The Dressmaker's Portfolio - The Handmade Wardrobe - 28th September 2026

The Dressmaker’s Portfolio is a six-month foundation where students will learn all the skills needed to create a handmade wardrobe. 

This course is a chance to build a portfolio of samples and garments which will build your confidence and start your handmade wardrobe.  It can also be taken forward into higher education or a fashion-related career.

For beginners at the start of their sewing journey.  Learn about measurements, fitting, commercial patterns and how to alter them, using a sewing machine and construction.

For those wishing to improve their skills.  Go over some of the basics, become confident using tricky fabrics, and learn advanced and couture techniques to achieve beautiful finishing and perfect fit

 

“Elegance means a thing is as beautiful on the wrong side as the right“

Coco Chanel

 

 THE DRESSMAKER’S PORTFOLIO PROJECTS

Two projects will be set during the six months – these are to be done independently, outside of workshops.

Beginners will make a skirt or dress from a commercial pattern which has a fastening and neat seam and hem finishes for their first project

The Beginner second Project can be to make a simple pair of trousers or jacket from a commercial pattern that is well fitting and finished

For Intermediate Sewers the first Project is to make at least two coordinating garments from commercial patterns (dress, skirt or top)  with alternative seam & hem finishes (other than overlocked).  At least one garment should have a toile to show fitting and the addition of a detail not on the pattern.

The second project for intermediate sewers is to make at least two coordinating garments from commercial patterns (dress, jacket or trousers) with alternative seam & hem finishes (other than overlocked).  At least one garment should have a toile to show fitting and either the addition of a detail not on the pattern 

 

INCLUDED IN THE DRESSMAKER’S PORTFOLIO

-      20 Workshops days of your choice during the 6 months *

-      12 x 21/2 hour tutorials/masterclass

-      2 trips to fashion-related exhibitions **

-      Sewing Kit & Stationary

-      10% off extra workshops booked and attended during the six months *

-      A key for the Sewing Room – DM Portfolio students are able to use the Sewing Room when there are no workshops taking place

-      Storage Cupboard in the Sewing Room

-      Final Exhibition

TUTORIALS/MASTERCLASS 

12 Tutorials on a Monday morning, 10–12.30.

During the tutorial, we will discuss projects, and talk about construction techniques making samples if required.

We will also look at using social media for inspiration, I will give ideas of who to follow as well as introduce you to anything new and inspiring that I come across – whether it’s patterns, fabrics, designers or tools.

This is also a time for you to ask for help with your projects

* these do not include workshops run by outside tutors and do not include patterns & materials which will be charged for seperately

** Not including transport

DATES

28th SEPTEMBER – PROJECT HAND IN 14th DECEMBER 2026

11th JANUARY 2027 – PROJECT HAND IN 12TH APRIL 2027

EXHIBITION JUNE 2027

 

TUTORIAL DATES 

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

 

PLEASE NOTE - I ALWAYS TRY NOT TO CHANGE ANY OF THESE DATES BUT AS THEY ARE SO FAR AHEAD THINGS MAY CHANGE BUT YOU WOULD BE NOTIFIED ASAP

 

From Me: My aim is to inspire and help you to create a handmade wardrobe of clothes to be proud of.

From You: Commit to attending tutorials and workshops, complete your projects by the deadline and not be afraid - it’s an adventure

 

 

COST:      £2850

                       

A non-refundable Deposit of £500 when booking

                        CLICK HERE TO PAY YOUR DEPOSIT

                        Balance Due 1^st August 2026

Payment Option

                                First Payment – 1^st August £1125

                                Second Payment – 1^st November £1125