Description
April 25th and 26th 9.30am - 4.30pm and May 16th and 17th 1st 9.30am - 4.30pm (over two weekends)
28 hours
Can't make these dates, class full or just have a question? Click here.
Please contact us if you would like to pay in instalments and we can discuss options.
Transform your well-fitting dress block into endless new possibilities.
Over two weekends, you’ll learn how to confidently re-design your block, apply professional pattern-cutting techniques, and bring a brand-new dress design to life.
Across two weekends, you’ll discover how to:
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Add volume, gathers, and pleats to your block
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Add or remove seams and darts
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Change bust dart angle and position
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Adjust style lines and garment length
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Critique and refine a design idea
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Design and pattern cut your new dress
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Create and fit a calico toile
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Translate alterations back to your pattern and finalise your new block-ready design
By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete pattern for your newly designed dress — and the confidence to reimagine your block again and again.
The Course Layout
Weekend One
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Day One: Learn transformation techniques (volume, gathers, pleats, darts, seams, style lines, and length). Explore design critique and sketch your new dress.
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Day Two: Finalise your design and begin pattern cutting.
Weekend Two
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Day One: Continue pattern cutting and create a calico toile. Begin fitting and adjustments.
- Day Two: Refine the fit, translate alterations back to your pattern, and finalise your design.
Who is the class for?
This course is ideal if:
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You’ve previously attended the Fabric Godmother Pattern Drafting course.
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You already have a dress block that fits you well.
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You’d love to feel more confident turning your block into original designs.
No matter your experience, this course will expand your skills — whether you’re just beginning with block work or looking to take your pattern cutting to the next level.
What will you need?
- Calico or a similar weight fabric to make up your toile(s) up in.
- We will provide all the tools needed on the days but if you would like to have your own kit, the suggested list from Geri is as follows: Pencil (preferably mechanical with 2H led), pattern cutting ruler, eraser, tracing wheel, fine pins, pattern paper, tape measure in cm, scissors (paper + fabric), biros (red/black/green) and Scotch magic tape . Optional things are an awl, notchers, drill hole.
- A print-out or moodboard of inspiration: styles, shapes, and details you’d like to explore. Make notes on what you love about them and how they differ from your original block.
What You’ll Need Most
A passion for pattern cutting and a self-motivated attitude! This course is designed for all levels — a welcoming place to begin if you’re new, and a deep dive to advance your practice if you already have experience.
We will provide the tools you will need on the course but you may want to have your own or try ours and purchase after the class.
What is included?
- Use of our sewing machines.
- Use of a number of high cutting tables
- Use of any equipment you might need
- Pattern paper.
Class size
6
Teacher
Geri Li
Please read our cancellation policy
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits/snacks will be available throughout the class. We recommend that you bring lunch with you as there are not many options to purchase lunch nearby.
We have a kitchen with a fridge and microwave here at the studio.
Photography
Photographs are sometimes taken during the class for promotional purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let us know.
About Our Studio
Our Sewing classes are all held in our spacious sewing studio in Brighton & Hove. Our Sewing studio is easily accessible by train (nearest station Fishersgate) or bus from Brighton. We also have parking on site.
Accessibility
Our studio is only accessible by stairs.
For those who wish to purchase fabric on the day, we offer a 10% discount. If you would like to order your fabric before the class, please email us for a discount code.
If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact us
