Dressmaking – Build Your Skills (3 day series)

Tutor: Claire Humphries

Lunch: Price includes a hearty lunch.

Level:
Intermediate

Typically for a max of 8 people.

Two Days
(or more)

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Dates: Thurs 14, 28 Mar and 11 April

If you want to build your dressmaking and tailoring skills in the company of a small group of dressmaking enthusiasts, guided by professional seamstress, Claire Humphries, this is the course for you!

During the course of 3 full days, run over alternate weeks, you will work on your own particular dressmaking projects with time in between to develop the project and return with queries. The format of each session will include a short formal learning session focused on a particular technique. This is then followed by time to sample that technique before you continue work on your own projects with Claire and and her skillful assistant, Josie, on hand to guide you.

The course is aimed at those wishing to improve their dressmaking. It requires you to select a commercial pattern which you will be able to adapt to fit requirements. Use this course to extend your skill, tackle a pattern that’s more complex than you would usually choose, that includes features that take you out of your comfort zone. Claire will ensure you achieve a professionally executed project.

***YOU WILL NEED TO ENSURE YOUR MACHINE IS IN WORKING ORDER IN GOOD TIME BEFORE THE DAY – CHECK YOU HAVE ALL THE RIGHT CABLES & ANY ATTACHMENTS***

Please note that this course is not suitable for those wishing to create a pattern from an existing item of clothing. The level of support required to translate an item of clothing into a workable pattern cannot be provided in this 3 day format. You would require a more thorough understanding of pattern cutting techniques and are advised to attend Claire’s two day Pattern Cutting workshop or call to discuss.

Please note there is a £6 material charge payable on the day which covers the cost of samplers for the formal learning sessions.

Click on the title below to find a list of what you’ll need to bring with you if anything.

What to expect

Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, space and guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.

We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.

The finish time given is a target. There is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times for day 2 can be flexible too.

We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!

What you’ll need to bring with you

Please bring with you:

- Your sewing machine, attachments and instruction book .
- Your measurements – measured size of waist, bust, hips etc rather than your usual dress size.
- A commercial pattern that you want to complete.
- Your selected fabric – if you need any advice on appropriate fabric, get in touch.

Also your usual sewing kit:
Sewing scissors
Pins and needles
Tape measure
Quick Unpick
Assorted threads.

A notebook for recording tips and techniques might be a good idea too.

“Claire was excellent and very patient!”

– Claire

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