Clothes Making

This is an intermediate course for people who have an interest in making their own garments from commercial patterns. It is designed for students who have previous garment making skills, or those who have limited skills that they want to improve. Students should be able to confidently use a sewing machine. Come along and share your interests and ideas with friendly people in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This course is the perfect place to pick up useful and creative garment making tips.

Students will work from an easy commercial pattern to construct a garment. Learn what the symbols on patterns mean, selecting appropriate fabric for your pattern, positioning pattern pieces onto the fabric, transfer markings onto the fabric and finally cut out and construct using a range of sewing skills learnt on the course.
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Take a full set of measurements.
- Confidently choose a suitable commercial pattern.
- Select appropriate fabric for a pattern.
- Identify pattern symbols to be able to lay a pattern onto fabric, cut out and mark up
- Construct a garment using a range of sewing techniques.
- Understand and use garment making terminology.
- Create a safe working environment.

Classes will be considerably smaller and we will be working across two rooms to maximise the space and distance rules during these difficult times.

Teaching methods: Skills and knowledge will be learned initially through weekly visual demonstrations and verbal descriptions. Students will then work independently supported by written hand-outs with visual diagrams, group discussions and 121 teaching.

Learning methods: hands-on practical activities, reading handouts, following verbal and written instruction, group discussion.

Your progress is assessed by questions and answers during group discussions and 121 teaching, recording students' progress and achievement on an assessment sheet as they achieve the course objectives. Practical work produced is evidence of learning. Individual advice is always available and verbal feedback, support and encouragement is given to you throughout the course

Homework - students who work on their project at home will progress faster, however, this is not essential.

Students will need to buy their own suitable fabric. Advice will be given at the start of the course. All students are advised to begin with a simple pattern and easy to handle fabric such as cotton, cotton blend or linen. Students should get the following equipment for themselves. A list of suppliers will be available at the beginning of the course. You will need a tape measure and notebook for the first lesson.
- Pens, pencils, sellotape
- 30cm ruler
- Folder with plastic pockets for keeping hand-outs and samples
- Notebook
- Tailors chalk
- Hand-sewing needles and threader
- Sewing thread - good quality strong, fine sew all thread such as Gutermann
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors.
- Un-picker or small embroidery scissors
- Pins.
- Tape measure.

Students are encouraged to do the series of six masterclasses that run throughout the year. This course could also lead to other textile courses at the Mary Ward Centre or another further education college. Students could continue on this course, take a follow up short course or a longer term or year long course. There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre and a library of prospectuses for other London colleges to help you continue your studies. If you need more detailed advice, please ask a member of reception staff, and a half-hour guidance interview can be arranged for you.
Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk tel: 0800 101 901, and from the following websites: floodlight.co.uk; hotcourses.com