How to recreate an existing item in your wardrobe

How to recreate an existing item in your wardrobe in any fabric

A) Introduction

Do you have a friend with the best pair of trousers or dress you want to make for yourself? do you own an item that fits you perfectly but is too old and tired to be used anymore? or do you have this amazing item in your closet that its fabric is a little too ugly to wear? you can now learn to recreate it anew! You will be able learn how to reproduce it infinitely and how to apply the technique at home to any physical item. The pattern can be used afterwards however many times you wish!

In this course you’ll learn how to take an item you already own (or borrow a friend's) and learn how to copy the pattern of an item WITHOUT taking it apart! You will finish this course with a pattern you made yourself and if you're a fast learner also with a finished garment! 

Course level: All levels, depending on the complexity of the pattern one chooses. More information about how to choose your item under section D. 

If this course isn't exactly what you’re looking for, we may have more openings soon, some technical and others, focused to expand your creative skills. Register here to hear about those. 

B) Structure & dates

Part 1)  Making the pattern

Session 1 -  You'll learn how to analyse the garment and copy. We'll apply your design changes.

Part 2) Sewing the garment

Session 2 - sewing the toile (view section E for explanation about toiles). 

Session 3 - sewing the garment

4 hours each session.  

If you have registered for the above course and want to continue your project on a pay-as-you-go basis, such a course will open if there is enough demand. If this is you email me at itiyastudio@gmail.com. 

Group 1: Mondays starting from 17th of Feb 16:00 - 20:00

Group 2: Tuesdays starting from 19th of Feb 16:00 - 20:00

Group 3: Gift card for a group of 3-4 friends. Date TBD through one of the members, one purchase valid for one group member. 

This is a physical course taking place in my London studio. Closest underground station is Tottenham Hale. Exact address will be emailed after purchase is completed. 

C) Materials

For this course you’ll have to bring:

• An item you’d like to copy. NOT an image, but a physical item. However, images for adaptations of the garment are welcome!
• The fabric you'd like your new garment to be from (this won't be necessary for the first session). 
• Optional: Pencil and eraser, notepad for your own notes, tracing wheel, a pattern master. 

In my courses you’ll be allowed to use any leftover fabric I may have in the studio, as well as buy from my rare and unique trimmings collection. By avoiding buying more than necessary, you too contribute with the (almost) zero waste aspect that I love achieving with my brand myself. 

I will provide the rest of the materials (such as calico, pattern paper, zippers, interfacing, scissors etc) but if you have your own pencil case, tracing wheel and pattern master things will go quicker, and we won’t waste unnecessary time!

D) How to choose your item: 

• The items you bring do not need to fit you perfectly nor do they need to look exactly to your liking, because each pattern can be tweaked to your needs.
• Please do bring an item that is in the general size you’d like to replicate because grading a pattern is too advanced for this course.
• Many changes may be super complicated and take longer than the allotted time, so if you’re a beginner, we will choose an item that does not require too many design changes.
• Recommended items to bring according to level:

                       Beginner: simple tops, simple trousers, tote bags in any shapes.

                       Intermediate: simple dresses, simple jackets or jumpers, simple bras. 

If you are unsure, you can bring a few options and I will help you choose or you can email me at itiyastudio@gmail.com with photos. 

E) Glossary

What is a Pattern? A pattern is the term used to call the paper pieces each garment uses, so the seamstress knows how to cut the fabric. The pattern pieces are shaped differently according to the design, and the fabric is then cut and assembled by sewing (and many other tricks), to form the garment you’re after. All patterns can be used several times by the way!

What is Pattern-making?  it's its own separate field of knowledge to sewing, one does not need to know how to make a pattern to know how to sew it but one needs to know how to sew in order to make a pattern. One can also buy a ready made pattern and adjust it to need with some basic knowledge if the focus is to sew! There are 2 general methods to pattern-make: drafting a block pattern and draping on the mannequin. The pre bought patterns often are somewhat like a block pattern, that allow space for a variety of body types within that specific general size. A good pattern is highly valuable and is really worth keeping. How do you know they are good quality? first of all, if the pieces do not match. Often times a trained pattern maker can see easily by looking on the pattern pieces that they won't end up looking like the image of the garment, once sewn. So, a way to perfect one's pattern is to test it with a toile. A good trick is to include notes on your pattern (such as an image of the model wearing the final product or a note that says "this pattern fits X"). 

What is a toile? A toile is a test run of your pattern on a cheap fabric such as calico but not restricted to. The toile can use any relevant material that has the same qualities as the one you end up using, such as similar elasticity, similar “body”. The toile helps you save money and time by avoiding making mistakes on your expensive material, it is used to visualise your design better by fitting it on a person, checking there's enough space for movement and apply changes; it is an opportunity to finesse anything without needing to take too many risks or the opportunity to change your design. Not everyone loves using toiles, such as those whose design approach is informed by their mistakes and love experimenting, etc. 

What is Grading? Grading is another advanced form of pattern-making whereby one changes the size of an existing pattern to a bigger one. This is a highly technical skill and is really great for people with spatial understanding, an imaginative brain and requires the use of a calculator. 

F) Terms and Conditions:

I will fully refund you the course if: 

• You cancel the course 72 hours before the course begins by emailing me to itiyastudio@gmail.com. 
• If I do not receive enough applicants for the group you registered to. I will then offer to transfer you to a new group and you can decide to do so or receive a refund. 

You will receive a partial (no more than 50%) refund if:

• The course seems completely wrong for your level from the first session. Please read through all the above info to avoid misunderstandings because you may be taking a place of someone else who can benefit from it. 

You will be entering my private studio where I make my own creations and manage my business. You are allowed to take photos, but, please do not take anything away from my studio except for your own work.