Registration Is Now Open!
(But Not For Long...)
Introducing...
Completely Custom Academy
A Three Month Journey
Empowering you with the skills you need to draft and make a custom fit, handmade wardrobe.
Reclaim your body confidence and love what you're wearing as you say "I made it!".
We can all speak to the pain of wearing standard sizing...
We blame ourselves for being the wrong size, the wrong shape.
But I'm here to show you this simply isn’t true.
Vibe Check.
This Is For Sewists Who...
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Don’t fit into standard sizing and know they deserve more than poorly fitting ready to wear or muddled-through me-mades.
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Are fed up with feeling guilty about collecting fabric instead of sewing with it.
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Find themselves waiting instead of diving into sewing a handmade wardrobe (insert reason for waiting: until I… ‘lose the weight/ have a space to sew/ learn more/ life is less busy’ etc.
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Or maybe you sew prolifically but somehow you don’t actually have any me-mades you love to wear
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Long to feel fulfilled in your creative potential, you can hear it calling you just don’t know what you’re doing wrong?!
Student Stories...
"I really would encourage anyone who is... disillusioned with patterns and fit of clothing in general, to do this course.
It will change everything."
- Su Turner, @keep_care_repair
Read more of Su's story...
Before Lottie’s course I was increasingly disappointed with the results of commercial patterns. I can now bypass commercial patterns completely or adjust them if I want to!
The course has confirmed my belief that standard fashion does not work for most people. My biggest achievement has been that I have designed and made a complete garment, it fits beautifully.
If you are thinking about signing up… definitely do it. You will have access to a huge amount of invaluable resources and you will be supported throughout.
I was surprised how quickly I was able to achieve my goals. I am now completely confident in designing and drafting my own patterns!
It was much more than I hoped, I have so many useful resources to go back to and the support from Lottie and other sewists has been fantastic
I really would encourage anyone who is confident at making clothes but disillusioned with patterns and fit of clothing in general, to do this course.
It will change everything.
Join the sewing revolution and
finally make clothes you
ACTUALLY want to wear
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Learn how to properly fit garments to your unique shape with a passionate teacher supporting you every step of the way- your success is my success!
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Take the time to sew in a mindful, body positive environment alongside like minded sewists- that moment when a garment fits her perfectly is an emotional one.
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Truly express your values by abandoning fast fashion and create garments that are uniquely tailored to your shape and style (even if you are not sure what that is yet).
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Leave behind muddling through instruction booklets and elevate your skills to such a height that you curate a sewing experience that is ease-ful, satisfying and bursting with creative flow.
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Make the giant leap into a world where you no longer experience gap between your desires and your reality. Finally make clothes that you LOVE to wear and serve you EVERYDAY.
What you're getting:
Full set of blocks as pdf sewing patterns. Print at home on A4 or A0 copy-shop files.
- Darted bodice block with set in sleeve
- Skirt block
- Dart-less bodice block with two sleeve variations
- Close-fitting trouser block
Plus half-scale versions of ALL the blocks for practicing your pattern cutting skills quickly.
Part One: Fitting Focus
Three Core Fitting Modules where I walk you through the fitting process step by step. You will be supported with a full suite of online tutorials, live sewing sessions and my feedback and guidance in between.
Plus an Advanced Trouser Fitting Module with a live workshop as well fit-a-long videos you can keep going back to.
Learn how to make supplementary blocks such as culottes, lounge pants, an all-in-one bodice & more.
Part Two: Pattern Cutting Skills
Pattern cutting principles and techniques, so you can learn your craft to a professional standard, including:
- Thinking in 3-D
- Dart manipulation
- Working with ease and creating compression
- Creating details including shirt and jeans techniques like fly fastenings, collars, plackets and more.
- How to turn your draft into a sew-able pattern.
Sewing skills. I’ll share with you industry knowledge that will elevate and create ease when you sew your patterns, including how to install an invisible zipper without using pins and a bias tape facing that will make finishing your garments a breeze.
Part Three: Creativity in Action
Creativity and design skills so that you can refine and hone your making process. Creating with intention, primrose and finding your self-expression. Resources include:
- Video tutorials for how to design
- Body forms for sketching out ideas
- Sewing planning
- Cheat sheet for finding your colours
Full garment walk-throughs so you can see the full process of a variety of different styles and techniques that you can follow to the letter or just be inspired by and then adapt for your unique project.
