The Transformation series
12 classes to transform your dressmaking skills.
Philippa has created a series of video classes where you can learn everything you need to know to make beautifully crafted, well-fitting clothes that you will love to wear.
Starting with the Shift dress, you will learn all the techniques you need to complete each garment beautifully. With a full discussion of fabrics, patterns, threads, needles, pressing, sewing, tools you may need, and techniques you can use. Each class builds on the lessons you have learned in the previous class so that you watch, practice and perfect a range of increasingly sophisticated techniques on your garments.
Skirts, dresses, trousers, jeans, jackets, gowns and raincoats are all covered, as are the various methods of finishing seams, hems, collars, zippers, cuffs, sleeves, facings, buttonholes and much more.
There is also discussion of how to adjust the pattern to fit your body shape - whether you are larger, smaller, higher, lower, or a mix of all of those (most people are) - Philippa shows how to measure yourself and then adjust the pattern to fit, and then create a toile to fine tune the changes.
For New Dressmakers
If you have some sewing skills but have never made your own clothes – these classes will give you a thorough grounding in all the most common techniques.
For Experienced Dressmakers
If you are an experienced dressmaker – but want to learn better techniques and improve your results – these classes will help you take your skills to the next level.
Build knowledge and confidence
Starting with basic skills, and simple garments, Philippa will increase your knowledge and confidence as she teaches you exactly how to cut, sew, press and finish every aspect to get the best results.
Understand the principles
Not only will you be able to watch her carry out each technique, Philippa will explain why it is done that way – and what options you have. So not only can you apply the technique but you understand the reasons behind using it.
Get all twelve classes for just £200 / $250...
Plus get bonus class: "Bust Adjustments for a great fit"
Once you have the classes in your library they remain there indefinitely as a reference so you can return to them again and again.
What will I learn?
Class 1: The Shift Dress
“The Shift Dress” is a double length class which includes many of the basic skills you will need to begin your dressmaking journey - such as reading a pattern, measuring yourself correctly, cutting out accurately, and making and altering a toile.
Philippa goes on to show how to make the shift dress – explaining all the required techniques as she goes – including sewing the darts, adding ease to the sleeve head, making a neck facing, sewing an invisible zipper, finishing off hems with hand stitching.
"Loved the lesson on the invisible zipper insertion. I would have paid the annual fee just for this one lesson! "
Judy
Class 2: A-line Skirt
New techniques continue in class two including choosing lining fabric and inserting a lining, Hong Kong seams, inserting a zipper in a waistband, buttons and buttonholes and more.
"What a wonderful class. I've fallen back in love with skirt making - you are such an inspiration, Philippa! Thank you!"
Christine
Class 3: The Blouse
“The blouse”class will teach you how to perfect French seams, making and inserting a collar, together with several possible alterations you can do to get a better fit.
"What a fabulous blouse tutorial. You’ve shown me how, if I take the time to do each stage, it can look so much better."
Jenny
Class 4: Trousers
The trouser class includes lots of pattern alteration examples, plus detailed instructions on all the techniques you need to make your trousers including pockets, zipper, the waistband and fastenings.
"Thank you so much for a really fantastic class, Philippa! I now have a finished pair of trousers that fit beautifully."
Ann
Class 5: Lightweight quilted jacket and waistcoat
This is one pf Philippa's most popular classes with lots of people sending pictures of their beautifully finished quilted jackets.
Techniques include lining and interfacing, quilting, patch pockets, binding seams, cuffs and binding
"What a wonderful class. So many different ideas running through my head. Made one jacket, but will be making another using your alternative techniques."
Janis
Class 6: Shirt for ladies and gentlemen
New techniques include a collar with stand, sewing a yoke, front bands, sleeves including plackets and cuffs, buttons and buttonholes, the hem. Pattern alterations for back and shoulder adjustments.
"Just completed the collar using all your methods- none of that twin needle nonsense I was thinking of - and, oh my days, it’s so beautiful I think I’ll just frame it and forget the shirt! A lovely afternoon’s escape from the world…"
Jane
Class 7: The day dress
The day dress class covers all the techniques to create a lovely day dress including making the bodice and back neck opening, Peter Pan collar, inserting the zipper at the waist, making and attaching the sleeves, binding the armhole seam and creating the back neck tie.
Alterations and fitting adjustment examples include shortening the bodice, adjusting the sleeve, armhole, and skirt. Philippa also shows how to make the decorative elements including sleeve bows.
"Many thanks again for another filled class of yet more techniques and steps to make our sewing journey hopefully easier. I just get lost for words to say how much you fit into these classes. Thank you Philippa, you are one amazing teacher"
Patricia
Class 8: Dressing gown and kimono wraps
This class focusses on working with silky fabrics - and indeed makes two robes - one in silk and one in a polyester.
Techniques include the piping, collar, bodice, sleeves and cuffs, pockets, hem and belt.
"Wonderful class and stunning garments. I have learned a lot as usual, especially about handling silk and slippery fabrics."
Caroline
Class 9: Sewing with knitted fabrics
The sewing with knitted fabrics class covers many of the specific techniques required to work with knitted fabrics.
This includes a comprehensive review of working with an overlocker / serger as well as how to use zig-zag stitch on a standard sewing machine to neaten edges.
The class sample is a jump suit with demonstrations of each element including sewing tips for working with knitted fabrics, bodice, cape, zipper, neck tie and bodice lining, and finishing details.
"Thank you for the wealth of information on knitted fabrics. Watching you I have become so much more aware of keeping things tidy and being more precise with my sewing. My sewing is tons better than it was. "
Marie
Class 10: Jeans for everyone
The jeans class covers all the techniques involved in making a pair of jeans including working with heavy denim, flat fell seams, patch pockets and internal pockets, the fly, waistband with belt loops, buttons, button holes and rivets.
