Central Saint Martins is one of the most prestigious art colleges in the world, and is one of 6 colleges which make up the University of the Arts London. ual:The tour included looking at the jewellery, ceramics, woodwork and metalwork rooms and before heading upstairs to see the fashion and knit workshops.  

Vast rooms and rooms filled with sewing and knitting machines made if feel more like a factory than college but it was interesting to see all the mannequins in various stages.  I also liked seeing the hand and digital looms side by side. Val explained having a good knowledge of IT and Photoshop is now essential for students, so they can to take maximum advantage of all the courses have to offer.  She said the 1-year Foundation Course in Art & Design is very popular and gives people a chance to try different art, design, screen, communication, fashion, media and performing arts disciplines.  It gives young people get a chance to discover what they are good at and enjoy, as well as building up a portfolio of work.  It’s also free for UK residents under 19 years old.  https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/3d-design-and-product-design/pre-degree-courses/foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design-csm 

My favourite part of the tour was the library.  It is very big, but it is so much more than just books and every issue of Vogue magazines; they have a sample library.  There is a whole section stuffed with samples of fabrics, metals, chains, leathers, woods and experimental textiles. Fascinating.

Next stop Kensington & Chelsea College, my base for the rest of the week. Today’s challenge is to learn how to thread and use a sewing machine.

I am now confident in sewing in a straight line but still need to work on my triangles and circles.  I found these very complicated so will need to practise more over the next few days.The remainder of the afternoon was spent sketching designs for the shorts I have decided to make, inspired by the brand Sister Jane.  Today I completed 10 different sketches showing front and back, some with a pocket detail.