What the learners are saying

JUDITH KEAN Two years ago I chose to enrol with the College of Fashion Design as a distance learner to study for the Certificate IV in Clothing Production. My reason for enrolling was as a home sewer I could not buy a commercial pattern to fit me, I had to buy two different sizes (one for the top & one for the bottom). This course was the best thing I ever did, as on completion of the Certificate IV I was able to draft patterns for any measurements and had obtained the skills and knowledge necessary to open my own business both teaching and making for clients. Once my business was up and running I decided to enrol for the Diploma course, also by distance learning. This was a very convenient way for me to further my studies without having to take time out from running my business.I found the course study plan and required projects to be easy to understand and complete. If at any time I had a question or was not sure of something I only had to ring or email the College and I received help very quickly. All staff and tutors at the College are very approachable and will give as much help as they can.Most of the projects involved giving presentations of my designs and finished samples of custom made clothing, which is sometimes a little hard if you are a distance learner. I managed to put my presentations onto a computer CD with the help of Microsoft Power Point and sent these into the College. By doing my presentations using Microsoft Power Point, I was able to show my design drawings, design costings, specifications and photos of final garments, which was accepted by the College.On completion of my Diploma I would recommend this way of learning through the College to anyone interested in a rewarding career as well as the home sewer who just wants a pattern that fits!

MARIA RUSSO The information presented in the CD's is very impressive and the videos are clear and informative. The program is fun, the colours are great and the directions can be followed easily. I would highly recommend it for student use for patternmaking purposes as the principles are clearly shown and fun to work through.

SKYE SCOTT Have learnt a great deal in very little time, working full time. The confidence to create, the skills to create what inspires me. Sound clothing presentation skills in the form of drawing the form, drafting skills including ability to modify pattern/ blocks. This has given me confidence to say "I can make a living out of this!!"

SABRINA FERNANDEZ I found the autoplay a fabulous part of the CD because it allows you to go at the speed you feel up to. If you have just started and are not very confident you can go step by step and see how each line is formed for the figure drawing.

KIM FLOWER I am now confident when drawing a figure to design and can dress a proportioned figure using the drawing grid. I have learnt a wide range of patterns which I can draft to my own measurements and other measurements. I am now very confident that I can design a garment, draft the pattern and then construct the garment and come out of it all feeling very proud.

MIRJETA SULEMANNI I have learnt how to measure the body and construct the pattern with no fear. Learnt to use the SITAM AB template and the design drawing grid to draw very professional figures.

ROS SLOOTJES I thought the dress block would be difficult but the CD Rom broke it down so it was easy to follow

RAE SHEARER It makes you more confident knowing you can go back an see the actual template being moved around step by step

BRIANNA HAGAN It really makes the book so much easier to understand once you have seen it on the screen. You can see why the hip-waist difference is so important.

DENISE RUHL This is a quantum leap in patternmaking. The SITAM AB method is very fast and takes the pain out of a difficult area and now the CD tutorial makes it so enjoyable. It is very inspiring !

KATH JACKSON It's been great to learn a faster and accuate method of patternmaking. The SITAM AB system shows simple ways to get great style lines.I have already been able to use this system in industry.

JANE MAO I know how to use the template and do a fitted bodice bock for different sizes and do the trouser bock and fitted dress block. I can also do the sleeves and bodic bock for my size.

LIANG CHEN I know how to make bocks ina quick way and fitting well. JULIA C I like it because it is not doing it for you but you speed up the process of making blocks which you know will fit and then you can spend more time designing a style your really like.

FIONA MAUGHAM I like the graphics they are so skillfull and not like 'clip art' Very advanced animation techniques.

LORRAINE BRIMBLECOMBE I am most impressed with this method of patternmaking, It is so quick and easy compared to the traditional method which I never use because it is too hard. I particularly enjoyed the graphics they were very clear and 3 dimensional so you could see exactly what was going on.

JOAN CROKER This is going to be of enormous help in getting this whole clothing technology back into the 21st century as this is a modern way of doing what is in fact a very old process. It is an excellent use of technology.

ROCHELLE BARRETT I never ever dreamt I could learn patternmaking. I have always stayed away from it. It is good starting directly from the body and not tracing around someone elses' pattern and then trying to alter and adjust it.

ANNETTE CREAN This template works even for big figures. I was pleasantly surprised as I can never get any patterns to fit me.

DON HELLIER - Auckland University of Technology

I was greatly impressed with the SITAM AB system for teaching and patternmaking as it is my specialist area, Students master the technique of block construction far quicker than with the old method.Yhey also find the system more more interesting and are therefore self motivated int heir learning.

Jack Cunningham -Light Manufacturing Australia

The TELESTIA AB Interactive Training and Development Program is a valuable teaching resource for the delivery of the Australian Certificate IV in Clothing Production (LMT 40300) and the Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (LMT 50100)