courses

Bodice Pattern Cutting & Design for Baby, Child, Tween & Teen – New Course!

3 Comments
Watch my video to find out more!

This is a vast subject area! This course, Pattern Cutting & Design for Babies & Children- (Bodice Development), looks at bodice development and ventures a little into how to adapt a bodice into a simple dress style too, we will also look at some basic collars and of course sleeves. In this post I will outline my plans for future courses too, which will be natural follow on topics from this course and will be released as they are completed as separate courses. I had to break the course down into individual areas to make both the teaching and learning experience more manageable. It’s also critical that you master bodice development first!

In this brand new course we start with bodice blocks, and learn how to first draft and then adapt a basic knit bodice block (sloper) into a woven bodice, a shirt and dress block and an outerwear block. The course also covers how to draft bodice and torso blocks for tween and teen sizes and looks at blocks for developing figures as girls start to mature. In addition to this the course also teaches you how to create a t-shirt draft and further develops that into a raglan and kimono shape, both very popular children’s wear styles.

Our primary focus in this course will be on using a ‘base’ also known as a basic block or sloper to create a variety of styles for children’s wear.

You may ask – What if I don’t like drafting basic blocks (slopers) and I just want to get on to the style development and pattern cutting phase of the course? Well you could skip the drafting part of the course and pick up my Design Cut & Wear basic blocks, already drafted and tested for you and move straight on to the next part of the course which is style development.

I also have a range of basic blocks designed for small fashion startups that can be found here – Modeliste Creative Basic Blocks.

Once you have the basic blocks we move on to look at ‘style develoment’ I have chosen particular styles to incorporate some of the most widely used techniques in childrens wear as you follow me through detailed videos and PDF workbooks. I also often include a PDF version of the block or style I developed in the lesson too that you can download and print!

When it comes to designing and cutting patterns for babies and children, understanding ease is crucial. I will teach you how to draft and adapt patterns to incorporate that ease through the different age bands.

Who is this course for?

If you are an experienced dressmaker, looking to take your skills to the next level, or perhaps a small business owner starting up a children’s wear label and don’t want to go down the road of using the same patterns as your competitors, someone that really wants to set their brand and designs apart from the rest.

You may be a designer that has lot’s of designs buzzing around in your head and want to explore the intricacies of pattern cutting for babies and children, then this is the course for you.

Here is the curriculum – Please take a look to make sure the course is right for you…

please-take-a-look-at-the-curriculum-and-make-sure-the-course-is-right-for-youDownload

Here are the follow on course I will cover in the future – I am working on them already!

TROUSERS AND DUNGAREES – we take a detailed look at trouser drafting and style development.

BABY SPECIFIC MODULE – INCLUDING BABY ONSIES, BABY SLEEP SUITS AND BABY SPECIFIC CLOTHING – INCLUDING A SECTION ON PREMATURE BABY SIZING AND CLOTHING DESIGN

SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS’S AND SKIRTS – INCLUDING OFF PARTS SUCH AS ADVANCED COLLARS, POCKETS AND ADVANCED DESIGN DETAILS.

ACTIVE WEAR FOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING, DANCE WEAR AND SPORTS WEAR – LEOTARDS & SWIMWEAR

ANY IDEAS? – LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW!

If you feel the course is right for you then you can find more information about prices and joining over in my online pattern cutting school over on teachable! Please note that if the link doesn’t work you may need to copy and paste it into your browser.

https://patterndesignschool.teachable.com

If you have any questions about the course then please email me at onitnotinit@mail.com.

Please note there are 2 joining options, one is a single payment and the other is a payment plan. Both options offer lifetime access to the course and you can dip in and out and learn at your own pace.

I am always there to answer any questions and there are comments box’s below each lesson. I will also be adding extra content at the course grows so keep an eye on my ‘Pattern Maps’ section for new styles.

