Dressmaking at
Ash Farm, Pembrokeshire

Helen will hand hold you through the basics of dressmaking and the skills you will learn to be able to create your own beautifully fitted dress, in a choice of fabulous fabrics. You will be able to choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart, which ranges from a UK 6 – 44.

The course will cover every little detail from taking accurate body measurements to choosing the right size blocks to use to start your dressmaking journey. You will learn all about a Block, Patterns, Nests, Pattern Alterations, which will allow you to create a sample. You will be guided through altering your sample to perfect the fit, before transferring the alterations onto your patterns.

Once the design is decided, Helen will guide you through pattern cutting each part of your chosen dress design, including necklines, sleeves, skirt options and facings.

There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats.

Helen will be offering many professional tips along the way to help you cut out your garment, prepare your pieces, pin them together neatly, sew them accurately and finish your garment to a high standard. Every little detail will be covered in this unique dressmaking course.

All equipment is provided but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have it.  You have the option to bring your own dressmaking fabrics, but they must be suitable for your chosen design otherwise alternative options will be available to purchase.

Duration of workshop: 3 x full days, with lunch and coffee breaks included. Everything is freshly prepared on the day by Sian.

Number of places: 4 max.

Cost: £595 plus material costs paid direct to tutor on the day of workshop. 
£90 with the book, fabrics, calico, paper, interfacing and zip. (Fabrics chosen beforehand.)
£50 with the book, fabrics, calico, paper, interfacing and zip.
£30 calico, paper, interfacing and zip.  

Lunch, cake, coffee provided each day.

Where:  Ash Farm, Ivy Chimney Lane, Stepaside, Narberth, SA67 8JU.

What to bring:  You can bring your own sewing machine and you can also bring your own fabrics to create your final dress which reduces your material costs.