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Wendy Shorter Interiors LtdRegistered in England & Wales No: 7271155

Registered Office: 127 Boundary Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4EQ

Wendy Shorter InteriorsUpholstery & Soft Furnishings Training Centre

Coursers Farm, Coursers Road, Colney Heath, St. Albans, AL4 0PG (01727) 824358 Email: [email protected]

ASSOCIATION OF MASTER UPHOLSTERERS & SOFT FURNISHERS (AMUSF) QUALIFICATION COURSES

Quality and excellence in teaching is at the heart of the training offered at our award-winning training centre.

Upholstery and soft furnishings are essential to our daily lives, from the home to the workplace, both public and private. A practitioner must, therefore, be able to work with a wide variety of materials and processes that are fit for purpose and that are appropriate and relevant for the needs of the industry today.

Good quality skills are developed over time and with practice. If you are looking for a career in upholstery or soft furnishings then you will need a high level of training and a good understanding of the legal requirements.

These industry-based qualifications are intended to reflect real life in the commercial world of the upholsterer and soft furnisher. They have been developed in response to discussions with the AMUSF membership and practitioners within the industry. They are designed not only for those wishing to develop good craft skills, but also as a stepping stone for those wishing to launch their own business or who wish to seek meaningful employment with an existing practitioner.

Practical experience in the workshop is at the core of our teaching, where students and tutors engage in discussion exploring the use of materials and techniques. A progressive series of exercises and projects will enable you to develop good skills, experience work practices and to apply your own ideas and creative approaches to real life situations. Written research projects and portfolios will help develop your independent working, autonomy and self awareness, as well as giving you knowledge and understanding of the history of furniture and furnishing styles and fabrics.

Our accredited courses are assessed and verified on an annual basis by independent members the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers, each with many years’ practical experience of the craft and trade.

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AMUSF UPHOLSTERY 3 STAGE DIPLOMA

During this three-stage programme, you will develop a range of practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes, on antique as well as mid-century modern furniture. Starting on a series of individual set exercises and projects you will develop your skills from simple drop-in dining seats through to large traditionally upholstered armchairs. You will also acquire an understanding of the history of furniture and furnishings as well as fabrics and textiles and will be encouraged to develop your own creative ideas.

You will receive workshop inductions, practical demonstrations and teaching in the use and application of core materials and techniques, both modern and traditional, including instruction on:

Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment Appropriate use of tools and equipment, both hand and machine Understanding of Domestic and Industrial Sewing machines Frame repair and polishing including fitting castors: costs and time required to undertake

repairs Appropriate use of Fillings & Sundry Materials Types of springs and suspension systems: coil, serpentine, tension springs, sprung units,

pocket springs, rubber & elastic webbings etc. Appropriate use of foams and rubberized hair sheets and various pre-formed profiles Appropriate use of techniques and processes including Knots and Stitches Cutting, Pattern Matching and Finishing of Fabrics Sewing seams, trims and decorative detailing Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars Basic Design Skills: sketching, colour co-ordination and scale drawing An understanding of the UK’s Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988

relating to domestic furniture and furnishings Fabric Classifications – Martindale abrasion test Estimating & Costing Materials and Labour Working to a deadline including timing records Business Studies:

o Requirements of self-employmento H&S whilst working from home or a workshopo Legal & Safety requirementso Terms & Conditionso Insurances o PR & Marketing including social mediao Resources

Evaluation Methods

Students will also enjoy the benefit of our enrichment programme of a series of course related visits: museums, stately homes, fabric houses, practitioners and industry specific organisations.

On completion of Stage 3 you will have gained experience of a variety of techniques and materials used in modern and traditional upholstery. These practical skills will form a strong foundation upon which you can practice and develop your professional competency in preparation for undertaking client-based briefs.

