INTRO TO PATTERNMAKING: Drafting A Basic Bodice Pattern Sloper from Your Measurements / WEDNESDAYS 3/27-6/5

In this 10 week class taught by Carley Brandau, we will dive into the world of flat pattern making by drafting a bodice sloper based on your measurements. A sloper, also called a block, is the basis for all patterns. Having a sloper allows a patternmaker to save time developing multiple clothing items such as shirts, jackets, casual jackets, and coats. The sloper is intentionally simple, made to your exact dimensions of your body, like a second skin. Once your measurements have been drafted into the pattern, it can be transformed into several garments with various designs and fits. If you’ve ever wanted to draft your own patterns for your body, this is the class for you! We will walk through the measuring and drafting processes step by step and learn how to use essential pattern making tools. End class with a basic bodice sloper with a sewn muslin, and an original pattern made from your sloper. Drafting can be a tedious and technical process that may test your patience at times, but together we can make troubleshooting fun. This class will be focused on drafting with pencil and paper, but there will be some sewing. Basic sewing experience is necessary.

*This class will focus on drafting methods with darts to accommodate breasts. If you are interested in drafting for figures without breasts or traditional menswear methods, please get in touch!

Class is held at our studio at 40 Fix Way in Ventura. Please note that our studio is on the second floor with only stairs as an access. Our apologies that we cannot currently accommodate all abilities, but we hope to be able to at some point.

Instructor Carley Brandau grew up in North Carolina in a family of builders, makers, and musicians. She received a BA in sculpture at UNC Asheville, where she started making wearable sculptures. Interested in making objects for the body, she moved to Chicago in 2016 for a Master of Design in Fashion, Body, and Garment to study under celebrated artist Nick Cave. There, she developed skills in technical and experimental methods of draping and patternmaking. She has used patternmaking in complex applications from fabrication to costume to commissions; favorite projects include a custom butterfly performance garment for a violinist in the Chicago Sinfonietta, a custom garment for a friend to support her cancer recovery surgery, and Gary the Lion mascot head for FC Cincinnati. She loves making her own clothes, and helping others make their own clothes. She began teaching in 2020, and has taught a range of classes in pattern making, sculpture, fashion, and sewing, to adults, middle school, high school, and at the university level. She is interested in non-traditional methods of education, and sees garment-making as an opportunity for connection and self care. Carley is still involved with her communities in North Carolina and Chicago, but has most recently moved to Ventura, CA to be close to her partner’s family, and experience the landscape of the West. To see more of her work, or get in touch, check out her website https://www.carleybrandeaux.com/ or instagram @brandeaux.