Cut, Fit and Stitch a Summer Bodice to Your Own Style
2-day workshop with SarahB
Friday 31 July - Saturday 1 August 2026, 10.30am - 4.30pm
£160
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: Intermediate
a Green Maker Initiative workshop
Learn pattern cutting and garment making techniques to craft a bespoke summer top ready for your wardrobe in this 2-day workshop with SarahB.
At the early stage of Day 1 there’ll be time for brainstorming, inspiration, discussion and looking at samples for ideas.
Time will be spent working with paper and drawing materials as well as with fabric to draft your pattern and to test quick samples. The option to work small-scale (standard fashion industry practice) is available.
It’s important to bring your washed fabric*, thread, buttons, a calculator, pen, note pad and 14 body measurements** on the first day.
Measurements and how to take them are shown in this video : https://youtu.be/kPkfhrQwsD8?feature=shared
Bring the measurements made for instructions : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 20, 29, 30, 31 & 33.
The plan for Day 2 involves using many of the stitch-features on MAKE Southwest's Janome sewing machines to begin or to continue with the making of your bodice. Advanced sewers may include sleeves into their designs.
Bring your preferred sewing tools with you for a very focused and exciting stitching time. The group size won’t be larger than six participants.
Design has to be kept simple on this short course. The construction of all the garment features taught can be adapted, exaggerated &/or modified which there may be time for depending on people’s ability levels. The objective is that everyone will complete their garment whilst being realistic about skills levels and clothworking ability.
This workshop is open to intermediate level abilities.
Ticket price covers the workshop, materials and equipment - it does not include meals or accommodation.
*Three metres of cloth should easily be enough to make a full size top and toile (a mock-up) but fabric width and the size and length to be cut may make a difference to this estimate. Participants are asked to make an objective decision when sourcing their cloth for this workshop. Plain natural fibre cloth (cotton or linen) of a medium or light weight is recommended.
**Even if you plan to work small scale please still bring body measurements with you
On the Day
Sewing machines and all tools required will be provided - but please do read the above description regarding measurements and personal / preferred equipment for the workshop.
It’s important to bring your washed fabric*, thread, buttons, a calculator, pen, note pad and 14 body measurements** on the first day.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. There will be a short lunch break during the workshop and participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop.
Workshop participants get 10% off in Rodney’s Café, our exhibitions, and our shop on the day of the workshop! Just show your booking confirmation email or your ticket at the till to receive your discount.
On arrival, please enter the building via the shop, follow the arrows to ‘Education Space’, through the smaller galleries, at the rear of the building on the ground floor.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.