Next Course Start Date: 2nd Feb 09
Learn how to create professionally finished garments for yourself. AIFD's sewing classes are designed to teach student's the tricks of the trade to creating beautifully finished garments for themselves.
Students at any level of experience can enrol - from beginners to advanced sewers. Students make garments of their own choice from our own selection of over 1000 cardboard patterns from jeans to ball gowns.
Haven’t sewn before? Not a problem. We start most students off on a basic shape straight skirt. This enables us to determine your skill level and also makes sure we cover some important basic techniques such as darts, lining and invisible zips. We have sample skirts for students to try on to determine correct sizing.
What if I have sewn before? If you have sewn a fair bit before we can start you off on a more difficult item. We do prefer you to start with the straight skirt if you can, as this allows us you assess your skill level, help you correct any bad habits and get you up to speed on how we run the classes. Speak to the teacher about your level of experience and what you are hoping to learn so we can determine the best item for you to start off on.
10 weeks (1 X 3hr class/week) Students must enrol per term and pay upfront for each term. No 'make-ups' are allowed for student's who miss a class.
$400. $200 deposit required to enrol. Balance payable on course commencement.
2nd of February 2009 - Monday nights 6pm-9pm.
To enrol, download the Short Course Enrolment Form (PDF), and return with the non-refundable course deposit to secure your position, or enrol and pay online now.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
What do you make after the straight skirt? Our classes do not follow a set plan where every student learns to make the same item at the same time. Students work at their own pace and the teacher attends to each student along each step of the way. After you have made your first item it is up to you to decide the type of item you would like to make from over a thousand of our own patterns. The teacher will help you decide on an item by directing you to something that is within your capabilities while teaching you new techniques.
I just want to learn sewing methods… That is fine, if you just want to learn various sewing methods we can teach you the methods such as how to insert an invisible zip, or how to make a welt pocket etc. In this case you will not be learning how to make a finished garment, but how to make parts of garments. This is only recommended for people who already know how to construct a garment from start to finish and want to learn how to do various methods correctly. Please tell the teacher which methods you are hoping to learn. You will most likely make these methods up on some cheap calico which you can either purchase from us or from Spotlight.
Do you use Industrial or domestic machines in the sewing classes? We use domestic machines for our sewing classes, as they are directed more towards student's wishing to learn how to make clothing for themselves. Industrial machines are generally used only in production and are therefore not necessary for students learning to sew. Students in our full time Advanced Diploma course learn on industrial sewing machines as well as domestic.
Do you teach stretch wear in the sewing lessons? Yes and No, We teach students to make garments of all types. Generally if you are learning to sew, learning how to sew more structured (non-stretch) garments will teach you more about sewing than stretch wear, as stretch garments are easier to make and require less fitting than non-stretch garments. Students can make both stretch and non-stretch garments in the course. Generally items such as t-shirts and other 'stretch' wear is often made using a 'Cover Stitch' machine. This is an industrial machine and is not generally used in our sewing classes as it is more complex and dangerous to use (and the majority of home sewers do not own this expensive machinery). If a student has a particular interest in learning how to use a Cover Stitch machine, please speak with the teacher and this may be arranged for you (please note, this may be out of class time and at an additional cost). We will soon be running a stretch wear course - click here for further information.
I have a favourite pair of pants at home that I want to copy… If you are wanting to make a copy of an item of clothing you have at home this can be done, BUT you will need a pattern! You can either enrol in our ‘Pattern Making’ course to learn to make patterns from your block size and take patterns from existing garments or you can pay to have the pattern copied for you. The price of the pattern will depend on how much work is involved in the garment. Show your teacher the garment for a closer estimate of price. (Patterns will usually take between one – two weeks).
I don’t own a sewing machine, do I need to buy one for class? No, you don’t have to purchase a sewing machine to do the course. We have sewing machines that you can use in class if you don’t have your own. If you are looking to purchase a sewing machine we can advise you on the best brands and models to purchase and direct you where to go.
My sewing machine is very old and heavy, should I bring it to class? If the sewing machine is too heavy to bring to class you may use ours. Having an old machine does not mean that it isn’t good – in fact, old machines are usually better. If your machine is older it might require a service. We have a great contact we can pass on to you, who will pick up, repair and return your machine to you.
What is the difference between the sewing lessons and the Fast Track Fashion Design Course? The Fast Track Fashion Design Course has 10 sewing lessons within the course, as well as lessons in design, fabric knowledge, the fashion production processes and more. The sewing lessons within the Fast Track Fashion Design Course are tailored more towards beginner sewers and are therefore more structured than the sewing classes. As students in the Fast Track Fashion Design Course are interested in becoming a Fashion Designer the course is taught from a perspective of understanding sewing so that you are able to communicate and deal with production sewers. For those who are interested in becoming a fashion designer it is recommended that you start with the Fast Track Fashion Design Course - you can then continue on with further sewing lessons to build your sewing skills.
Do you have an advanced class for students who have completed this course?: No, students may repeat this course as many times as they like making more complicated garments each time. We do not have a specific class for students who are more advanced. The teacher helps each student individually as students make garments of their own choice, so more advanced students can make more complicated garments.
What to Bring to Class:
Bring whatever sewing items you have at home. There is no need to initially run around purchasing products. We sell all the products you will require at discounted prices (lower than or equal to Spotlight) to save you having to run around searching for products. We can also advise you on the best items to purchase.
If you are able to bring your own sewing machine it is recommended – as it is better to use a machine you are familiar with or become familiar with your own machine.
Items you will need in your first lesson (and will be available in class to purchase):
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