Behind The Seams Club Session 1: PRE 500AD THE ANCIENT WORLD

DATE: Monday 3rd October 2022

TIME: 6.30-8.30pm UK TIME

We’re kicking off the first session of the BEHIND THE SEAMS CLUB with a deep dive into the fashions of the Ancient World. Between them the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans taught us there’s a lot you can do with a rectangle of cloth - from simple sheath dresses to elaborate drapery. We’ll be looking at statues, pots, frescoes and mosaics to deduce the construction methods of these garments, before having a go ourselves with an Ancient World inspired pattern-cutting project. Expect draping, minimal sewing and original zero waste designs!

*NB - you have selected a 'drop-in session - to sign up for the whole course click here!*

ABOUT THE BEHIND THE SEAMS CLUB: A PATTERN-CUTTER’S GUIDE TO FASHION HISTORY

Have you ever walked around a museum/art gallery/fashion exhibition and been left brimming with inspiration and wanting to start making your own designs? Then this is the course for you! Our new set of classes is all about fashion history from the pattern-cutters’s perspective. Every month for the next year we’ll be delving into a different time period to explore its signature silhouettes and unpick the pattern-cutting techniques behind them. Each class will feature step-by-step tutorials to follow along and draft designs inspired by that period ranging from a full outfit to finer details like necklines, collars, cuffs, fastenings and so on.

Each two hour class will be divided into three sections:

SECTION 1: FASHION HISTORY ROMP

Looking at the original source material to discover the fashionable:

• shapes and silhouettes
• fabrics
• decoration and embellishment 
• sewing technology 
• social and political context

SECTION 2: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

Looking at how the period in question has popped up in later fashions and inspired modern-day designers.

SECTION 3: OVER TO YOU!

Time for some pattern-cutting - we’ll show you how to take your new historical knowledge to the cutting table and start to create modern designs inspired by the period. We have drafted a special block which will form the basis of the styles for the whole Behind the Seams series so you can draft-along with us in your own size. Alternatively you can follow along using the mini-blocks provided with each session.

FOLLOW UP SUPPORT

After each class we will provide :

• recording of the session
• follow up pdf with the draft-along designs
• a bibliography of sources

HOW THE CLASSES WORK

WHEN? The first Monday of every month, 6.30-8.30pm UK TIME, beginning Monday 3rd October 2022

WHERE? All classes will take place as a video meeting via Zoom so you can interact and ask questions along the way. Once you sign up for the class you will receive a download which includes all the details of how to join the class. On the morning of the class you will also receive a direct link to join the class. Please note that you will need to be subscribed up to our newsletter in order to receive emails from us (there is a checkbox when you sign up for the class)

HOW? There are two ways to join:

Option 1: ALL ACCESS - £225 one-off payment for the full year - CLICK HERE to book the full course

Includes:

• access to all 12 live classes
• recordings available forever
• draft-along follow-up pdf + bibliography
• multi-size croquis pdf
• mini-blocks pdf
• full size Behind The Seams block (see below for more info)
• access to our Behind The Seams Club community group
• bonus zoom ‘studio sessions’ with Alice & Lilia for additional pattern-cutting tips, guidance and fun!

Option 2: DROP IN - £20 per class paid individually - use the add to cart/buy button above 

Includes:

• access to the selected live class
• recording available for 30 days after the class
• multi-size croquis pdf
• mini-blocks pdf
• draft-along follow-up pdf + bibliography
• option to add the Behind The Seams full-size block for a one-off cost of £25. This means you can draft-along with us in your own size - click here for the block. 

ABOUT THE BEHIND THE SEAMS FULL SIZE BLOCK

The block that we have drafted to accompany this course consists of a separate bodice, skirt and sleeve which can be combined to create any design. It’s based on the Telestia system we always use for our patterns to ensure a good fit for most figures.

The size range is UK 6 to 26. The grade is 3 dimensional which means that the bust dart increases in size with the bust circumference. You can easily glide between sizes to achieve a perfect fit.

The block is downloadable as a pdf in paper sizes A4 and US letter for home printing. You will also get an A0 file if you prefer to use a professional printer. We recommend Patternsy in the UK.

This block will form the basis of the styles for the whole Behind The Seams series and will also be invaluable for any other designs. 

The block is included if you sign up for the 'ALL ACCESS' option or you can purchase it separately by clicking here. 

IN SUMMARY

Behind The Seams participants will enjoy:

• over 2,000 years of fashion history explained
• 12 inspirational classes to unleash your inner designer
• a library of drafting tutorials to get creative and start making your own garments
• a fun time with Alice and Lilia and a fabulous wardrobe at the end!