SEWING CLASSES

Private Sewing (CPRIV - 3hr Class, by appointment) :

• Face to face tutoring in the comfort of your own home.
• Personal guidance through any of the classes as below.
• Classes only conducted within the Toowoomba region.
• Please note travelling costs will be incurred and to be discussed at time of booking. 

          Note: Fabric and notions are not provided.

Beginners Skirt (CBEGS - 4 x 3hr Classes, 1 day per week) :

• Learn to construct a fully lined skirt.
• A predetermined pattern is provided - measurements must be advised no less than 1 week prior to class.
• Students will learn about measuring the body correctly, reading, laying out and cutting the pattern and garment, textile types, interfacings, how to insert an invisible zipper, seam finishes and linings.

Note: Fabric and notions are not provided; an invisible zipper foot is required to be brought to this class.

Beginners Dress (CBEGD - 4 x 3hr Classes, 1 day per week) :

• Learn to make a basic shift dress.
• A predetermined pattern is provided - measurements must be advised no less than 1 week prior to class.
• Topics covered are how to measure the body; understanding, laying and cutting out the pattern and garment, textile types, interfacings, sewing darts, inserting an invisible zipper and mastering a kick pleat.
• An introduction on how to use an overlocker will also be included.

Note: Fabric and notions are not provided; an invisible zipper foot is required to be brought to this class.

Tailoring (CTAIL - 5 x 3hr Classes, 1 day per week) :

• For the more proficient sewer.
• Class includes a pattern of choice, though it is important to become familiar with the pattern instructions before the class commences.
• Students will learn the various techniques used in making a fully lined jacket; learn pattern fitting, interlining, collar and revere, welt pockets, sleeve heads, bound buttonholes and how to bag a lining to name a few!

Note: Fabric and notions are not provided.

Chanel Style Jacket (CJACK – 4 x 3hr Classes, 1 day per week) :

• For advanced sewers only, Tailoring class (CTAIL) is a recommended prerequisite.
• Learn to construct a jacket in the Chanel style using couture techniques.
• Cover the art of working with chain weights and how to quilt a silk lining.

Note:  Fabric and notions are not provided.

Zippers and Closures (CZIP - 3hr Class) :

• Students will be instructed in fly front, invisible and lapped zipper applications and make samples.
• We also look at how to apply the correct closures (hook and eye, buttons etc).

Note: an invisible zipper foot is required to be brought to this class.

General Sewing Session (CGEN - 3hr Class) :

• General Sewing classes have been scheduled throughout the year to assist with the progression of any unfinished projects, or for those wanting additional tuition.

Designer Buttonholes (CBUT - 3hr Class) :

• Create samples of designer buttonholes such as bound, corded and keyhole using several techniques.
• Have fun with colours and shapes to produce a designer look.

Shirt Collar and Collar Stand (CSHIRT - 3hr Class) :

• Learn to perfect the shirt collar and collar stand. Assemble samples using industry methods to a professional standard. Learn to apply interfacings to collars and other tips and tricks.

Sleeve Cuffs and Plackets (CCUFF - 3hr Class) :

• Design and construct samples of the traditional shirt placket and cuff, whilst also covering French cuffs, topstitching and piping.

Collar Design and Drafting (CCOLLAR - 3hr Class) :

• Learn methods used to change collar designs and how to make patterns to suit.
• Samples of different designs and techniques will be covered.

Patterned Fabric Construction / Matching Techniques (CPLAID - 3hr Class) :

• Unravel the mysteries of working with challenging fabrics.
• Discover suitable designs for fabric type/print and the basic rules to adhere to in order for your garment to be successful; the importance of pattern lay out, how to work with plaids and determining the amount of extra material needed.

Designer Details (CDET - 3hr Class) :

• Have fun with different aspects of detail in fashion design.
• Explore pockets; create your own trims, tucks, stitching and stitches to add flair and texture to your garment.

Facing Techniques and Finishings (CFACING - 3hr Class) :

• Samples will be constructed focusing on the importance of grading, perfecting points and interfacings.
• Learn of the many and different seam finishes, such as flat fell, Hong Kong and French seams, and why, where and how they can be utilised.

