Frequently Asked Questions
-> Do I need advanced pattern drafting skills for this workshop?
No, that's actually one of the unique aspects of our approach.
Instead of relying on traditional pattern drafting, we teach you innovative draping techniques that allow you to create sophisticated designs directly on the dress form.
This method is often more intuitive and lets you see your design take shape in real-time.
-> I'm interested but nervous - I've never done draping before. Is this too advanced for me?
Think of this workshop as learning to cook without a recipe book.
Just as you might learn to season food by taste rather than strict measurements, we'll teach you to work with fabric intuitively.
We start with basic principles and build your confidence step by step.
Many of our most successful students had never draped before starting this workshop - what matters more is your enthusiasm to learn and willingness to experiment.
-> Will I just be copying the Nicole dress design?
While we use the Nicole dress as a teaching tool, the workshop goes far beyond simple replication.
You'll learn how to manipulate the core technique to create your own unique designs across various garment types.
The Nicole dress is just your gateway to understanding principles you can apply to tops, skirts, trousers, and other pieces.
-> I'm used to working with patterns. Won't draping be more wasteful with fabric?
Actually, draping can often be more fabric-efficient than traditional pattern-making because you're working directly with the fabric and can see exactly how much you need.
We teach you techniques to plan your fabric usage effectively, and you'll learn to make adjustments in real-time, reducing the need for multiple test garments.
Plus, the skills you learn will help you better understand how fabric behaves, making all your future projects more successful.
-> How can I design without sketching? Or do I have to know sketching?
Not at all! Our approach completely eliminates the need for traditional fashion sketching.
Instead of starting with paper designs, you'll learn to create directly on the dress form, which many find more intuitive and practical.
It's like sculpting with fabric - you see your design coming to life in three dimensions right from the start.
We teach you a hands-on approach called draping, where you work directly with fabric on a dress form to create your designs.
Think of it like sculpting with clay - you shape and mold the fabric directly into the silhouette you want.
This method often leads to more creative and unexpected design solutions than working with paper sketches, and it's particularly freeing for those who don't enjoy drawing.
-> OK! It looks very complicated - can you explain simply what I'm learning?
At its heart, this workshop teaches you one powerful draping technique that becomes your key to creating multiple designs.
Think of it like learning a master recipe in cooking - once you understand the basic method, you can create many different dishes by varying the ingredients and presentation.
We break down this technique into easy-to-follow steps, showing you how to use it to create the Nicole dress first, then why and how to adapt it for different garments and styles.
-> What makes this workshop different from YouTube tutorials?
Imagine the difference between watching someone cook versus having a chef guide you through each step, answer your questions, and show you how to adapt the technique for different dishes.
Our workshop provides structured, comprehensive learning.
You're not just watching - you're part of a learning community with direct access to expertise through our optional Q&A sessions and Facebook group.
We show you not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind each design decision.
-> What kind of dress form do I need? Does it have to be professional grade?
While we recommend using a dress form, it doesn't need to be top-of-the-line.
Any sturdy dress form that's well-padded and close to your measurements (or your clients') will work.
We even include guidance on how to adapt a basic dress form to better suit your needs.
The technique itself is more important than having professional equipment.
-> How many techniques are you teaching in this workshop?
In this Workshop, we purposefully teach one core technique thoroughly, showing you the many ways to adapt and use it.
This focused approach helps you truly master one versatile method rather than feeling overwhelmed by multiple techniques.
Our DDM workshop series will continue to grow, introducing new and more advanced techniques in the coming months.
Starting your journey with us now will give you a strong foundation for this creative transformation.
Plus, by optionally becoming a member of our Draping Society community, you'll gain access to our complete collection - all workshops, projects, demonstrations, and live videos, both current and future.
