JOB SUMMARY

James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the Designer’s ideas and drawings into real costumes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head of Pattern Cutting. They will be required to work closely with the pattern making team, team of machinists and pattern cutters or independently on specific projects assigned to them. The role will be based at the creative studio in Milton Keynes and be responsible to the Head of Pattern Cutting.
The candidate we are looking for will understand garment construction, fit and fabric behaviour, with the ability to follow illustrations together with technical design sheet and client’s measurements to create practical and easy to alter patterns that most of the time need to fit multiple people.
They will have the ability to create patterns for variety of costume types, including structured garment, stretch wear and armour-based costumes. Some of the examples are tailored jacket, waistcoats, trousers, skirts, petticoats, crinolines, bodices, dresses, skirt, catsuits, leotards, knickers, bra cup shaped leotards.
We are looking for someone with at least 1 years’ experience of working in a similar studio / home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required.
The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of standing and some sitting at machinery and manoeuvring boxes / rolls of fabric.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Be able to work on menswear, womenswear and childrenswear with a variety of fabrics, (stretch and non-stretch)
• To be creative and adapt patterns and make new patterns to the designers’ illustrations.
• To be passionate, enthusiastic and be willing to learn.
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience of manual pattern drafting. .
• Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
• A good eye for detail, shape and proportion.
• Experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon.
• Good understanding and knowledge of working with a variety of fabrics and understanding of construction techniques whilst drafting patterns.
• Experience in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
• Have a strong understanding for pattern development for theatrical, film, television, or bespoke costumes, suited for performance and movement on the stage.
• Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, hardworking and organised with a positive and constructive attitude.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety
• College degree in pattern making (this is not a requirement for the role)

• To follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns.
• To be able to interpretate from design through to making a pattern, including scale and proportions.
• To create patterns from clients’ measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
• Create working toiles / samples prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor.
• Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns.
• Be able to use own initiative to manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales set by the Head of Pattern Cutting.
• To be highly organised with excellent communication skills.
• To regularly meet and update the Head of Pattern Cutting regarding the daily / weekly workload.
• Ensuring all sewing machine repairs are communicated promptly to the Workroom Supervisor.
• Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the Office Manager.
• Reporting all low running stock items to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor.
• To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.