Timothy O’Sullivan is a Senior Lecturer in Pattern Cutting at Ravensbourne University, London who shares his passion for exploring drape and cutting techniques via his Instagram account @mr_o_pattern_studio.
His past work as a Creative Pattern Cutter has featured in British and Italian Vogue, on the Oscars Red Carpet and the catwalks of London, Milan, and New York. He is also a regular contributor to The Design Museum, London and The Turner Contemporary, Margate creating fashion focused workshops.
During your week with Tim, you will learn the pattern cutting essentials. From creating a basic block tailored to your own measurements, to experimenting with design techniques such as sleeve variations, adding fullness, and dart manipulation. You will gain hands on experience in shaping and refining patterns.
The course is aimed at all levels, with no prior pattern cutting experience needed. However, knowledge of sewing and using patterns would be beneficial!
We also have some non-residential spaces which can be found here.
The itinerary:
Monday: Check in day
You can check in at the Grove from 3pm. At 4pm there will be a meet and greet with Tim and your fellow students over drinks and nibbles. We will introduce you to the house and you’ll get to know each other a bit better.
Tuesday: introduction to pattern cutting and Drafting the Basic Block
Tim will introduce you to the essential tools used in pattern cutting, and how they are used.
You will be shown how to take accurate measurements of the body and how these can be used to draft a basic bodice block.
Once your bodice block is drafted, a toile is made in calico to check fit, and adjustments can be made where necessary.
To finish, Tim will show you how to trace your block onto card to be used in future.
Wednesday: Silhouette Development
Tim will introduce you to darts, and their role in shaping a garment. You will also learn about dart manipulation, which involves moving darts to different positions.
Following on from this, you will learn how to create fullness in garments using pleats, gathers, and tucks.
Then, finally, Tim will show you different neckline variations,
Thursday: Sleeves
On day three you will learn step by step how to create a variety of sleeve silhouettes.
You will be shown different variations of sleeve lengths, such as cap sleeves, short sleeves, and three-quarter length sleeves.
Tim will show you how to draft other styles such as puff sleeves, bell sleeves and gathered or cuff style sleeves.
Friday: Review (half day)
This is a half day, you will spend your morning reviewing the skills and techniques you have learnt throughout the week, and how these can be explored and further developed.
There will be time for discussion, and you will finish the week with several sewing pattern pieces which can be mixed and matched to create a number of different garments!
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to go down into our shop and talk through ideas for future projects you might like to commence once you’ve left us. Help will be on hand to explore ideas and advise on suitability and design ideas, helping you match cloth to designs or garment patterns downstairs in the shop. Or you may prefer to take a couple hours break from the studio and explore Rye, before getting ready to be picked up for your farewell supper.
What is included in your retreat fee:
- 6 night stay at The Grove, in the heart of Rye (Monday night to Saturday night inclusive). This is a 2 minute walk from the shop and workshop where you’ll be.
- Welcome drinks at The Grove, where you meet your tutors and fellow students.
- 3½ days tuition with Timothy O’Sullivan
- Breakfast goodies at The Grove.
- A beautiful seasonal lunch on all days.
- Plentiful teas, coffees and cake at the studio.
- A farewell supper with your tutors including wine.
- 10% off all purchases in the shop.
- Pattern card for your bodice block tailored to you.
- Calico to toile.
You can check into the Grove from 15:00 on Monday. There will be a meet and greet at 16:00 with your fellow housemates and tutor. Check out is by 10:00 on Sunday.
