Sian Riley: May 2019

1 week to go till Graduate Fashion Week!

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There’s 1 week to go until @bcu_fashion #graduatefashionweek show at the #trumanbrewery . The #countdown is on! #london #fashion #fashionstudent #fashiondesigner #gfw #bcu #birminghamcityuniversity #sewing #making #patterncutting #collection #1weektogo

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on May 27, 2019 at 10:01am PDT

Embroidery By Leah Stuart

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#embroidery by#leahstuart . #holidayinginnuneaton #thread #stitch #art #make #sewing #making #colour #pictures #embroideryart #needle #decoration #craft

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on May 23, 2019 at 9:34am PDT

A double class today starting with pattern cloning. It can be easier to copy a garment than draft it from scratch but taking an accurate pattern is key! I use sharp pins on cardboard to copy the shape through to paper to be as precise as possible before making any adjustments.

Then in the afternoon it was the last session of my pattern drafting: bodice course. A couple of lovely makes were nearly finished and it was good to see 2 of my Eco tote bags being put to good use! Well done ladies - until next time!

Head over to my courses page or The Sewing Cafe's Website to find out what courses are coming up next!

Are you following at bcu_fashion on Instagram?

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Are you following @bcu_fashion ? We’re in the lead up to #graduatefashionweek and you can check out what the level 6 #fashion #students have been getting up to over on the #bcu #instagram page . @vanilladesigners #fashionstudent #finalcollection #sewing #making #patterncutting #birminghamcityuniversity #portfolio

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on May 16, 2019 at 9:38am PDT

Traditional Japanese Pattern Cutting Books

My wonderful colleague Nataliya brought some traditional Japanese pattern cutting books into work to have a look at how their patterns are produced.

They're beautiful to look at - just wish i could understand them.

If you know what the instructions say, please feel free to send me an email!

Eco Tote Bags off to a New Home!

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#tbt - some more of my #eco #totebags on their way to happy #sewistsofinstagram @Jen i.broughton @ann3tt3u . Made from #sustainable and #fairtrade #materials - DM me to order yours and get a #specialdiscount . #patternbodice #sewingbox #sewing #patterncutting #ecofashion #sustainablefashion #totebag #reducereuserecycle #itcarryseverything #fashion #reuseyourbag

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on May 9, 2019 at 9:29am PDT

Busy day at The Sewing Cafe

I had a great morning teaching my bust adjustment and dart manipulation at The Sewing Cafe. Understanding these techniques can help to alter commercial patterns to improve the fit.

Then this afternoon...

We were very busy with two of my favourite students working on bodice patterns. Happily, they both achieved a perfect custom fit first time and they are both now deciding what silhouette to tackle first.