CityEast Community College

A basic course in making adults’ or children garments. Work at your own speed and ability to produce a simple garment from a commercial pattern, or for advanced students, tailoring: all at a price you can afford. Discover how to read patterns, learn cutting and sewing techniques and experiment with fabric layout and design. You just need enthusiasm: we’ll show you the rest. Materials Pattern: Beginners should choose a simple pattern – straight skirt, draw string pants/shorts, sleeve... [More]

Knitting is undergoing a major revival. In this beginner’s class experiment with a variety of yarns as you learn to cast on and off, the basic stitches (garter, purl, rib and stocking stitch), how to read and follow a pattern and change colours. Also covered are the elements and principles of design in knitting and how to enrich your knitted surface with beads. Materials 1 set of big needles (7.5mm -10.5m) knitting needles 1 X 50gm ball of pure wool (8ply) Pen and paper Melinda will... [More]

Whether you are a complete crochet novice or have been crocheting for decades, there is always something new to learn. Become inspired by images and examples of contemporary crochet and needle felting, particularly work from the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. This is a great place to start if you are new to crochet or need to brush up on the basics. Here you can learn: all the basic stitches, including chain, double and treble stitches; how to match the hook size to the type of yarn... [More]

Decorator cushions are the instant makeover of interior decorating. Update your room, save your wallet and satisfy your inner craft geek by making them yourself. In this course you will learn to make quality decorator cushions, including piping and zippers, in the fabric of your choice. Materials We will be making a standard square cushion in the class, with bias piping and a zip placement. Your tutor can show you a non zip cover, and we can make that as well if there is time. If yo... [More]

This course celebrates the beauty of the 50’s party frock with its swing-skirt and kicky weekend feel. Using a tried and tested easy pattern developed by the tutor create your dream ‘Mad Men’ dress and come away with your perfectly fitted 50’s pattern to take home and use over and over again. Please note: basic sewing machine skills, including how to insert a zipper, are required. If have not inserted a zipper before we suggest you book into one of our one day Sewing Machine Skills ... [More]

Create what is arguably the most controversial garment in he history of fashion, the corset. Learn about the history of the corset as you are lead through the basic steps in corset making, including; taking measurements, pattern alteration, fitting and finishing of your individually tailored corset. Materials Please bring the following to the first lesson (where you will choose from a basic block pattern and take your measurements) Fabric scissors Paper scissors Tape measure Tailor’... [More]

Create a family heirloom as you make a beautifully crafted sampler quilt. Learn about colour and design, piecing, appliqué, drafting and how to assemble and finish your quilt. By the end of the course you will have a small finished quilt top and have learnt techniques for machine or hand quilting. Materials required for the first night 1 metre each of 100% cotton quilting fabric: 2 solid colours, 1 small print and 1 medium print. Purchase the best quality fabric you can afford. fine... [More]

Learn to copy and adjust commercial patterns and make a new pattern from a favourite garment. Have you ever thought what a waste it is as you cut into a commercial pattern? Instead learn various techniques to copy the patterns and make common adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. That way you can use the pattern over and over and for the complete range of sizes. Even if you love sewing from commercial patterns, nothing fits like a piece of favourite clothing. Bring along a simple, fa... [More]

Using the oldest traditional Japanese fabric dying technique, Shibori (that translates roughly as pole wrapping), create your own work of art. This is a type of tie dyeing in which certain areas on the cloth are reserved from dying by binding dots or stitching, allowing one to create intricate patterning in fabric surface. Learn how to successfully dye your fabric using natural plant materials, including indigo; a traditional blue dye commonly used with this technique. Finished desi... [More]

Stimulate your creativity as you learn how to visually communicate your design ideas. Discover how to find inspiration and build your design ideas as you learn how to draw the fashion figure, create 3D effects with shading and colour, and how to layout a portfolio. Materials Please bring: A3 Cartridge pad 2B and 6B pencils 1 Artline 200 Black fine point size 0.4 Soft eraser Ruler 1 Skin tone “Tria” Marker Fashion magazines for reference Optional 1 set of Water colour pencils Paintbr... [More]