As well as all this, throughout the three months you are fully supported by me with weekly live sewing sessions including a monthly morning of mindful sewing. In between sessions we can connect in our Facebook community where you can get feedback on your projects and share inspiration with your sewing community from the course.
What you receive when you join us:
Online course content with high quality tutorials to follow along with at your own pace and revisit as much as you like.
Pattern cutting/ sewing time over Zoom. 2 sessions per month dedicated to making and bringing your learning to life.
Live tutorials & Q&A over Zoom each month for you to ask anything & request specific tutorials tailored to projects.
Support from me in between sessions by posting photos to our private Facebook group or through email.
Monthly mindful sewing club on Zoom, a 3 hour session including meditation, mindful breaks & plenty of sewing.
Private Facebook Group to stay connected with each other in between sessions as an online sewing community.
What our students are saying...
“Lottie explained everything in easy to understand terms and it was way less scary than the books made it seem. I feel it was a great time in my sewing journey before I made any more unsuccessful garments. I may still make some not so loved makes but at least they will fit! Even the one top I was reasonable satisfied with I now know that the bust dart is in complete the wrong place. If only I knew how simple it was to move before starting.”
— Letty
"Lottie is a fab teacher - calm, considered and so knowledgeable. Would really recommend to anyone who’s fed up with trying to fit from patterns that are designed for ‘off the peg’ bodies and feeling disillusioned with all the time and energy it can take.”
— Sally
At the end of this course you will...
...have the technical skills to design, draft and fit your own sewing patterns. You'll experience ease as you meet new heights of mastery in your making!
...develop a mindful approach to sewing, saving time and making more successful garments. As well as being part of a real sewing community for the programme and beyond.
...go on a journey of self discovery and learn to love your body as you create garments that fit you beautifully and express your personal style.
Your Sewing Teacher
Hey, I'm Lottie
Pattern cutter, block maker and fitting specialist.
I believe that sewing a handmade wardrobe allows us space to reconnect with our beautiful bodies and develop skills to pass onto future generations. I am passionate about supporting sewists to fan the flames of their creative inner fire.
I spent years sewing unsuccessfully until I finally took some classes and began making clothes I felt good in. From here I dove deeper and deeper into the technicalities of sewing and pattern making and trained as a pattern cutter. Not only does sewing my own clothes feel like a boycott of fast fashion, I feel pride in preserving the craft. Homemade garments feel like precious treasure.
"That moment when a garment fits her shape perfectly is an emotional one."
I've taken all I've learned over the years and developed a 3-part signature process to help you excel in your craft...
Investment Options
Select your enrollment level below:
Standard
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6 Core Modules
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Full Set of blocks as PDF sewing patterns (worth £75)
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[Bonus] Advanced Sewing Skills Masterclass (worth £150)
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[Bonus] Camisole to Contour Course (worth £350)
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[Bonus] Specialist Fabric module from Bevan O'Daly (worth £150)
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Library of Full Garment Walk-Throughs
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3 Months LIVE Support:
- Sewing Sessions with Tutorials and Q&A's (3 per month)
- Mindful Sewing Club Session (1 per month)
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Exclusive Facebook Group Access
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Lifetime Access to "The Sewists Fitting Room" Private Membership (worth £25 per month)
£1,850
£1,250
(Payment Plans Available)
Professional
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Everything From Quick Start
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Business Modules To Teach You How To Turn Your Sewing Skills Into a Business
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Monthly Calls Focused on Business Support
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Personalized 1:1 Support to Help You Navigate This Business Journey
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Access to Industry Contacts (Including Fabric Suppliers)
£2,850
£2,250
(Payment Plans Available)
This is perfect for those ready to monetize their craft - whether you're selling garments, designing patterns, or offering workshops, this will be your ultimate guide and support.
You will walk away with:
- In-depth and high standard pattern cutting knowledge and skills.
- Fitting confidence and a set of custom fit blocks.
- Experience drafting a variety of garments with transferable skills for any design.
- A mindful, body-positive approach to sewing garments.
Student Stories...
"The course has propelled me so far forward - I would never have been able to make this much progress in this much time alone. Lottie is so, so encouraging and really brings out the best sewist in you."
