Designer CoursesDesigner Courses | Designer Courses http://www.designercourses.co.uk Creative short courses in London Thu, 17 May 2012 20:51:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Summer School 2102: Make a structured bag http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/summer-school-2102-make-a-structured-bag/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/summer-school-2102-make-a-structured-bag/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 20:44:12 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=675 On this structured five day course, you will study three archetypal  handbag designs, and learn how to decode  the pattern-making process  through practical exercises, allowing you to alter scale, shape and  fullness with ease.

You will  move on to practice construction methods for key  handbag elements  by creating samples of different seam, zip, pocket  and handle  types, before going on to make up a complete bag, with  facings and linings.

You will practice use of the skiving machine, and have the opportunity  to work with a cylinder arm, walking foot industrial  sewing machine.

Day one: Pattern-making. Three classic bag types, looking at volume and structure. Creating block patterns and understanding markings. Design. Playing with scale, fullness, and seam orientation.  Create new variations in paper, and calico toile.

Day two: Construction methods. Three seam types- flat, felled, curved. Three  handles- turned edge, piped, strap-and-hoop.

Day three: Construction methods. Three pocket types- hidden, pleated, surface. Three  zip treatments- exposed, inset-facing, top-stitched.

Day four: Making -up bag: cutting out, reinforcing, preparing meatl fittings.

Day five: Completion of bag: sewing, lining and finishing.

Materials to the value of £40.00 , and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course.

You will be able to choose your own materials and fittings and receive a comprehensive information pack including information on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/summer-school-2102-make-a-structured-bag/feed/ 0 Contemporary Leather design long weekend http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/contemporary-leather-design-long-weekend/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/contemporary-leather-design-long-weekend/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 20:30:32 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=663 A structured approach to classic leather goods making and design over  a long weekend. Drawing on the traditional saddlery skills that inform the British luxury goods market, you will learn how to work with vegetable-tanned hides and firm leathers with an emphasis on hand-finishing techniques.

Each student will come away with:

  • A hand-decorated belt with covered buckle detail.
  • A turned -edge wallet or purse with internal dividers.
  • A hand-stitched stud or mini jewellery box, or small bag with gussets to your own design.
  • Patterns developed to their own design.

On Friday  you will explore design options, techniques and finishes, and create patterns for a belt, purse or wallet or other item to your own design. Over the weekend, you will practice the various techniques, create samples, and apply them to your individual projects.

Key skills covered in this course include:

Cutting, staining  and edge-finishing hide.

Decorate surfaces with stamping, foiling and embossing.

Paring, skiving, and dealing with thickness.

Saddle-stitching, including butt-stitch and box stitching for complex shapes.

Develop your own design ideas, based on sample templates.

Materials to the value of £40.00 , and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course.

You will be able to choose your own materials and fittings and receive a comprehensive information pack including information on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

This course will repeat on 28 – 30 September 2012.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/05/17/contemporary-leather-design-long-weekend/feed/ 0 Couture leather techniques: decoration & manipulation http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/couture-leather-techniques-decoration/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/couture-leather-techniques-decoration/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:52:03 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=565 A short and delightful evening course over six weeks, exploring some of the methods of fabric manipulation and surface decoration that can be seen gracing the catwalk, and museum collections.

Quilting, appliqué, embroidery, stencil-work and intrecciato weaving are just some of the couture techniques you will try your hand at, as you create your own sample swatches, designs and colour stories.  The emphasis is on soft leather,  but also incorporates fabrics and trims. You will go away with a portfolio of ideas, and a head bursting with ideas for creating embellished bags, purses, wall hangings or wearable works of art.

Move on to one of our handbag courses, and incorporate your designs  into a finished bag.

Materials to the value of £30.00, and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course. Bring along some ideas, inspirations  to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/couture-leather-techniques-decoration/feed/ 0 Leather accessory gifts: jewellery, brooches, tassels & more http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/leather-accessory-gifts-jewellery-brooches-tassels-more/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/leather-accessory-gifts-jewellery-brooches-tassels-more/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:40:53 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=570 A fun-packed festive weekend, in the nick of time for those crafty enough to rustle up their own presents!

Focusing on decorative techniques for small leather goods, you will make your own leather cuffs, brooches and neck pieces,  key-ring fobs, bag tassels, mirror compacts, purses and gift bags, and  personalise them with stamped initials, colour and other details including studs and foil. Each person will go away with at least three unique gifts  and there will be a choice of templates to work from. You will work in bright suede and soft,  fashion leathers for a celebratory seasonal feel.

Materials are included in the price of this course. Bring along some ideas and inspirations  to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/leather-accessory-gifts-jewellery-brooches-tassels-more/feed/ 0 Handbags: Design for manufacture, advanced course http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/handbags-design-for-manufacture-advanced-course/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/handbags-design-for-manufacture-advanced-course/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:33:27 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=568 This exciting new course is aimed at those wishing to launch a handbag design business. You will prepare your designs for manufacture by creating fully drafted patterns, specifying materials, fittings and finishes, and gain an understanding of some advanced construction techniques by practising examples of boarding, pleating, inset gussets, and piped and bound seams.

The course includes a visit to a leather merchants, and culminates in an introduction to a London factory, where you will see how a bag is manufactured and have the opportunity to get your own designs prototyped and put into production.

Attendance is limited to six people per course, subject to experience. You must have attended a previous course with us, or have relevant  sewing experience to make the most of this course.

