Create bespoke garments that fit and flatter!
Awarded 'Best Sewing Book' at the Creative Book Awards, 2024.
In this comprehensive, informative book, Helen explains how to create beautiful, customized dresses for every shape and size. Choose the exact size that fits and flatters you from a bespoke sizing chart that takes into account differences in body size across bust, waist and hips.
Trace off your pattern pieces, then create a sample (toile) in calico which you can then adapt to create the dress of your dreams, in your own choice of fabulous fabric.
There are four style options each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and five skirt options, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-line, with or without pleats.
You can also choose to add a sweet, classic Peter Pan collar, or inseam pockets, to your garment. Alternatively, you can even create a skirt as a separate garment, simply by adding a waistband or facing.
The language of sewing and dressmaking is demystified at the beginning of the book, as well as the equipment you need to get started.
Nothing is left unexplained; and stunning images of the finished dresses, on a mannequin and on a model, are interspersed throughout the book to inspire your own finished pieces.
Extra copies of the full-size pattern sheets/pattern templates exclusive to Dressmaking: The Easy Guide by Helen Rhiannon are available here.
Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Tools 10
Your sewing machine 14
Sewing know-how 18
Fabrics 24
Sewing language 32
GETTING STARTED
Sizing 40
Pattern cutting 48
Adjusting your blocks 52
Making your sample 60
Altering your sample 74
MAKING YOUR DRESS YOUR OWN
Adapting the pattern 92
Necklines 92
Sleeves 104
Skirts 122
Drafting a collar 136
Drafting pockets 139
Finishing your dress 142
Constructing your garment 142
Zip closures 146
Separates 154
Tops 154
Skirts: adding a waistband or facing 156
Taking it further 159
Index 160
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Extra Information
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Create garments that fit and flatter with Dressmaking: The Easy Guide Online Course!
This practical online sewing guide is suitable for all skill levels. It will demystify dressmaking so you can create customised dresses and separates that not only fit and flatter but are a perfect match for your style!
Get lifetime access to over 7 hours of expert tuition for just £99!
ENROL HERE TODAY!
About Helen Rhiannon
Helen Rhiannon is an award-winning designer specializing in bespoke wedding dresses. Helen was fortunate to grow up by the picturesque coastline of Gower in Swansea, Wales, where she still lives. She creates beautiful, timeless, handmade gowns from her studio.
Helen has gained a solid reputation for her superlative dressmaking skills which has led her to share her knowledge and passion through teaching. Helen set up the ‘All Sewn Up Wales’ sewing workshops in 2010, designed to help people learn and develop new skills, whilst meeting like-minded creative people. Her expert tuition has attracted students from around the world and she regularly makes guest appearances on national television.
For more information on Helen’s work, visit www.allsewnupwales.co.uk where you can also find an extensive online sewing shop, a wide range of tutorials and Helen’s YouTube channel.
Due to the success of Helen's best-selling book, Dressmaking: The Easy Guide an accompanying online course is now available!