- Jennifer FitzPatrick, @jfitzpatrickdesign
Read more of Jennifer's story...
Before the course I had struggled with putting the skills I had together - I knew some pattern cutting and has sewing skills but I wasn't confident that I could make something that really fit me properly. I had made garments but was never fully happy with the fit and didn't know how to fix it as I didn't know what I was doing wrong.
The course has filled in all the gaps in my knowledge and now I can do everything step by step as I fully understand why I'm doing what I'm doing. I know how to fix fitting issues and I also know what causes them.
During the course I realised that everyone has bodies that vary hugely from the "ideal" Ready to wear figure and that's ok! :) In making clothes for myself, I have learned that there is nothing wrong with my shape, it's just that high street chains aren't making clothes specifically for me.
My biggest achievement during the course has been becoming more confident in my sewing and design abilities (before I was stuck and didn't want to start a project for fear of failing). I know that with some practice (toiles) I will be able to make anything I want.
If you are thinking about signing up… do it! It's the best present to yourself because it will give you the skills, the practical knowledge and the confidence to be able to make your dream wardrobe - where everything fits. Tailor-made for you! What's not to love.
One thing that surprised me was much I already knew - I had a lot of gaps in my knowledge but with Lottie's help, I was able to fill those in and now I can use all my skills to maximum effect.
The course has propelled me so far forward - I would never have been able to make this much progress in this much time alone. Lottie is so, so encouraging and really brings out the best sewist in you.
The course was everything I had hoped and more. I love Lottie's philosophy on being creative, sewing and making clothes for women's bodies. It was very nurturing and thought provoking and just an overall really positive experience.
Couldn't recommend the course highly enough. It's totally worth it.
"Making clothes is a meditation. A meditation on your curves, your comfort and your creativity. Clothes that leave us feeling powerful, sexy, free…
Creating for yourself is such a gift, an act of self-care."
- Lottie
About the course content..
Industry standard pattern cutting for a handmade wardrobe
The Completely Custom Academy teaches you industry standard pattern cutting that you can apply to making a handmade wardrobe and beyond. It is also much more than that. Designed with making for yourself in mind, this program allows lots of time for fitting blocks and garments so that you end up with clothes you can wear and love everyday.
How to custom fit garments
Making custom fit garments is technically and creatively very different to production for a commercial market and this program makes sure you don’t waste time on information and processes you don’t need. Instead we focus on pattern cutting, fitting and sewing garments that are tailored to any shape or sized body and your personal style.
Blocks
From the course you will have a number of blocks including fitted and relaxed bodices, sleeves, skirt and trousers. You will also learn how to adapt these blocks into other variations. The course content covers the fundamentals of pattern cutting as well as specific projects. You will have access to this material beyond the 3 months of the course as there is more than you could possibly cover in this time. There is also an option to join the live sessions as a monthly membership.
How to sew successfully
Throughout the 3 months of the course we will have sewing sessions together and this is a chance to explore how to sew in a mindful and successful way. Sewing with others allows you to see the reality of sewing, rather than just Insta-perfection. We all make mistakes and need to take our time, we benefit from slowing down. Over this time my goal is to help you develop a nourishing rhythm to your making practice and feel confident in how you use your time. As your guide I can help eliminate time spent on mistakes.
Mindful Sewing
The monthly mindful sewing club is another great way to sew in a nourishing and successful way. We explicitly explore sewing mindfully in these sessions and include meditation and mindful breaks. No previous mediation experience needed, just think of it as relaxation time! This class has been running for a while and the community spirit is very precious. It is a lovely, relaxed way to connect with other sewists. You will be invited to this class beyond the three months of the course, as long as I am running it.
Want to get started on this exciting journey of learning, making and expanding your sewing skills?
Course Practicalities
Each month we will have 4 live sessions together:
3x Sewing sessions with Tutorial and Q&A's (2 hours)
1x Mindful Sewing Club session (3 hours)
There is a choice of weekly sessions: Wednesday 6-8pm or Friday 10am-12. Starting w/b 7th October 2024.
Time Commitment
Attending the above sessions is enough time to dedicate to the course during the 3 months. But there will be plenty of input for you to spend more time, if you have it, working on your projects in between sessions.
I have had many students who cannot attend the live sessions and I am still able to support you. If you are able to dedicate time to sewing at another point during your day/ week then we can be in touch via the Facebook group or email/ WhatsApp.