I don’t offer coupons or ‘price gimmicks’ my courses are one set price and I try to keep course prices as low as I possibly can to make them accessible to many.

If you are brand new to pattern cutting you may want to take a look at my professional pattern cutting course, which will introduce you to the basic principals of pattern cutting. I also offer a digital pattern cutting course too and you can find all my courses over in my school – Modeliste Creative School of Pattern Design.

Happy pattern cutting!

Nicola

Continue Reading

Current Projects

Monthly Project… The 8 Paneled Skirt

No Comments

For those of you that read my monthly magazine article in the French Publication DSM, here is a more detailed run through of the latest project. For everyone else, why not give this a try!

Part 1 – Designing and Making Your Bespoke Flared Skirt

One Panel Creates A Skirt!

Have you ever wanted to make something that fits you perfectly? Here is your chance to learn how to create the pattern for this versatile 8 panel skirt, it is as simple as making 1 panel and cutting it out 8 times in fabric!

In part 2 of this project I will cover the skills you need to sew the skirt.

Step 1 – Fill in your measurements on the handy chart below.

For this example I have inserted the average measurements for a size 12 in PINK for you to follow, you will of course have to substitute your own measurements for the pink ones!

The measurements in pink are an example set – insert your own.

Measure your waist and add some extra for movement, it you want a fitted skirt add approximately 2 cm extra. If you want a looser skirt you can add a little more. If you want to use a knitted fabric no extra above your actual body measurement is needed. Now divide this total by 8 as illustrated above.

Do the same for your top hip, this lies at 10 cm below your waist and the same for your hip which lies at 21 cm below your waist line. Decide on the skirt length you would like – we now have all the measurements we need for you to make your pattern!

Step 2 – draw a vertical line on a large sheet of paper, the line needs to be slightly longer than the skirt length you have chosen. At the top of the line draw a horizontal line to represent the waist – each side of this line you can place the measurement you calculated for your waist (4.6 for my example placed equally each side of the centre). Ten centimeters below the waist level do the same for the top hip and again for the full hip. You can square down from the hip until you hit the line extended out for the length of skirt. Make the skirt long for an elegant evening version, or shorter for a flouncy summer skirt!

Step 3 – Now to add some flare! Decide where you would like the flare to ‘flare’ from. This can be as high up as the hip if you want. Place a horizontal line at this level to mark the flare line. Cut up the centre of the panel and to the side of the flare line and spread the pieces as illustrated below. You can open then as much or as little as you like, so long as they are opened equally each side.

Cut and Spread Equally

Step 4 – place the pieces on a new sheet of paper and trace the shape you have created. The waist can be shaped gently by extending the waist line up by 0.5 cm each side and gently curving at the centre.

Gently shape the waist…

Step 5 – all you need to do now is add some seam allowance and your main pattern piece is complete!

Step 6 – the waist can be finished in several ways, the simplest way is to cut an exact copy of the top of the skirt at a depth of 6 cm from the waist line, this will be your facing panel and you will also cut the pattern piece 8 times in fabric.

You now have your pattern – in part 2 I will show you how to sew this lovely skirt and then we can take a look at how to develop the skirt for a knit fabric with an elasticated waist!

Such a versatile style!

See you next month for part 2 – sewing the paneled skirt.

Nicola x

Continue Reading

Current Projects

Pattern Cutting & Sewing Course in France!

3 Comments

One to One – Tailor your learning to exactly what you need !Join me at our beautiful restored farmhouse in rural France. Learn the art of pattern cutting, or improve your pattern cutting or sewing skills, in an informal and relaxed learning environment whilst enjoying the French countryside and taking in a bit of French culture.

I now offer bespoke pattern cutting or sewing days so that learners can tailor their course to their individual needs. I can cater for between one and four people per course. Book in for any number of days to suit your needs.

We understand that flights can be on different days from different parts of the world, so we arrange each course to suit your needs. Please get in touch for availability.

