Custom Block Set Drafting
Summer 2024
Thursdays from 6-8pm PST - 10 week session
June 7th - August 15th (no class on Thursday July 4th)
Ages 13+
Instructor: Christine Knobel
This course will focus on the creation of a custom block set including a front bodice, back bodice, front skirt, and back skirt. These are the foundational slopers for all pattern drafting. We will begin with learning how to take measurements. From there we will apply Helen Joseph Armstrong's block development method to create slopers from those measurements. We will discuss fit, and learn how to make adjustments and transfer those adjustments to a pattern.
Results:
To Pattern and sew at muslin prototypes for front bodice, back bodice, front skirt, and back skirt based on student’s body measurements.
Curriculum:
Flat Patterning Techniques
To learn how to measure the body and create a pattern using the body measurements
To foster craftsmanship, problem-solving and creative thinking
To develop mature work habits that are vital for success in the design field, including planning ahead, pacing projects, punctuality, dependability, and meeting deadlines
About the Instructor
Christine Knobel Christine works as a freelance designer, seamstress, and instructor in the Northern California Bay Area. She teaches fashion and textile courses at the University of California, Davis in the Department of Design. Christine has also worked as an instructor at Arizona State University in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. She led courses in pattern drafting and draping, fashion collection development, and fashion capstone projects. While at UC Davis for her M.F.A., her thesis focused on fashion sustainability. She studied dyeing methods, textile life cycle assessments, and ultimately dove into biotextile design. Her work there led her to Make: where she's been sharing her research on kombucha textiles and cosplay. As a fashion designer she's worked professionally in pattern drafting, loungewear design, textile print design, and with private clients for cosplay design and construction. Her cosplay work has been featured by Marvel Comics, and seen on such sites as Vanity Fair, LA Weekly, and the Daily Mail UK. Christine has a passion for fashion, from fiber, yarns, textiles, to the rich history of the garments we wear.
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About The Sewing Room
At THE SEWING ROOM we specialize in Apparel Sewing and Fashion. Our instructors have experience with garment fit, construction, design in both the fashion industry as well costuming. Our Fashion Studies Program is an accelerated Fashion program for Middle, High School & Adult Students. In this semester long program, students learn the fundamentals of Fashion Design while being taught & mentored by industry professionals.
Through this program, students build a strong foundation of fashion centered skills while building their portfolio(s) and preparing for deeper study.
Jennifer Serr Owner and Lead Instructor at The Sewing Room, had a career in the fashion industry for two decades before opening shop. Jennifer is also Owner and Lead Designer at Bonjour Teaspoon Patterns - A sewing pattern company specializing in "Classic Style for the Modern Girl & Her Doll". She is also AUTHOR of the Book Sewing Camp Power.
"I started teaching students and about fashion and sewing almost two decades ago. I knew what it was like to have a burning passion to create well fitting, beautiful clothing, and wanted to share my skills and expertise with like minded people. Because I started sewing and designing when I was 7 years old, I know that there are very few boundaries for what drives a person to pursue a calling. Sewing and Fashion are my favorite things and I'm excited to share this expertise and passion with those who consider it their passion as well!"