Computer setup
- A stable internet connection is very helpful for smooth running.
- A well set up camera allows me to see your garments for fitting assessment.
- You may want to access the online course content and Zoom at the same time. You can use one device that allows you to toggle between both. Or use two devices to see both screens at once.
- Able to download PDF documents and have them printed.
**If you are unsure about the tech we can have a Zoom session to check your set up and iron out any issues!
Investment Options
Select your enrollment level below:
Standard
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6 Core Modules
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Full Set of blocks as PDF sewing patterns (worth £75)
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[Bonus] Advanced Sewing Skills Masterclass (worth £150)
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[Bonus] Camisole to Contour Course (worth £350)
-
[Bonus] Specialist Fabric module from Bevan O'Daly (worth £150)
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Library of Full Garment Walk-Throughs
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3 Months LIVE Support:
- Sewing Sessions with Tutorials and Q&A's (3 per month)
- Mindful Sewing Club Session (1 per month)
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Exclusive Facebook Group Access
-
Lifetime Access to "The Sewists Fitting Room" Private Membership (worth £25 per month)
£1,850
£1,250
(Payment Plans Available)
Professional
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Everything From Quick Start
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Business Modules To Teach You How To Turn Your Sewing Skills Into a Business
-
Monthly Calls Focused on Business Support
-
Personalized 1:1 Support to Help You Navigate This Business Journey
-
Access to Industry Contacts (Including Fabric Suppliers)
£2,850
£2,250
(Payment Plans Available)
This is perfect for those ready to monetize their craft - whether you're selling garments, designing patterns, or offering workshops, this will be your ultimate guide and support.
If you're curious to learn more, and to see if the Completely Custom Academy is the right fit for you, let's chat...
Want to know ALL the details?
See here for course modules and lessons.
Bodice & Sleeve Fitting
Module One
Lessons
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Full introduction, including how to measure for and choose the correct size
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How to toile by preparing your pattern and how to assess fit issues.
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Bust adjustments, including creating sculpt, an accurate apex and advanced techniques for larger busts.
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Waist & length adjustments, with various techniques for the perfect fit.
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Shoulder adjustments for the broad, narrow and how to add depth.
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Armhole and sleeve adjustments, to give you the foundation for epic garments!
Skirt Fitting
Module Two
Lessons
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Full introduction, including how to measure for and choose the correct size.
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Skirt toile specifics, so you can fit with ease and accuracy.
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Creating compression using the side seams and waist darts.
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Adjustments for a full tummy and/ full bottom.
Simple Trousers
Module Three
Lessons
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Create culottes from your skirt block for a fast track to beautifully fitting, versatile trousers!
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Intro to trouser fitting principles including crotch depth vs crotch length.
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Trouser adjustments including changing the rise, the pitch and the crotch.
Advanced Trouser Fitting
Bonus Module
Lessons
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Full introduction, including how to measure for and choose the correct size.
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Advanced toile techniques that take you beyond simple slash and spread adjustments.
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How to balance your trouser block so you never fall down a fitting rabbit hole again!
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Body mapping exercises to elevate your knowledge and understanding of your own unique shape and how to apply that to the pattern.
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How to prepare and sew your toile for a seamless fitting expereince.
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A step-by-step tutorial on assessing and analyzing the fit of your toile.
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Plus, how to transfer those adjustments back to the pattern.
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A closer look at more complex fit adjustments and issues you may encounter.
Bonus Module
Additional Blocks & Block Making
A module dedicated to expanding your block library with additional PDF patterns, tutorials to transform existing blocks and drafting from scratch.
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Loose Fitting Bodice Block
Pdf pattern and fitting guide.
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How to draft lounge Pants
Transform your culotte block into comfy lounge pants.
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How to draft an all-in-one bodice block
An easy fit, easy to wear block with variations including a raglan sleeve.
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How to a skirt block
Even though one is provided with the course, there is a lesson to guide you through an introduction to block making from scratch.
