Beginner’s dressmaking – USING A COMMERCIAL PATTERN TO MAKE A SHIFT DRESS OR TOP

Date: Held over two Saturdays,

Venue: Youth in Romsey (map).

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: £65 (everyone will receive one commercial sewing pattern, examples are below but you can also choose your own) If you’d rather bring your own pattern I can reduce the workshop cost to £55.

Details:

This is an opportunity for those fairly new to sewing, or those who want to improve their skills, to learn how to use a commercial dressmaking pattern and to begin to build on sewing skills. You may have come to the beginner’s workshop we offer and are now ready to take the next step to making your own clothes. You will make a simple summer shift dress (OR TOP, IF DRESSES ARE NOT YOUR THING).

I have chosen a large range below, to suit all shapes and sizes and hopefully to appeal to all personalities. Most of my chosen patterns are for dresses, but these can easily be cut off shorter to make a top. Whilst most of my chosen patterns are from the Simplicity McCall brand, there are a few from other pattern companies too, unfortunately I will need to charge a supplement for a few of the patterns. I realise some of the pattern illustrations are rather dull, you might like to use instagram to see others’ makes and be inspired!

You may choose other patterns too. I prefer that you choose patterns that use woven fabrics, choices can be lightweight for summer or, if you prefer, winter weight. Please go to www.sewdirect.com and look at a variety of patterns that are available, although please select ‘easy patterns’ in the left hand search bar before choosing. If you already have a sewing pattern you might like to use please let me know the pattern details so I can advise if it is suitable.

To Book

Please email jan.sewromsey@gmail.com or call 07753261300 to book a place and for payment details.

Payment and refund policy

A £10 deposit is required to secure your place and is non-refundable, after 3rd May 2023, should you wish to cancel. Please make full payment of £55 by Saturday 27th May (one week before the workshop), and note it is non-refundable after this time. Failure to make full payment by this date will mean your place is offered on. However, you may transfer your booking onto another person at any time before the workshop date. In the unlikely event there are insufficient bookings for the course to be viable I will notify you by Thursday 1st May (2 days prior to the workshop) and refund all course fees immediately. Please advise the pattern you require by Saturday 20th May 2023, including the size required (for sizing please go by your measurements, not your ready to wear size).

Class size: 6

Skills you will learn:

Understanding pattern symbols and fabric terms
Understanding how to work with woven fabrics, including patterned fabric
Understanding sizing and taking measurements
Cutting out
Adapting pattern to fit
OPTIONAL: Zip insertion
Sewing hems
Sewing plain/ open seams and learn suitable ways to neaten edges
Sewing a facing or binding
Use of interfacing
Sewing a fastening, e.g. a button or hook and bar
Sewing darts
OPTIONAL: patch pockets
OPTIONAL: Sleeves

Prior knowledge required

You will be able to:

Use a sewing machine and be able to stitch fairly accurately
ALL other skills will be taught at the class

What to bring:

Sewing machine if you have one – I have some to use but it makes sense to become familiar with your own.
Sewing equipment – I bring everything we will need but you might like to bring basic sewing things you have. Suggestions can be found here.
Fabric, as highlighted on each individual pattern; you will receive more details on booking. I am offering to place a collaborative order from www.poundfabrics.co.uk to help reduce on postage costs.
Matching thread
Zip and/or other bits to finish garment (listed as notions on the pattern details)
Suitable fastening
Coffee, tea and biscuits are provided.
You may want a light bite for lunch