Lining and Interlining Techniques (CLIN - 3hr Class) :

• Explore the different assortment of interfacings and interlinings on the market, including batiste and organza (samples provided).
• Observe the advantages of these products and their applications.

Pleating and Shirring Techniques (CPLEAT - 3hr Class) :

• This class covers the how to of shirring, looking at different effects achievable using a combination of fabric, sewing feet and your machine.
• Pleating will cover the different types of pleats, their applications and determining the fabric quantity.

Utilising Sewing Machines More Efficiently (CMACH - 3hr Class) :

• Fun and interesting for both beginners and advanced sewers, we investigate the array of sewing machine feet on the market, their use and possibilities.
• Bobbins and tensions are also covered.

WORKSHOPS

Tailoring Techniques (WTAIL - 6hr Workshop) :

• This workshop is for those who wish to learn and reinforce existing tailoring skills.
• Topics covered are welt pockets, bound buttonholes, collar and revere and how to bag a lining in a jacket.

Evening Wear Techniques (WEVEN - 6hr Workshop) :

• Learn how to cut out and sew with sheers and other challenging fabrics.
• What to use, and how to interface or line a sheer garment.
• What to look for when purchasing lace trims and fabric, and different methods of applying these to your garment.
• Boning, interlinings and linings are also covered.

Pants Fitting Techniques (WPFIT - 6hr Workshop) :

• With focus on modifying the paper pattern to fit body shapes correctly; we will look at where, how and why we alter pant patterns and re-design them, developing a master pattern through the tissue fit method.

Note: A French curve ruler and 2 correctly sized pant patterns are required.

Pants Sewing Techniques (WPSEW - 6hr Workshop) :

• Following on from pants fit, this workshop will cover pants construction, utilising techniques such as pocket design, fly front zips, contoured waistbands etc.
• The fit as we sew method will be used to double check our fit in fabric, as opposed to using tissue paper as in the pants fitting and pattern fitting workshops.

Pattern FittingTechniques (WFIT - 6hr Workshop) :

• In this workshop we look at the relationship of pattern design and pattern alterations using the tissue fit method to bust cup size, bodices, sleeves etc; taking measurements, correctly understanding the ease factor and dart manipulation.

Note: A French curve ruler and a minimum of 2 correctly sized patterns are required.

Shirt Making Techniques (WSHIRT - 6hr Workshop) :

• Aiming for a professionally finished garment, this workshop will instruct the student by sampling techniques of collars and collar stands, sleeve cuffs and plackets, seam and hem finishes, front bands and details.

Note: A French curve ruler is required.

Drafting Techniques (WDRAFT - 6hr Workshop) :

• Introducing the practical methods of drafting a pattern. Starting with the basic body measurements, adapt the basic principals and draft a straight skirt block.
• This block will then be used to draft A-line, circular skirt and gore skirt patterns.

Note: A French curve ruler is required.

Pocket Styles and Techniques (WPOC - 6hr Workshop) :

• Explore a designer detail often overlooked. Learn how easy pockets can be; master welt pockets (single and double), lined patch, inseam and pants pockets - includes lots of helpful tips and tricks along the way.

Note: A French curve ruler is required.

Designing Using the Bias (WBIAS - 6hr Workshop) :

• Often misunderstood, gain insight to the design elements used when working with the bias grain.
• Learn to understand the draping of fabric, the benefits of the bias, tips for checking pattern fit when working with the bias and sewing bias seams.

Note: Fabric and pattern required for afternoon session are to be assessed suited to the class content prior to workshop.

TEENAGERS HOLIDAY CLASSES

Introduction to Sewing (TINTRO - 3hr Class) :

• Students are introduced to different fabric types and applications, thread and needle selection and basic operation of the sewing machine, ensuring an understanding of what the sewing machine can do. Samples will be made for reference.

Making a Skirt (TMAS: 2 x 3hr Classes over 2 days) :

• Learn to construct a 100% cotton A-line skirt, flattering to most figure types and a fun style to wear.
• A predetermined pattern is provided - measurements must be advised no less than 1 week prior to class.
• Students will learn about measuring the body correctly, reading, laying out and cutting the pattern and garment, interfacings and how to insert a zipper.

Note: Fabric and notions are not provided.