A three-day workshop to discover how to turn simple blocks into clothes that are uniquely yours.

Have you ever had an idea for a garment but struggled to work out how to turn it into a pattern? Or perhaps you've spent time creating your own basic blocks but aren't quite sure what to do with them next?

Your basic blocks are so much more than a starting point for simple garments. They're the foundation for creating an entire wardrobe of clothes that reflect your personal style, suit your shape and are designed exactly the way you want them.

This is where pattern cutting gets really exciting!

Over three relaxed and creative days, you'll discover how to transform basic blocks into original garment designs using some of the fundamental techniques of pattern cutting.

There are really only two main principles behind flat pattern cutting — dart manipulation and cut and spread. Once you understand how these work, a whole world of design possibilities opens up.

We'll explore how to move darts, introduce interesting seam lines, add fullness and volume, change silhouettes and experiment with shape. You'll also have the opportunity to combine flat pattern cutting with draping on the stand, allowing you to explore ideas as they develop.

Rather than following a prescribed pattern, you'll be encouraged to bring your own ideas, experiment with different possibilities and develop a design that feels entirely your own.

What you'll learn

Over the three days, you'll explore how to:

• Use basic blocks as the foundation for creating your own garment designs.

• Manipulate darts and introduce different seam lines to change the shape and structure of a garment.

• Use cut and spread techniques to create fullness, volume and interesting silhouettes.

• Experiment with flat pattern cutting and draping to develop your ideas.

• Translate your design ideas into workable patterns.

• Plan the construction process so you know how to bring your design to life.

What will you take away?

By the end of the workshop, you'll have a much greater understanding of how pattern cutting works and the confidence to experiment with your own designs.

You'll work towards creating a working pattern for your own original garment design, together with a clear order of work to guide you through making it at home.

This is very much a creative, exploratory workshop, so the emphasis is on developing your ideas and patterns rather than completing a finished garment during the three days.

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is ideal for confident dressmakers who are ready to explore the creative possibilities of pattern cutting, whether you've already drafted your own personal blocks or are completely new to working with them.

You don't need to have your own basic blocks to join us.

If you have your own blocks, do bring them along. But if you haven't, you'll be able to use a set of my standard-sized blocks to experiment with the different techniques and develop your designs.

You'll also need to bring an idea or two of what you'd like to create, although you don't need to arrive with a fully worked-out design. Part of the fun is discovering where your ideas might take you!

Please note that standard-sized blocks are provided for creative experimentation and won't necessarily reflect your individual measurements. Any patterns developed from them may need fitting adjustments before making a finished garment.

Come with your ideas, bring your imagination, and discover just how much creative freedom pattern cutting can give you!