Fittings First

Fittings First - An Integrated Approach to Pattern Making

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

I have made an info-graphic to show you all what I've been up to with the workshop line-up here at the studio. Now I hear you say 'What's that to me? I live on the other side of the world! :( So to elaborate; the teaching materials I intend for the website (e-learning) are derived from the workbooks I make for each of the workshops I run here at the studio. The content and integration of that content becomes even more important when considering its use as online teaching materials. As a first step I've added my garment blocks to the website as PDF downloads.

For over a year I have been trying out different digital formats in an attempt to present the same learning experience online as I have in the studio workshops. And I've never been entirely happy with the outcome. A video here, a worksheet there, the occasional tutorial post; somehow it didn't seem to add up to the quality content I imagined. Then I rediscovered a book that a young polish woman shared with me, as far back as 2009, called 'Designing Online Learning with Flash' by David Richard Moore. Well it certainly looks like the thing! I have started working my way through the book and low and behold, I have to learn code. Ugh! kill me now! After reading the first few chapters I realise two things: one, that I'm on the right road, even if it appears to be a very long road, and two, I have to embrace the idea of understanding code, knowing just a little will help a lot. Do any of you out there have experience with this book or the Flash software? I'd love to hear your opinion. :)

Anyway the up-shot is that I'll persevere and I will learn code (I have my fingers crossed here). And the first of the on-line teaching materials will be the contents of the Personal Block Development Workshops. Now that I have been chatting to you all (local & global, face to face & online) for about two years (still wearing my L plates) I am beginning to understand an area of need. I know the sexy draped dresses really grab your attention. But what's the point of cutting a beautiful drape dress pattern if your block doesn't fit!

Fittings First

The teacher and the pattern maker in me will always suggest fittings first, without apology. The Personal Block Development workshops are a new release (skirts, trousers, dresses & knits) and are going gangbusters for the students. We cover a lot of detail and aim to give you such an insight into your individual fitting needs that you will be able to directly apply the learning to your existing pattern stash. Imagine being able to make most of the required alterations before cutting your first toile/muslin. I am still working on the Corset and Jacket block workshops and hope to have them released early 2016. If this all sounds a little too much at the moment you may be interested in Fitting Commercial Patterns scheduled in the school holidays, at the beginning of October.

If you are thinking of going to fashion college (or simply dreamt of it) and would like to give yourself a head start, the list of Basic Pattern Making workshops covers all the same garment types and important pattern making skills. With these introductory workshops you will have at your finger tips enough information to cut awide variety of patterns for each garment type.

If you find you already feel confident with basic pattern making moves, then there are these delicious creative pattern making classes. They provide a thorough understanding of patterns for more complex garments and some delightful surprises in technique.

And finally to patterns for patterns sake: you can follow your hearts desire and focus on only one garment type to perfect your block fit and learn to cut those sexy draped skirt & dress patterns, or maybe those crazy tailored trousers.

Me thinks that's enough for now. There are other workshops to consider and you will find more detail here. Let me know if you have any questions: always happy to help. Enjoy :)

Comments

Marjorie commented on 05-Sep-2015 02:46 AM

Living in Scotland, there is little chance of me attending one of your courses so the prospect of being able to access them via a digital format is really exciting!
I am by no means an expert in digital media but as an ex IT professional (a long time ago now!) I do like to have a rough handle on the current topics in the IT/online world. Don't know if you are aware, but for the last few years there has been a "battle" going on between Flash (adobe) and its rivals (Open Web protocols/HTML5/Javascript) with people predicting the death of Flash. Now its death certainly hasn't happened yet but its use does seem to be going into decline. Apart from what you have written above, I don't know all your reasons for wanting to use Flash and it could be that you have looked at all the other possibilities and indeed Flash is the best solution for your needs. And as I said, I am not an expert - but just wanted to make you aware as it would be dreadful if you spent alot of your valuable time and resources in to producing something which in the end may be using an out-of-date protocol.

Anita commented on 05-Sep-2015 12:45 PM

Thank you so much Marjorie for your detailed comment and the cautionary info. I now believe Flash to be totally last decade and have had a number of emails from equally generous and informed souls (like yourself) about more recent software for online learning. In particular Articulate Studio and Storyline seem to be coming up favourites. I am now investigating these sources with renewed vigour, keeping in mind I am a MAC devotee. Isn't it wonderful how sharing your thoughts and projects online can contribute so much to your own learning. Lucky me. :) This post may have been the smartest thing I've done this week. Thanks again for your generosity. :)

Anonymous commented on 12-Sep-2015 10:32 AM

Hello Anita, I can't offer any comment on the technical aspect of digital teaching but I did purchase an online course from Linda Germain which I loved. She used Vimeo for short videos and added a text component, the course lasted 6 weeks with stuff posted every day, there was a closed Facebook group and email communication. Linda is a printmaker and has a website and many YouTube videos, do have a look.
I find your stuff exciting and generous, wish I was younger, still so much I want to do and I still love pattern making and sewing
Ann

Anonymous commented on 15-Sep-2015 12:54 PM

Hi Ann, thanks for letting me know. It's such a minefield with all the competing software options that it's refreshing to see that there's a more straightforward approach. I've had a look at the website and see a very detailed product. Were the daily videos sent to your private email account or viewed through the closed Facebook group page? Thanks again for the great lead. :)