterations and adjustments to the pattern for an even better fit, and I felt able to ask lots of questions too. I thoroughly recommend taking classes with Helen.

Helen’s eye for detail in the fit of the pattern blocks is exceptional. Her pattern block classes are fantastic and provide all the information required to create you sized clothes. Helen is a brilliant teacher and she explains fit, pattern adaption and garment creation so even novices can understand. Highly recommend classes and 1:1 sessions.

Helen is an excellent tutor. Everything was properly explained and all questions answered in a comprehensive way. I found the course most interesting and informative...I learnt a lot! A lot was covered in the time but no-one was left behind. I feel confident enough to go onto the next stage. Highly recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.