Draft Your Bespoke Dress Body Block

The Course:

This is an exclusive opportunity to come and learn to draw your own dress body block. Using your own body measurements, you will learn how to draft and sew a sleeved shift-style dress which will fit your body beautifully. This block can then be used to make a dress, top or skirt!

Working with your bespoke dress block, we will explore numerous ways to alter and adapt your block, including how to rotate darts, add volume to skirts, design sleeves and alter necklines.

You will learn the following:

·         How to take accurate body measurements.

·         How to draft a skirt and bodice block.

·         How to create a pattern using your bespoke block.

·         How to sew a calico toile accurately.

·         How to fit the block and make the changes required to your paper block.

·         How to rotate darts to create new top styles.

·         How to add volume to the skirt using the ‘slash and spread’ method.

·         How to add volume to the sleeve.

·         How to alter the neckline.

Depending on how you progress, you may also have the opportunity to sketch your own design (or bring an image of it) and draft it up throughout the afternoon on the final day.

Sewing Level:

Learner / Competent Dressmaker. Please refer to our sewing level guide for more details.

This course requires some basic maths as we will be using our body measurements to accurately draw the block. You will also be using a sewing machine to sew up your toiles, so we recommend you have some basic understanding of how to sew a garment.

What to Bring:

We will provide all of the tools you need to complete the course, which includes:

·         Calico for all your toiles.

·         Pattern drafting paper.

·         Tracing paper.

·         Pattern drafting ruler.

·         Pens, pencils and rubbers, tracing wheel, coloured pencils.

You just need to bring the following:

·         A basic calculator (your phone will be fine).

·         Your sewing machine and sewing tools.

We want you to feel comfortable while sewing so we encourage you to bring your own sewing machine. However, if you would prefer to use one of our sewing machines (Janome M100QDC) then please let us know on your booking form.

Class Details:

The masterclass will run from 09:30 – 16:30, with around 30 minutes for lunch, over three days.

Tea / coffee and biscuits will be provided each day, but you will need to bring your own lunch. Alternatively, there is the option purchase lunch from the superb cafe next door ‘Joni’. Please also let us know of any dietary requirements you may have.

Location:

The Learning Centre, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Rd South, Beauchief, Sheffield S7 2QU

Getting there by car

There is limited free parking onsite and the venue is fully accessible. Further parking is available further along Abbeydale Road next to the lake.

Getting there by train

Dore and Totley train station is a 10min walk from the workshop venue.  It’s a flat route along a main road, so it’s an easy walk.  If you’re coming from Manchester, you can get the slow stopping train, that stops along all the stations within the Peaks, and there is a direct service which gets you in just before 9am to Dore and Totley. If you’re coming from elsewhere, you’ll need to change at Sheffield train station to travel to Dore and Totley. Or you can catch a taxi from Sheffield station, which is around £10.

Getting there by bus

There is a bus stop right next to the venue. The following bus services stop there: 97, 98, 218, 798 and 798a.

Where to stay

The Double Tree is a 10min drive away. There are many other options too within the local area.