Pattern Cutting Fundamentals
Module Four
Lessons
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Dart manipulation
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Setting up to draft
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Truing and labelling
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Adding notches and seam allowances
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Masterclass in ease
Pattern Cutting Skills
Module Five
Lessons
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Necklines
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Waistbands
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Sleeves
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Fastenings
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Collars and plackets
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Pleats, flounces and ruffles
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Pockets
Design Skills
Module Six
Lessons
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Create your perfect silhouette
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Design skills
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Project planning
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Find your colours
Final Module
Full Garment Walk-Throughs
A library of longer videos that take you through the drafting process of complete garments. Putting into action previous techniques and introducing new ones.
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Princess Seam Shift Dress
Learn how to put your bodice and skirt block together for this clean-line, panelled dress.
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Wrap Dress
This crowd-pleasing closure is made with hidden shaping and a agthered skirt.
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Revere Collar Shirt
Relaxed looking shirt with a world of possibilities. .
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Ladies Fitted Shirt
Proper shirt with a clever use of ease.
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Bomber Jacket
Super fun, super cool jacket!
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Biker Jacket
Another play with collars and reveres for this classic biker jacket.
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Blazor Jacket
Leanr how to create sculpt in an easeful block and create an easy to waer jacket.
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Elasticated Waist Trousers
A warobe staple and a technique that can be used again and again.
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Pleated Culottes
See compression techniques in action and how to effectively create pleats in your culottes block.
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Curved Waistband Jeans
Is there anything better than the perfect pair of jeans? Here is your chance :)
You've made it down this far,
maybe you have some questions...
I am super busy, should I wait until I have more free time?
In my experience we never get less busy. I have created this program with a busy life in mind. I want to give you back your time but creating a structured, mindful sewing space and mentorship that eliminates wasteful rabbit holes and time unpicking mistakes.
What if I have kids and very little time? Can I still get results?
Such a big yes, mama. One of the key parts of this program is supporting you to sew in the midst of real life. And I know how important it can be to nurture your relationship with your body when you have children. If little ones need to be in the background, it's no problem. We’ll be on Zoom with a mute button :)
Am I too beginner?
This course is aimed at sewists that are confident with how to sew garments as we will be focusing on pattern cutting and fitting more than how to sew. A long as you have made at least five garments, that should enough but we can talk it through to check. It is helpful if you have an idea of fitting adjustments, for example have seen or attempted a full bust adjustment before. I will be teaching pattern cutting from scratch so no experience needed in this area!
Am I too advanced?
As well as the course content that covers techniques, this program is about supporting you in your creative process. It offers you the space to fit, pattern cut and sew in a mindful, body positive space. If you are an advanced sewist or pattern cutter and looking to take a new approach to making garments this course will offer you just that.
What happens when the three months are up?
Beyond the three months you will continue to have access to the online course content and will be invited every month to the mindful sewing club. Course alumni will have a private Facebook group to stay connected.
There is an option to stay on the program with a monthly membership. This means you can continue to come to calls and online sewing sessions. And I have a one to one rate should you need some dedicated time.
What about sizing?
This program is available for all sizes and shapes! The blocks will be available in a standard size range, if you fall out of that range I will make you a custom set. I’ll explain exactly why I do this too.
We’ll be learning and doing so much fitting that the garments you create in this course will be completely custom fit to you and your beautifully unique shape.
There is an option to stay on the program with a monthly membership. This means you can continue to come to calls and online sewing sessions. And I have a one to one rate should you need some dedicated time.
When do we start?
Starting w/b 7th October 2024.
(We'll finish w/b 17th December, so plenty of time to get ready for Christmas!)
Group calls are 3x per month and you can choose between:
Wednesday 6-8pm or Friday 10am-12.
Plus the last Saturday morning of each month, 10.30am-1.30pm for the Mindful Sewing Class.
All the dates:
Fitting Focus. Modules 1-3
Week one 9th/11th October
Week two 16th/18th October
Week three 23rd/ 25th October
Week four 30th Oct/ 1st November (integration week, no live sessions)
Pattern Cutting Focus. Modules 4 & 5
Week five 6th/8th November
Week six 13th 15th November
Week seven 20th/ 22nd November
Week eight 27th/ 29th November (integration week, no live sessions)
Full Garment Focus. Modules 6 & 7
Week nine 4th/ 6th December
Week ten 11th/ 13th December
Week eleven 18th/ 20th December
Course ends!
It's time to reclaim your body with clothes that actually fit through industry standard pattern cutting and slowed down sewing sessions.
(Get ready to feel deeply accomplished)
© 2024 Wild Orchard Sewing