Bernadette has been sewing in some form for over 26 years. She originally started dressmaking at a series of sewing shop classes in Tuggeranong in the early 1990s before finally formalising her qualifications at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) where she completed her Certificate IV in Garment Production (Dressmaking, Patternmaking and Fitting) in 2003/4. This was followed by a Clothing Design and Colour in Fashion module in 2009. She was the Chair Person (Industry Representative) on the panel that restructured the CIT Certificate IV (Garment Production) in 2008/9 and has worked with a number of fashion parade productions. She is currently completing a Cert IV in Workplace Assessment and Training through CIT. As well as teaching privately, she also currently teaches at Canberra Sewing in Phillip and part time on the Garment Production Course at CIT. She has her own business – operating as a specialist antiques dealer (sewing, needlework, linen and jewellery) at Canberra Antiques Centre in Fyshwick and can provide specialist advice on using the vintage sewing patterns she sells.  A dressmaker, hand embroiderer/beader, machine embroiderer and quilter she can provide advice on most sewing related matters and is a member of many sewing related groups. She re-raised the Canberra chapter of the Australian Sewing Guild in 2008 and taught fitting/pattern making classes there for two years. She has also been a Craft Pavilion Judge for the Canberra Show for the last five years.

·         Beginners’ Basic Garment Making (24 hours – 8 weeks). Includes making samples for a Lapped Zip and Blind Hem. Includes basic fitting (Lengthening/Shortening/Side Seam Adjustments) and information on sizing, ease, figure analysis and pressing. Learn how to take correct measurements and how to read pattern books and envelopes and instructions. Garment: Basic unlined A line skirt with waistband and dress zip. CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED AT CANBERRA SEWING, COLBEE CRT, PHILLIP. TO MAKE A BOOKING PHONE: 6281 7555.

·         Intermediate (Part One) Garment Making (18 hours – 6 Weeks): Includes making samples for Buttonholes, Collars and Cuffs. Learn how to pivot a bust dart so it is fitted correctly and adjusted for different bust cup sizes. Includes shoulder adjustments. Garment: Collared Semi Fitted Shirt (with or without cuffs).

·         Intermediate (Part Two) Garment Making (18 hours – 6 Weeks): Making Casual/Cargo pants or trousers including a fly front zip and a variety of pocket samples. Fitting Adjustments shown include sway back, prominent stomach and flat/prominent bottom techniques. Garment: Semi fitted casual trouser/pants.

·         Intermediate (Part Three) Garment Making (18 Hours – 6 Weeks): Working with linings - Includes how to make linings if none available with pattern and an invisible zip sample. Garment: Lined semi fitted or fitted skirt or lined shift dress.

·         Advanced Garment Making (24 hours- 8 Weeks): Make a fitted and fully lined jacket – including samples for shawl and notched collars, welt pockets, self made shoulder pads and buttonhole treatments. Garment: Fitted and Fully Lined Jacket or Coat.

·         Embellishing Lace Motifs and Trims for Clothing and Dancewear (The Bling Class!) (3-4 hours): Includes how to use a hot fix tool with Swarovski crystals. Basic hand application techniques for sequins and beads (sewing and glue). $30 kit extra. Hot fix tools and glues available for use FOC in class. Kit samples below.  CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED AT CANBERRA SEWING, COLBEE CRT, PHILLIP. TO MAKE A BOOKING PHONE: 6281 7555.

·         Private Courses: Courses can be conducted for individuals as a package or on an as required basis (e.g. students can be assisted in producing a particular garment if they have some sewing expertise). Courses will be conducted in my sewing room at home in Barton. No sewing machine, iron or overlocker is required but students will be expected to assemble a basic sewing kit at their own cost under guidance. Students are welcome to bring their own sewing machine and overlocker if they have them. All such equipment is to have been serviced in the last 12 months (or have been purchased new in the same time period) and should be accompanied by its manual, foot control and power cord. Advice can be given on purchasing sewing machines and overlockers.

o   As Required Basis: $50/hr for an individual (minimum of two hours to be conducted consecutively). Lessons may be bought in bulk (lots of 8 hours or more) and a 10% discount will apply to the total cost. Costs for lessons for small groups will be negotiated depending on the requirement.

o   Beginner’s Private Lessons Package: This package is a series of 6 classes – each of 2.5 hours duration (15 hours in total). Total cost: $600.00. The content can be tailored around the individual and a plan can be provided after an initial free consultation. A deposit of $350 is payable up front on booking before classes commence and the remainder is to be payed NLT the end of the third lesson. A formal contract will be signed to this effect and invoices will be provided. Apart from the discounted hourly rate this package also includes an extra 3 hour shopping expedition (FOC) to assist in buying items for the student’s sewing kit and discussion on suitable patterns and fabric.

·         Basic Patternmaking Techniques: Use a basic skirt pattern and adjust it to make 10 different styles.

·         Sewing Knits (Basic) Class: Learn how to make a T-shirt using specialist Knit/overlocker techniques.

·         Hand Beading Techniques: Make a glasses case or box lid.

·         Other Techniques: I can teach a variety of hand embroidery, beading and quilting techniques.

·         Machine Embroidery: I have a Janome MemoryCraft 11000 and do a reasonable amount of machine embroidery so am familiar with stabilisers and hooping techniques. I use the Husqvarna 4D software and can demonstrate how to build and edit designs.

I am always developing new courses - please contact me if you are after something not mentioned here.