"Finished my jeans and very pleased with overall fit. Chuffed I did the flatfell seams. Thanks for being there on pause... :)"
Paula
Class 11: Bridesmaid dress
The bridesmaid dress covers techniques to make a beautiful bridesmaid dress using very fine, silky fabric.
In addition to all the assembly techniques Philippa shows how to create rouleau loop fastenings, facing a sleeveless garment, options for narrow hems. Other elements included review of covering the buttons and the wrapped shoulder detail.
"Philippa I LOVE YOU!! I am making a sleeveless summer dress constructed according to the pattern but kept thinking Philippa must have a better way of doing this! Who knew that I would find it in the Bridesmaid dress class. Thank you!"
Debbie
Class 12: Showerproof raincoat
The shower proof raincoat begins with a review of waterproof fabrics, and options for waterproofing seams.
Lots of new techniques including pockets, seam vents, zippers, hoods, sleeve hems and poppers
"It was very interesting working with waterproof fabric. I really like the end result and will definitely wear it "
Michelle
Bonus Class:
Bust adjustments for a great fit
Standard patterns are created for people with a 'B' size bust. The majority of people find that when they measure themselves correctly (which these classes will teach you) they have either a smaller or larger bust size than the standard - and so they need to do what is called a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) on their pattern.
The 'Bust adjustments for a great fit' class will teach you everything you need to know including measuring yourself correctly, moving a side dart up or down, a full bust adjustment (FBA) or bust reduction, reducing the waist measurement, and more bust shaping options.
"Thank you Philippa you have made that so much easier to understand than the books I've been looking at. I am so enjoying this course. "
Margaret
"What a revelation! Thank you so much Phillipa for your brilliant explanation of bust adjustments. I have struggled for years to do these alterations and your clear and concise instructions have given me the courage to start making my clothes once again."
Linda
Get all twelve classes for just £200 / $250...
Plus get bonus class: "Bust Adjustments for a great fit"
Once you have the classes in your library they remain there indefinitely as a reference so you can return to them again and again.
Learn to make clothes that actually fit
If you are making beautiful clothes, you want them to fit really well. The classes include pattern alterations for each style of garment so that you can make the right adjustments to get your perfect fit. Adjustments include:
Narrow and broad shoulders
Removing fullness in a dress neckline.
Changing sleeve length in a dress
Hollow/'sway' back
Rounded tummy
Body length and width
Flat or rounded bottom
Prominent shoulder blades
Broad back
Rounded, sloping, and square shoulders
Prominent bottom and full hips
Adding length to trousers
Increase armhole circumference
Adjusting for a bigger bicep
Fullness across the upper and lower thigh
"I wanted to make garments that fitted me and knew I needed help. Joining has far exceeded my expectations. I have loved learning new techniques each month and putting them to good use. "
Caroline
"I have made my own clothes for many years but decided that I wanted to take my clothes making to another level. My clothes are now so much better than I ever imagined"
Susan
How do the classes work?
The classes are all pre-recorded on-line videos which you watch in your library on our website. Each class includes 4 or more hours of video instructions and demonstrations.
Watch the classes when its convenient for you.
Each class is divided up into short 10-15 minute sections. So you can watch each video at a time which is convenient to you, when you have the time. And you can come back and watch the video again and again
Start when you are ready and work at your own pace.
There is no 'start date' or 'end date', you simply work through the class at a pace which suits you. Lots of our members watch the classes all the way through once - and then come back and watch them again as they are making their project.
Build up a library of techniques you can refer to again and again.
Once you have access to a class we don’t take it away again – so if you want to review a technique again in a years’ time, the videos will be there waiting for you.
Plus… You will get access to our exclusive, members only Facebook group.
The GMQT Facebook group is such a valuable resource all on its own. Ask a question and usually within a few minutes a number of members will have responded to help you. Its great fun to post pictures of your garments and to see pictures of what everyone else has made. We are a very encouraging and supportive group, so you will just love being part of it.
Plus... Monthly live Question and Answer session
Every month Philippa holds a live Question and Answer session where she answers members questions live on-line. They are always great fun, and we get some great questions from members. You will be invited to join the live sessions every month, and also have access to the archive of live sessions.
So if you join today you will get:
12 Classes teaching you the skills to make 12 classic garments.
Bonus class: Bust adjustments for a great fit
Exclusive members only Facebook group
Monthly Live Q&A with Philippa
... all for a single payment of £200
"I have learned so much from the three classes so far. It is wonderful to have something that actually fits and looks great. "
Patricia
"I have not stopped smiling whilst watching this class 😊 I am so excited to have found my sewjo "
Wendy
"I’ve made quite a few garments over many years but I’ve learnt so much in this class and kept thinking “I wish I’d known that before I’d made such and such garment” 😂😂"
Sally
Who is Philippa Naylor?
Philippa is best known in the sewing world as a quilt maker and teacher, having won many international prizes for her quilts and being a sought after teacher.
But long before she started making quilts, Philippa worked as a clothing designer in the British clothing industry and then had a business creating bespoke evening wear and wedding dresses. In fact she credits the skills she learned making couture garments with her success as a quilter.
Having spent two years developing a popular series of on-line quilting classes, she has returned to her first love - garment making.
Working from her Yorkshire Studio which she shares with sculptor husband Peter, Philippa has created a series of on-line garment making lessons with the goal of helping everyone to be able to make "beautifully crafted, well fitting, individual clothes that you will love to wear."
"This is a fantastic class. It's the class I've been waiting for since I began garment sewing in secondary school - my needlework teacher told me I'd never learn to sew!"
Bren
