MELBOURNE: The authors of a new book on pattern engineering are hoping to capitalise on increased debate about Australia's outdated sizing standards by staging a workshop on the topic.
As reported in Ragtrader last year, leading fashion educators Kathless Berry and Lois Hennes, have developed what they claim is an alternative master block system that uses current anthropometric data to help designers create garments for a range of figure types as well as cater for human variation.
The duo plans to introduce their system to a wider audience next week, June 10 to 12, by hosting a three-day workshop in Melbourne.
Topics covered in the seminar, which has been endorsed by the Fashion Technicians Association of Australia, include instructions on taking measurements, step-by-step diagrammatic instructions on drafting master blocks, trade drawings and fashion illustrations, toile testing, analysis and garment fitting and advice on workroom practices, concepts and processes.
News of the workshop follows the release of a report by consumer action group Choice that found there had been no uniform sizes for women or men's clothing since the previous standard was dropped two years ago and that sizing irregularity was also affecting the online shopping market with retailers stating that Australia lagged behind the US, UK and France in this area.