Ep. 12: Demystifying Blocks and Slopers

Ep. 12: Demystifying Blocks and Slopers

Author: Caroline and Kathryn May 21, 2020 Duration: 43:28

This episode is all about one of our favourite bits of kit...blocks! (or slopers as our lovely American friends call them)
Join us as we discuss what they are, how to make them, how to use them and the different types that we've come across in the industry and at home.
To find the show notes visit www.fashionhalfcut.co.uk


Caroline Barulis and Kathryn Roberts have spent their careers as professional pattern makers, pulling apart the blueprints of clothing. On their Fashion Half Cut podcast, they bring that behind-the-scenes expertise to your ears, paired with a fortnightly drink and the easy rapport of two friends who know their craft inside and out. This isn't a glossy, surface-level fashion chat. Instead, you'll hear genuine conversations about how garments are actually constructed-the precision of pattern cutting, the nuances of sewing, and the true meaning of craftsmanship. They sit down with real industry experts, from designers to technicians, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make the clothes we wear and love. The tone is warm, insightful, and full of laughter, diving into the wider fashion industry's quirks and challenges without any pretension. If you have ever been curious about the journey from a sketch to a finished piece in your wardrobe, or if you simply enjoy thoughtful talk from knowledgeable people who don't take themselves too seriously, this podcast offers a refreshing and genuinely informative listen. Tune in for a blend of technical knowledge and relaxed humor that makes the often-intimidating world of fashion feel accessible and fun.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

Fashion Half Cut
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 24: Bias Cutting & Sewing Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:51
Caroline's back! For her return we decided to spill the beans on one of our favourite techniques...cutting on the bias! Yes, that 45 degree grain line that we know you all love and love to hate. Expect explanations of wh…
Ep. 23: Menswear Pattern Cutting and Making, with Rhiannon Bydawell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:34
In this episode we're joined by Rhiannon Bydawell who is a menswear pattern cutter for McQ by Alexander McQueen. We discuss the key differences between menswear and womenswear, and Rhiannon shares stories about bespoke t…
Ep. 22: Working with Garment Factories, with Alice Warne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
As pattern makers we create the "blue print" that the factories use to produce hundreds of garments, so it's no surprise that we spend a fair amount of our job working with Factories! This episode is all about how that r…
Ep. 21: Getting your first job, with Sidnie Brennan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:47
Our favourite Intern turned employee, Sidnie Brennan joins us to discuss her journey so far. She fills us in on everything from going to university to study fashion, to developing her design portfolio, her internships an…
Ep. 20: How Fittings Work, with Fitting Model Anna Popovich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:22
Fittings are an integral part of garment development, and as pattern makers we spend much of our time in the infamous fitting room! Join us as we talk you through how fittings work, why they're so important and let you i…
Ep. 18: The Industries Best Kept Secret....Sample Sales! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
This week we're sharing a real insider secret with all of you lovely listeners. It's one of the few perks of the jobs when you work in fashion and it's definitely one of our favourite parts of the job! We are of course,…
Ep. 17: Exploring Maternity Wear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:41
It's Caroline's last week before she breaks for maternity leave and in honour of that we are talking about all things maternity wear! Expect some great shopping recommendations, a view of maternity wear and all the detai…
Ep. 15: Understanding Sizing, Grading and Everything In-between [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:20
Caroline and Kathryn pull back to curtain and expose the very grey area of sizing and grading within the fashion industry. We chat about how it fits into the development garment life cycle, to how grading works and even…