3 Day Dressmaking workshop - 15th, 22nd and 29th October 10am to 4pm

You are paying for all 3 days on this ticket

For the complete beginner through to those looking to expand upon their current skills.

This three day workshop focuses on helping you to develop the fundamental skills that will underpin this and future garment making projects. Through the practical activity of making your own garment you will gain and understanding of how to produce a well made and finished item. You will need to choose a pattern to use and suitable fabric. Alternatively if you have taken any of the pattern cutting workshops with Mary-Louise you may wish to make up a self drafted pattern.

Mary-Louise will guide you through the following aspects you are likely to encounter when garment making.

How to use the information on the pattern envelope

How to make the most of the pattern information sheets

Correctly identifying which size to make

Tissue fitting

Choosing and using the most appropriate interfacing

Following a lay plan to cut out your fabric

Understanding grainlines

Stay stitching

Understitching

Seam methods

Other techniques that may be covered will be dependant upon the pattern chosen and are likely to cover such things as:-

Seam types and finishing methods

Gathering and ease stitching

Collar construction

Facings

Waistbands

Cuffs

Bands

Buttons and buttonholes

Zip insertion

If you are a complete beginner aim to choose a pattern that has a small number of pieces and has limited details. It is better to make a simple item well before commencing onto a more complex pattern.

If you have some experience you might like to choose a pattern that has specific details you would like to improve upon or try for the first time.

For women use the bust measurement to choose the most suitable size for a garment for the top half of the body or a dress. DO NOT use the size that you normally use when purchasing clothes. If you take a bra cup size of D or above you

will need to take your over bust measurement and add 5cms to it to determine which size to use. You will get help to do a full bust adjustment to your pattern.

For men use your chest size.

Fabric choice will also be key to your success. The following aspects make a fabric harder to work with so consider your choice according to your experience and skill level:-

Very heavyweight or very lightweight

Silky and slippery

A complex pattern repeat, checks or strong stripes

The darker the fabric the more tricky it is if unpicking becomes necessary.

You will need to purchase the fabric requirements as outlined on the pattern envelope for your chosen size plus allow about 10% extra for any fitting changes that might need to be made. Also purchase a matching machine thread and any extras, again as indicated on the pattern. Interfacing can be purchased in store when attending and after appropriate choices have been explored in the first session.

It is advisable to make a mock up first to check for a good fit, so you will need something like an old sheet to use. Making a quick mock up is something that is highly recommended because it can save you time, effort and fabric in the long run as it gives you the opportunity to make changes to the fit that might not otherwise be possible. You are likely to need to do some work on your garments between each of the days, the amount of this will vary according to the complexity of your chosen garment and the amount of adjusting that may be necessary for a good fit.

If you are at all unsure about choosing a pattern and fabric your friendly knowledgeable Franklins’ staff will be happy to assist you.

You will also need to bring your own sewing kit. Machines are provided for your use.

Refreshments are supplied. You will need to bring a packed lunch.

3 Day Dress Making Workshop- Beginners and Intermediate with Mary-Louise