If you have a partner that would like to join you but does not wish to take part in the course, this can easily be arranged.

Take a look at our gite Facebook page for pictures of our accommodation for a closer look at our setting and our rooms.

Course Plan – Sample of a 1 week course outline –

Day 1 – let’s see what you know and what you need to know.

This is an opportunity for everyone to review their skills level and to formulate an individual learning plan, to ensure everyone, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pattern cutter, gets the most out of the coming week.

Day 2 – let’s push your creative pattern cutting skills to their limits

Modelling on the dress stand, learn the skills of ‘French Moulage’ and allow your creative pattern cutting skills to flourish.

Day 3 – Pattern cutting for stretch fabrics

We live in knit fabrics; let’s take a day to understand how to create patterns for stretch garments.

Day 4 – Style readings

Test your skills and test my skills as you develop patterns for a garment of your own design, there is no better way to learn!

Day 5 – The essentials you need to progress

Let’s take a look at grading and sizing and fit.

The above outline is a guide and your learning is very much tailored to suit your individual needs.

The cost of the course is £150 per day per person, for one of our private double rooms, including all meals and complimentary wine and a meal at a local restaurant for guests staying for one week. Additional non course attending guests sharing the double room can be added for a cost of £60.00 per night.

To find more details about the accommodation take a look at:

https://www.facebook.com/lapetitegite

If you would like to book a place on the course just drop me an e-mail at:

onitnotinit@mail.com and I will send you a booking form.

Happy Pattern Cutting,

Nicola

Blocks, Patterns & Pattern Cutting Courses!
Continue Reading

courses

Dates For My Spring 2019 Pattern Cutting Course!

2 Comments

Spring Pattern Cutting Course

Join me at our beautiful restored farmhouse in rural France. Learn pattern cutting, or improve your pattern cutting skills, in an informal and relaxed learning environment whilst enjoying the French countryside and taking in a bit of French culture.

The course will take place from Monday 20th May to Friday 24th May, with arrival on Sunday 19th May and departure on Saturday 25th May. All meals are included from dinner on the night before the course starts to breakfast on the morning of departure.

We understand that flights can be on different days from different parts of the world, so if you would like to book in for extra nights either side of the specified dates this can be arranged at a cost of £60.00 per room per night. We can also arrange airport pickup from La Rochelle, Nantes or Poitiers Airports.

The courses are designed for a maximum of 4 or 5 people, to allow for each person’s individual learning needs to be addressed, so if you are a beginner or an advanced pattern cutter we can develop your skills further.

If you have a partner that would like to join you but does not wish to take part in the course, this can easily be arranged.

Take a look at our gite Facebook page for pictures of our accommodation for a closer look at our setting and our rooms.

Course Plan

Day 1 – let’s see what you know and what you need to know.

This is an opportunity for everyone to review their skills level and to formulate an individual learning plan, to ensure everyone, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pattern cutter, gets the most out of the coming week.

Day 2 – let’s push your creative pattern cutting skills to their limits

Modelling on the dress stand, learn the skills of ‘French Moulage’ and allow your creative pattern cutting skills to flourish.

Day 3 – Pattern cutting for stretch fabrics

We live in knit fabrics; let’s take a day to understand how to create patterns for stretch garments.

Day 4 – Style readings

Test your skills and test my skills as you develop patterns for a garment of your own design, there is no better way to learn!

Day 5 – The essentials you need to progress

Let’s take a look at grading and sizing and fit.

The cost of the course is £650 per person, for one of our private double rooms, including all meals and complimentary wine and a meal at a local restaurant. Additional non course attending guests sharing the double room can be added for a cost of £325.00.

To find more details about the accommodation take a look at:

https://www.facebook.com/lapetitegite

If you would like to book a place on the course just drop me an e-mail at:

nicola@modelistecreative.com and I will send you a booking form.

Happy Pattern Cutting,

Nicola

 

Continue Reading