*Materials are not include in the price of this course. You will be given advice to source your own materials and fittings, and receive a comprehensive information pack  on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY SIX PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/handbags-design-for-manufacture-advanced-course/feed/ 0 Introduction to leather accessories: Fashion belts & cuffs http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-leather-accessories-fashion-belts-cuffs/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-leather-accessories-fashion-belts-cuffs/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:14:46 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=558 This one-day course is part of the Designer Courses Summer school 2012, and introduces some of the essentials of working with leather for professional results, with little outlay on tools or equipment.

Learn how to cut, treat and decorate leather, set in buckles and studs and make  fashion belts, and cuffs.

You will go away with two or more finished pieces. Materials, and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course.

You will be able to choose your own materials and fittings and receive a comprehensive information pack including information on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form] ]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-leather-accessories-fashion-belts-cuffs/feed/ 0 Introduction to fashion bags: Frame purses and clutches http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-fashion-bags-frame-purses-and-clutches/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-fashion-bags-frame-purses-and-clutches/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:13:58 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=560 This one-day course is part of the Designer Courses Summer school 2012, and introduces some of the essentials of working with soft fashion leathers for fast, professional results.

Design,  make and decorate a metal-framed purse or small bag, complete with lining and chain handle.

Working in fabric or light weight leather, you will learn how to make a pattern to for a particular frame, cut, sew, line and embellish your design and fit the frame properly.

You will go away with one or more finished pieces. Materials, and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/introduction-to-fashion-bags-frame-purses-and-clutches/feed/ 0 Classic leather techniques: contemporary hand-stitched goods http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/classic-leather-techniques-contemporary-hand-stitched-goods/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/classic-leather-techniques-contemporary-hand-stitched-goods/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:08:38 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=555 A structured approach to classic leather goods making and design over  a long weekend. Drawing on the traditional saddlery skills that inform the British luxury goods market, you will learn how to work with vegetable-tanned hides and firm leathers with an emphasis on hand-finishing techniques.

Each student will come away with:

  • A hand-decorated belt with covered buckle detail.
  • A turned -edge wallet or purse with internal dividers.
  • A hand-stitched stud or mini jewellery box, or small bag with gussets to your own design.
  • Patterns developed to their own design.

On Friday  you will explore design options, techniques and finishes, and create patterns for a belt, purse or wallet or other item to your own design. Over the weekend, you will practice the various techniques, create samples, and apply them to your individual projects.

Key skills covered in this course include:

Cutting, staining  and edge-finishing hide.

Decorate surfaces with stamping, foiling and embossing.

Paring, skiving, and dealing with thickness.

Saddle-stitching, including butt-stitch and box stitching for complex shapes.

Develop your own design ideas, based on sample templates.

Materials to the value of £40.00 , and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course.

You will be able to choose your own materials and fittings and receive a comprehensive information pack including information on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

This course will repeat on 28 – 30 September 2012.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/classic-leather-techniques-contemporary-hand-stitched-goods/feed/ 0 Bag School: Make a structured leather bag (Summer school) http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/bag-school-make-a-structured-leather-bag-summer-school/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/bag-school-make-a-structured-leather-bag-summer-school/#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:56:07 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=573 On this structured five day course, you will study three archetypal handbag designs, and learn how to decode  the pattern-making process through practical exercises, allowing you to alter scale, shape and fullness with ease.

You will  move on to practice construction methods for key handbag elements  by creating samples of different seam, zip, pocket and handle  types, before going on to make up a complete bag, with facings and linings.

You will practice use of the skiving machine, and have the opportunity to work with a cylinder arm, walking foot industrial  sewing machine.

Day one: Pattern-making. Three classic bag types, looking at volume and structure. Creating block patterns and understanding markings. Design. Playing with scale, fullness, and seam orientation.  Create new variations in paper, and calico toile.

Day two: Construction methods. Three seam types- flat, felled, curved. Three  handles- turned edge, piped, strap-and-hoop.

Day three: Construction methods. Three pocket types- hidden, pleated, surface. Three  zip treatments- exposed, inset-facing, top-stitched.

Day four: Making -up bag: cutting out, reinforcing, preparing meatl fittings.

Day five: Completion of bag: sewing, lining and finishing.

Materials to the value of £40.00 , and a full information pack on suppliers and technical tips are included in the price of this course.

You will be able to choose your own materials and fittings and receive a comprehensive information pack including information on suppliers, tools, equipment and other resources, together with key technical tips for successful making. 

Bring along some ideas, inspirations and sketches to help you get started.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/bag-school-make-a-structured-leather-bag-summer-school/feed/ 0 Gloves: Design and make bespoke fashion gloves http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/gloves-design-and-make-bespoke-fashion-gloves/ http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/gloves-design-and-make-bespoke-fashion-gloves/#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:44:24 +0000 admin http://www.designercourses.co.uk/?p=551 Discover the secrets of couture glove-making in this very special new course. Delving into fashion archives and museum collections for inspiration, you will gain an overview of the wealth of design and decoration possibilities, before trying out key making techniques including couture hand stitching methods and modern machine trickery, and going on to create your own unique, fitted pair of gloves, in fabric or leather.

You will:

  • Learn how to take accurate measurements
  • Make a bespoke pattern
  • Master traditional hand-stitching techniques
  • Explore machine stitching methods including stretch stitches
  • Make up your finished design

 

Materials are included in the price of this course, and you will receive a resource pack with details of suppliers, tools and key techniques. Bring along some ideas and inspirations to help you get started.

 

This course will also run on 3 & 4 November 2012.

TO BOOK ONE OF ONLY TEN PLACES ON THIS COURSE, PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW.

[contact-form]

 

]]> http://www.designercourses.co.uk/2012/03/14/gloves-design-and-make-bespoke-fashion-gloves/feed/ 0