On Saturday 20th January 2018 the first workshop of the fashion futures programme got underway at New City College Hackney. It was a wet, windy day but this failed to dampen the bright attitude of the students and volunteers!
After a brief introduction from Joanne, the students were split into three groups, doing pattern cutting, draping and sewing. Each group was led by one of our super fashion tutors, Joanne, Hannah and Hayet.
“I really enjoyed helping the students with their tasks. I was amazed by how quickly they picked up the technical skills and their levels of enthusiasm. It’s contagious!” – Rosie, Fad volunteer, ASOS
Hannah, who works at Kingston University, taught the first group of students how to drape. This involved learning how to precisely measure bodies and then draping cloth onto mannequins to develop the structure of their fashion designs. After a lot of dropped pins it was onto pattern cutting!
“I found draping quite challenging at first because it was difficult to pin the cloth on the mannequin, but I got the hang of it in the end!” – Inayah
“It was my first time draping. I had watched videos of it on YouTube before but it was great to actually do it!” – Charisse
Pattern cutting was led by Joanne and Hayet. The students were given the outline of a small dress and top to practice their pattern cutting skills on. This allowed our passionate students to get creative, customising the necklines and other technical details of their designs. We had everything from scoops to bateaus, and even a turtleneck design
“I have learnt how to make darts. Now I know how to do it I want to use it a lot!” – Rosie
After pattern cutting, the students got a chance to use the sewing machines. For many of them it was their first time using industrial sewing machines which are notoriously fast and tricky to use! After some careful threading of the machines and practice with foot control, the students were quickly sewing the patterns they had cut into calico. They were helped by our fantastic FAD industry volunteers, Philip, Helen and Francesca who were on hand to lend their expert advice.
“I have learnt a lot about pattern cutting and using new techniques to build on what I already know. I have also gained more experience with the sewing machine, especially using my foot to control the speed of the machine” – Lemon
After a fantastic first workshop, the students were given their homework task which was to create a moodboard for next week. Next week there is more sewing, pattern cutting and draping to look forward to as the groups rotate.
A massive thank you to all the industry, ASOS and NatWest volunteers who came along to make the first workshop of FAD Fashion Futures 2018 such as success!
#Fad fact of the day: Did you know the word calico originates from ‘Calicut’, a city in Southern India which was famous for producing the fabric?
