Adult Learning and Skills Service

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Course Information Sheet

Soft furnishings - beginners   

Fees:

full £180

conc £70

non EU £253

Day

Time

Weeks

Centre

Start

End

Code

Tue

10:00-12:30

11

MAC

10/01/12

27/03/12

CP2502

Tutor:  Jane Sutton   Nearly Full

Wed

18:30-21:00

11

MAC

11/01/12

28/03/12

CP2500

Tutor:  Jane Sutton   Nearly Full

Tue

10:00-12:30

11

MAC

24/04/12

10/07/12

CP3502

Tutor:  Jane Sutton

Wed

18:30-21:00

11

MAC

25/04/12

11/07/12

CP3500

Tutor:  Jane Sutton

What will the course cover?

Anyone interested in making items of soft furnishings will enjoy this ten week course as it allows you to work on a variety projects. You will learn the skills and construction of soft furnishing, including measuring up, hand and machine sewing. Your tutor will advise on fitting, hanging, fastenings and suitability of fabrics for blinds, curtains, cushions and bed covers etc. Build on your experience and progress to more advanced work.

Who is the course for?

All those interested in making items of soft furnishings, or wanting to learn a range of techniques used in soft furnishings. There is also the opportunity to study for a level 1 award in curtain or cushion making.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

No previous experience required.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

Apply Health and Safety procedures in a sewing room. Thread and use a domestic sewing machine with confidence. Use 3 different hand sewing techniques appropriately herring bone stitch, hemming stitch and slip stitch. Measure and record sizes using the metric system. Measure windows accurately. Write a fabric cutting plan for a pair of lined curtains. Lay out fabric and cut accurately. Attach linings and interlinings. Make mitred corner. Identify 3 heading types. Identify 3 cushion styles. Make and attach piping and zips to simple cushion covers. Identify the basic steps in making up a Roman blind. Evaluate projects completed. Please note some of the learning aims will not apply as this depends on what your first project is.

How is the course organised?

Run as a workshop, with demonstrations and one to one help and advice. Question and answer sessions.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

Students need to be equipped with something to do, so preparation is essential in order to get the maximum benefit from the class, sourcing materials will need to take place in advance of each project. Advice will be given by tutor as required.

How will my progress be assessed?

Continuous assessment will occur in class and your Individual Learning Plan and Learning Journal will be used to record progress and give feedback between learner and tutor.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

Continue with this course to work on different projects to develop your skills. Make your own items of soft furnishings independently. Complement this course by attending the Interior Design course.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Materials and equipment (scissors, pins, needles, fabrics etc). It is important to bring a serviceable basic sewing kit. Fabric and trimmings for projects. Notepad and pen.

What support is available?

Learner Support Fund – a grant is available to help you pay for the cost of the course and other expenses incurred, if you are a resident in receipt of benefits. You may wish to get additional help offered through Study Support Sessions. Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Recommended Courses

Learners on this course also enrolled on the following courses:

Upholstery - mixed ability

Italian Beginners Stage 2

Italian Intermediate Conversation Stage 1

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