Patternmaking by Distance Learning?

It makes it even more inspiring when you look at the magazines and know that you can make up those styles because you can draft your own patterns.There is something very appealing about starting a new style with a nice fresh piece of pattern paper and your maybe new measurements (after the winter ).

This is a clean, accurate way of working because you are transferring your body shape onto the patternpaper so when you make up the practice garment you can be sure it will fit -first time. Then you can with confidence cut into your expensive fabric and really enjoy the sewing process knowing you won't have to keep altering it again and again.

The good thing is that you can learn to draft your own patterns even if you live a long way from town or you have a full time job and can't get to class or you have young children.

The College of Fashion Design is delighted to be able to teach a complex technical skill like patterndrafting by Distance Learning and also offer an accredited Australian qualification,so those who are unable to travel to class at set times can now achieve the same results as the full time/ part time students!

Of course, it requires some discipline but you will get results quickly as soon as you start using your SITAM AB template and manual to draft your basic bodice, fitted bodice, skirt and dress and pant block. It starts to become very exciting when you actually try them on an see how snugly they fit. Then you can start looking at how to develop different design lines for each style.

The SITAM AB has greatly accelerated the pattern drafting process but you still need to learn your basics and follow the step by step projects. It really is worth it as each step assists your understanding for the more complex patterns so you can do it again and know WHY!

Pattern making is the stock into which you graft all your other fashion skills - sewing, cutting fabric knowledge, drawing and designing all stem from the understanding of the human body and the dynamics of patternmaking.

It is the blueprint which makes the whole process intelligible.

The good news is that the SITAM AB program is fun and easy to learn and has no complicated mathematics!

There are two options when you enrol

Option A. Price - $950.00 You receive a print based manual of "Simplified Pattern Construction" with your own SITAM AB template and rulers to draft all the patterns you need for any shape and style. You can also receive a Unit of Competency from the Certificate IV in Fashion Design and Technology by sending in your patterns with a photograph of you wearing the toile. That is a very good record for your file of competence. You also have access to telephone and email support during the time of your enrolment.

We have had many students completing the Distance Learning using only the book and template with great successs

Lorelle Downey who has 8 children has been able to build a business by completing the Distance Learning program using only the book and template. She says:

I have had to turn away dressmaking work as I have enough to last until Christmas.My girls are complaining because I am always working on other people's work instead of their clothes. I never thought I would get so much work. As my skill level grows so does my confidence. I have not had to advertise all work has come to me by people talking. of course I always wear the clothes I made as it is always a lovely thing when they ask where did you get your clothes ?

OPTION B -$1800 You receive for this the print based manual, template, rulers as well as a TELESTIA AB CD ROM. You install this on your C drive and it stays there for ever.You have a lifelong licence for this software. The good thing is you do not need to go to the net for each lesson and you can open up at any time to a visual treat of the patterndrafting template demonstrating each step of the process. If you are doing the pants you can click onto pant blocks and start the auto play so the whole 157 steps are completed in front of your eyes.The graphics are very colourful and easy to navigate.

Of course you still have to do the manual pattern using your own template and own body measurements but for the visual learners it is a relief not to have to follow the printed work.

You also receive a unit of competency from the Certificate IV in Fashion Design and Technology when you send in final patterns and toiles showing the fit.

The TELESTIA AB CD ROM is used in many schools to teach the VET Clothing program and has had a very good result with students with low literacy skills.

One teacher reports:

One students who has literacy and numeracy problems found the CD method so exciting and liberating. She is a talented Art/Design student who "hates maths" and was frightened by all the numbers on the template and in the book. When using the CD she was faster than me in completing each step because her visual skills were so very well developed. She has now understood how to use her maths in a practical manner in patternmaking. With traditional patternmaking (without the SITAM AB template) she would have failed because of the maths/measurement focus-rather than the 'shape,line reference focus of the SITAM method I would also see this as invaluable for students with language problems"

The CD ROMS are ideal for busy mothers and working women as they can click on their Pattern Construction icon at any time night or day.

Karen Naylor says:

I found this course very suitable for my needs. As a mother of five and running a business. I needed a flexible patternmaking course . The use of the CD at home was an excellent way to continue my patternmaking without having to attend classes. I did it part time which allowed me time for my family and work commitments

I am pleased to say that Karen completed all 7 units of the Certificate IV in Clothing Production and has been making well fitting clothes for herself with a new image and has already made her first bridal dress with great success .

It is a great thrill to be able to offer such flexible learning and we feel that your investment in the patternmaking course will be the foundation for all your further sucessess.

When you consider the benefits of Distance Learning you really will want to invest in this economical, lifetime learning program: