Courses

About the courses

Click one of the images below to find out more about the courses:

• Pattern-cutting
• Toile-making
• Sewing techniques
• Corsets

These courses and workshops are for both beginners and advanced students who want to learn or improve their pattern-cutting and sewing techniques. The course will enable you to produce your own blocks and toiles' (mock-up garments) during the period of lessons. Up to 12 lessons will provide you with basic skills as a beginner. The more advanced student will be able to design styles for themselves. A two-day workshop will benefit those who want to brush up their pattern-cutting or sewing skills especially for doing soft handbags. See under portfolio for examples of contemporary styling and boned bodices.

Because my courses are tailor-made to suit your needs, a timetable will be drawn up and a quotation will be sent out once your requirements are established.

For further information contact me either by post, telephone or email. See under Contact for details.

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Testimonials

Celine Beilvert, dressmaker and children's costumes.

As I was aiming at making a business out of my sewing I wanted to know the "real deal": how to make the patterns myself and then adjust the garment to my clients' body shape. It was a huge challenge for me but in 8 weeks (2 hours a week) you managed to teach me exactly that! The keys of success for me were: it was hands-on from the first class; organised; at my pace; attention to details, a self-confidence building-process with the exercises to do at home and last but not least: your patience and professionalism! Thank you so much.

Iris Shopland, treasurer, West of England Costume Society.

The pattern-cutting course was marvellous, it was something I always wanted to do and enabled me to cut to my own size and certainly gave a tremendous insight into cutting for other people. You were such a good teacher Margot.

Teresa Gale-Davey, bridal dressmaker and costume hire.

I had a two year pattern course with Margot Arendse and really enjoyed it.
I learnt to create patterns from blocks and as I work all the time with historical costume I have found the course has stood me in good stead to create any costume to any size client.
Margot was very instructive and easy to follow in her method of teaching and I am pleased that I can put her teaching to good use in my work.