I am Jay Francois-Campbell. Professional theatrical tailor, author and pattern cutter.

I visualise and create bespoke garments for men and women in the realm of performance.

Hi there.

So many of us are looking to make the most of what we have and learn key sewing skills. 'Simple Tailoring and Alterations' ticks all those boxes. Most of all, thank you Jay, for giving us this book.

Natalie in Stitches, blogger. London.

Bespoke tailoring, costume and fashion combined.

Performance tailoring is the cut and construction of tailored garments for singers, dancers or any other individual who perform onstage, on film or television.

This means the performance or theatrical tailor, as they are also known as, has to be able to adapt the cut and construct of garments so that it has the attributes of a standard Saville Row suit, but still enables the artiste to do whatever they need to perform, whether it’s performing the splits, doing a back flip or being in a fight scene. But the tailor still needs to know how to craft a costume or couture fashion garment.

Beginning to sound interesting, huh?

Specialties

Over the years, I have expanded my knowledge by completing a number of additional courses such as freehand machine embroidery, working with lycra, body padding and dye shop practices.

Tailoring is seen as the pinnacle of advanced sewing, as it has so many rules which must be adhered to in order to the create a perfect garment and involves the construction of foundation canvassing. It excels in precision and perfection, which takes an estimated minimum of 7 years ( or 10,000 hours) to perfect, under very strict teaching regulations which is conducted by a master tailor to an apprentice. I was privileged to work as an apprentice to my father – a master tailor- along with three other tailors who all taught me so much.

In 2010, my career took on a new aspect, when I conducted my first lecture for the London College of Fashion. Reaching out to students as a theatrical tailor has become the cornerstone of my career ever since. I have made a number of appearances at several universities to support the resident tutors and mentor the graduates.

I also teach sewing enthusiasts and other members of the public at craft and stitch related events who are interested in pursuing a higher form of garment construction. Construction disciplines include, modern waistcoats, trousers, jackets, and historical and fantasy garments for men and women.

In recent years, my lecturing has progressed onto online video conferencing sites such as Zoom, Teams and Microsoft online lectures. I am currently working towards the goal of creating online tutorials in order to support those who are not able to travel to attend a course, or who do not live within a reasonable commuting distance to the educational facility or event.

This will be focusing on those who want to progress to being an intermediate or advanced sewist.

Working Rules; DAME

1 Decipher

Whether designing your own outfit, or receiving a design which you need to construct, the first thing to do is DECIPHER every line of the image, and check what components the garment comprises of.

2 Analyse

ANALYSE the garment so that you are able to make notes on what is required to complete the item. This includes what what fabrics and trimmings are needed as well as any unusual features.

3 Measure

MEASURE how many metres of fabrics and trimmings are required and also quantities of haberdashery. If you have been given the fabrics, check there its a sufficient amount.

4 Execute

Once the pattern is ready, if one is required, EXECUTE the construction of the garment by cutting the fabric, constructing and finishing the garment.