Dress patterns are some of the most popular with sewing enthusiasts but often the final fittings are difficult to make on your own.  Have you ever wondered what to do with all that excess fabric at the back of your dress just above the waist?

Join me, Anita McAdam of Studio Faro, for a day of confidence-boosting, instructive guidance in making the best alterations to create a well-fitted dress. This class is suitable for men and women alike.   There is a maximum 6 students per workshop, so every students gets loads of teachers time.  Every workshop runs from 10.00am till 5.00pm.

In this 1-day pattern-fitting workshop, I will demonstrate how to make changes to commercial dress patterns or my Fitted Dress Block to improve the overall fit and balance. If you think you’d like to move on from this workshop to learning basic pattern making techniques for dresses then you can use my fitted dress block for this session.  That way you’ll be fully prepared to cut Dress Patterns using a block that is your own personal fitting.

You are required to arrive at class with a fully or partially-made calico dress toile (sample) so that the fitting sessions can begin immediately. This step is assumed knowledge, so please note that if you do not come to class with a toile you have started to sew, you will not be able to get the best out of this training.  If you don’t know what a toile is or if you don’t yet know how to sew dresses, we recommend that instead of doing this class, you could start by attending my Dressmaking Classes. Sewing fitted dresses does require a bit of practice and confidence in sewing and reading patterns.

Student numbers are kept low (6) to improve your one-on-one time.

Students will learn:

• How to analyse the fit of your dresses and make the best pattern alterations for your personal fit.
• How to take accurate body measurements and locate those measurements on your dress patterns.
• How to check all your dress patterns before your start working on any new styles.
• How your dress patterns should look before you start cutting your fabric.
• Confidence in locating and verifying the grain lines in all patterns.
• A fully detailed workbook that covers all the pattern alterations you need for your dress styles.

Students will need to bring:

• A fully or partially-made calico dress toile (sample) so that the fitting sessions can begin immediately.
• Everyone needs to bring their own sewing machine, sewing kit and thread (see the download attached to your order).
• Matching thread.

Dress Code:  Casual and comfortable with closed in toe shoes because we are keen to keep your toes safe.