Need A Little Help Making Your Outfit For The Dressmakers Ball?
Need A Little Help Making Your Outfit For The Dressmakers Ball?
I’d love to work with you to create something truly special!
Find out more about how we can work together…
Lessons and Retreats
Master the Block - Learn to fit patterns to your body
There's nothing I love more than helping people achieve a perfect fit, and the ideal starting point is learning to fit a bodice block.
I'm delighted to offer this opportunity to get you started on your pattern-making journey and equip you with skills you'll use for every garment you create.
What You'll Learn
✓ Take precise measurements and make basic pattern alterations to create your first toile (approximately 3-4 hours). I'll explain the reasoning behind each adjustment so you can apply these principles to all your future projects.
✓ Fit your toile, adjust the pattern, and create additional toiles as needed based on the alterations required (typically 2 hours).
✓ Make and fit a sleeve or skirt for the bodice block (usually 1 hour)
✓ Refine your pattern, and trace your final block onto card—ready for you to create your own patterns or adapt commercial ones (usually 1 hour)
✓ Use any extra time to discuss how to use your block to create your own patterns or check and amend commercial patterns.
How It Works
This course builds on the bodice block and fitting guide book which is included in the course fee or a pre-made trouser block. I will guide you through the entire process with direct support and expertise.
If you would prefer to work through the first part of the process independently, you can purchase the Bodice Block and Fitting Guide separately, complete the pattern prep and first toile and then book in for a fitting session with me instead. Trouser/skirt making and fitting is currently only offered as part of a 2-day course.
Recommended Package
Full Bodice (with sleeve or skirt) block/Trouser block preparation and fitting: 2 days of 4.5 hours each (with a 30-minute lunch break daily) OR 1 full day 7 hours (with a 30-minute lunch break). Fee includes all calico, card and paper needed plus Bodice Block and Fitting Guide/trouser or skirt block pattern.
Fitting only (Bodice and sleeve): 1 day of 4.5 hours (with a 30-minute lunch break). You must have prepared a bodice and sleeve toile to fit before the class and please bring the original pattern or block with you.
All fees include any paper and card plus any additional calico needed.
Location
I'm flexible about location and can travel to most areas of the Midlands within 1 hour of Leicester. You can work at my studio (a shared studio space in the Makers Yard in Leicester city centre) or I can visit you at home. Please note that if you'd prefer me to come to you, there would be additional travel costs involved.
If there is a small group of you that want to learn the same thing, please do get in touch!
Preparing for the lesson
If attending my studio, you do not need to bring any equipment or materials but please do bring your bodice block and fitting guide (if you have already purchased and received it) and a notebook.
You may also wish to bring lunch or there are several cafes and shop nearby. We have a fridge and microwave. I will provide tea and coffee but please let me know if you have any dietary requirements, for instance, non-dairy milk, decaf tea or coffee.
Please wear close fitting clothes that are easy to put the bodice toile on top of - a t-shirt and leggings is ideal.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to master the skills that will transform your sewing? Get in touch to book your dates and let's create your perfect-fitting bodice block.
My usual available days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am–2:30pm
Want to take your skills further?
After completing this course, you can arrange additional follow-up lessons or consider enrolling on the Module 2 Pattern-Making Courses at Carolyn Rose School of Sewing, running again in March/April 2026.
Details: https://schoolofsewingcarolynrose.co.uk/products/pattern-cutting-course-bodices-module-2
Contact me with any questions
Need help with a garment making project or specific techniques? Want to draft your own bodice block? Need an extra pair of hands to fix those frustrating fitting issues?
Book a one to one or small group lesson with me in your home or sewing venue or in my studio!
Please contact me to check availability before purchasing at myhandmadewardrobepatterns@gmail.com
Sessions are a minimum of 2 hours and a travel charge will be added if travelling to your venue (this may vary depending on distance).
Sessions held in my studio are in a shared creative space in the Makers Yard in the City Centre. On and off-street Parking is available close by on Queen Street and surrounding roads.
Depending on the timing and length of the lesson we may or may not stop for lunch. If we do we have a fridge, microwave and crockery available in the studio for you to use. There are also lots of local cafes and shops where you can get food. Refreshments are provided throughout the lesson, please let me know if you have any specific requirements.
Pattern paper, all sewing tools and equipment including sewing machines and overlockers are included. Calico and other fabrics are not included, please bring this or check availability with me before the class.
Need long-term help with a project? Talk to me about booking a series of sessions at a block-booking rate.
Draft Your Own Pattern
The Bodice Block and Fitting Guide includes a full colour printed block pattern and a comprehensive illustrated A4 ring bound instruction booklet to help you make AND most importantly, fit your own bodice block - an essential tool for exploring pattern making.
A sleeve block is also included in the pattern pack with fitting instructions for this too.
The package includes:
Printed A0 pattern
Front and back bodice in our expanded size range 1-10 (covering UK size 8-28)
Sleeve block to fit the bodice block
Full instructions of how to prepare, construct and fit your toile
A thorough fitting guide including alterations tutorials with clear diagrams, covering typical fitting issues you may need to address to achieve a well-fitting bodice block
My Handmade Wardrobe is on a mission to empower sewists like you to embrace your own true style and Be Your Own Designer. The Bodice Block and Fitting Guide is part of a collection of online courses and guidebooks to enable you to realise your design aspirations and design and make a wardrobe full of clothes to express and celebrate your own unique personal style.
Need some extra help with your fitting? Book a 1 to 1 fit assessment session with designer, Sarah Laws.
This Online self-led course will help you learn the fundamentals of pattern cutting and start adapting commercial patterns to create your own designs.
£27
This will be one of the most useful tools to own for learning about pattern making! Use this half scale bodice block to experiment with pattern cutting techniques, make mini-toiles of your designs and she you ideas come to life in 3-D.
Learn how to use the block and practice dart manipulation with the Introduction to Pattern Making Online course. This self-paced course will introduce you to the key knowledge and concepts of adapting commercial patterns to your own designs and help you to start making your own patterns.
Want to make a full size bodice block to fit you? Order your Bodice Block and Fitting Guide Now!