Maria Demetriou

When you try on an item of clothing in a shop you are trying a garment made to standard measurements. The reality is that most of us are not made to standard measurements and it is often difficult to find clothes that fit perfectly. On this course you will be taught how to construct womenswear garments from personal measurements. Working with basic blocks you will learn how to draught patterns according to your measurements and how to adapt your patterns to create different styles. Particular emphasis will be put on learning how to achieve a good fit and we will work through the stages of constructing a garment from toile to finished sample in a suitable fabric of your choice. Basic sewing techniques will be covered on the sewing machine and by hand, including appropriate seams and finishings for your fabric and inserting zips and simple fastenings. This course is suitable for beginners and for those wishing to develop on existing skills. Although the emphasis is on womenswear and working to personal measurements, men are also welcome and can work to the measurements of the tailor's dummy.

Maria Demetriou has worked at The North London Arts for ten years, teaching mainly pattern cutting and garment construction. She also specialises in designing and producing bridal/eveningwear for individual clients. Since 1994 Maria has provided an on-going technical consultation service to BA Fashion students from a range of universities.