Course description
This course aims to
Enable students to create a skirt pattern to their own measurements using flat pattern cutting techniques.
NOTE – this course does not teach draping on the stand.
Who is this course is for?
Anyone who has used dressmaking patterns and is interested in designing their own.
No previous pattern cutting experience is necessary, however students should ideally be able to do the following:
• use a sewing machine
• be able to read a dressmaking pattern
• have a basic level of numeracy
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
New students:
• Draft a skirt block to your own measurements
• Be able to add basic details to a simple skirt design
• Make a skirt of your own design
What materials will I need?
• Calculator
• Pencils / pens
• Large set square
• Calico
• Basic sewing kit containing a sharp pair of fabric scissors, pins, hand sewing needles, sewing thread, tape measure
• A sketchbook or file to keep your notes and ideas
• It is useful to photograph your work if you have access to a camera, however this is not essential
Roughly how much will they cost?
The most expensive items in your basic equipment kit will be the fabric scissors and large set square. You should be able to get each for £10 or less. Calico is approx. £2 per metre or less.
How will I know I am making progress?
Your tutor will keep an eye on your practical work and provide one-to-one advice where required.
You will be encouraged to evaluate your own work.
There will be regular group reviews to look at and discuss the work being produced by the whole class.
Is there any extra study outside the class?
A willingness to continue with practical work in your own time is desirable to keep on track.
You will be working on your own design in the 2nd half of the course so be prepared to collect ideas for this during the course in a sketchbook.
Who is the tutor?
Wendy Ward teaches dressmaking, pattern cutting and textiles at various centres throughout the city. She has a degree in Fashion Design and an MA in Design. After working as a designer in the fashion industry for 7 years she now has her own business designing and making clothes, alongside freelance design and pattern cutting for local companies and creating art textiles using recycled fabrics.
What next?
At the Friends Centre you could go on to do subsequent terms of Pattern Cutting to learn more techniques and eventually move onto the Pattern Cutting Workshop course.
Accredited pattern cutting courses are available at several adult education centres in the city.
If you want to progress onto FE you could start collecting a portfolio of your work in order to apply for an Art & Design Foundation course or foundation/BTEC fashion & clothing courses.
Student Support
At the Friends Centre we are committed to meeting the learning needs of all our students.
We would like to know if you have a disability or impairment such as partially sighted, deaf or hearing impaired, mobility problems or wheelchair user, a mental health difficulty such as depression or anxiety, or a medical condition such as epilepsy or ME. We would also like to know if you are dyslexic, dyscalculic, or dyspraxic. This way we can work with you to make sure you have the support you need while you are studying with us. We also offer classes and support in literacy, maths and IT for anyone who thinks they need some help in those areas. To arrange a confidential interview with our Advice and Guidance Officer, Pat Rosine please call 01273 810210 or email p.rosine@friendscentre.org
Closure of courses
All courses that do not reach minimum numbers will be closed. Before we close a course, providing numbers are reasonable, we discuss with the tutor, and students if the course has started, if there are any ways we could continue. These can include an increased fee, a shorter class time or running for fewer weeks.
Refunds
Refunds are made automatically if the Centre cancels a course. Partial refunds will be made if a course is cancelled before the end of term. Otherwise fees are not refunded, except in very exceptional personal circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to the Friends Centre. If your attendance is prevented by illness we will be sympathetic but a medical certificate will be required.
Kinsella Hardship Fund
We have a small fund available to help students who have a problem paying fees. Please apply in writing to the Friends Centre, in complete confidence, explaining the reasons for your application. We may be able to offer a reduction of up to half the reduced fee or allow you to pay in instalments over a longer period than usual.
Contact details for this course
Please contact GAE to enrol on this course or for more information.
Contact name
Support Officer Oliver Fisher
Post
Brighton Junction,
Isetta Square,
Brighton,
BN1 4GQ
Telephone
01273 810210