Upholstery Stage 1



Drop-in seats (modern and traditional materials - exercises) Stitched and stuffed footstool or chair (traditional materials and methods exercise) *Sprung dining chair (traditional materials and methods) Sprung arm exercise for an inset facing (traditional materials and methods exercise) Box Cushion with piping and zip (sample) Bolster End with piping (sample) *Upholstered and lined box with decorative detail and deep-buttoned lid (modern

materials) Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress *Written Research Project: Fabric Characteristics, Identification & Appropriate Usage

Upholstery Stage 2

T-Shaped Cushion with piping and zip (samples) Tailoring, including the fitting of caps and collars (samples) Independent sprung edge exercise (traditional materials and methods exercise) *Armless chair with traditionally upholstered seat and back (seat to be sprung with

coil springs) *Post 1950s Armchair upholstered using modern materials & methods Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress *Written Research Project: History of Upholstered Furniture – a timeline and overview

of the styles of upholstered furniture and the development of upholstery techniques and materials used

Upholstery Stage 3

*Substantial Traditional Armchair of advanced techniques, which should include at least two of the following elements: the fitting of caps and collars, scroll arms or stitched-up edges to arms, sprung arms, coil sprung seats, independent sprung edges, deep buttoning, fluting or an iron framed chair.

During this stage, working alongside other students, you will start your practical work on various exercise pieces, provided by us, that will help develop your practical skills, including machine sewing skills. These have been devised to consolidate your learning, gaining knowledge, experience and a good understanding of the different processes involved, without incurring unnecessary costs. You will be given sound information on the tools and materials used, the legal requirements of the UK Furniture and Furnishings Fire Regulations, fabrics and textiles.

At Stage 2 you will further develop the basic modern and traditional skills learned at Stage 1 with a further range of set projects. Broadening your knowledge and skill you will benefit hugely from working alongside others who may be working on different styles of chairs, giving you the skills and information required to adapt to different pieces of furniture. The research project will give you a greater understanding of the development of styles and techniques of upholstered furniture.

Developing your skills onto further advanced techniques, you will also learn how to read and understand the various techniques required by different styles of traditional and mid-century modern upholstered chairs and sofas.



*Modern Chair with a concave inside back incorporating tailored fitting and top stitching i.e. Egg style

Portfolio containing notes and details of work in progress *Written Research Project: 20th Century Furniture Design – an overview of the styles,

periods and iconic designers of the 20th Century.

NB *Assessment Pieces

AMUSF ESSENTIAL SOFT FURNISHINGS COURSE

During this one-year programme, you will develop a range of practical skills, gaining knowledge and experience in the manipulation of a variety of materials and processes. Starting on a series of individual set samples and projects you will develop your skills from simple scatter cushions through more complex window treatments. You will also acquire an understanding of furnishing fabrics and textiles and will be encouraged to develop your own creative ideas. You will also have an understanding of setting up and developing a small soft furnishings business.

Health & Safety: when working with tools and equipment in a workshop environment Understanding and appropriate use of tools and equipment Understanding the domestic sewing machines Understanding and a collection of samples of various materials used: linings, interlinings,

heading tapes, threads etc. Appropriate use of techniques and processes including various hand-stitches: slip-stitch,

serge stitch, herringbone, lock-stitch, blind hem stitch, stab stitch and buttonhole stitch Sample various types of seams: Flat, Single Lapped, French, Flat Fell Sample various types of zip insertion: centred, lapped & concealed Appropriate use of techniques and processes including various stitches, seams and

decorative detail Trimmings and Decorative detailing Cutting and Pattern Matching Fabrics including half-drop pattern repeats Measuring, calculating, estimating and cutting plans Measuring windows Window treatment suspension systems Costing Materials, Invoicing and Terms & Conditions Understanding of Child Safety Requirements for Blinds Understanding of the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 relating to

domestic furnishings Evaluation Methods

You will also produce:

You will receive workroom induction, practical demonstrations and teaching in the use and application of core materials and techniques including instruction on:



A range of samples of at least one half width by one metre drop:o Hand-stitched lined curtain with a pencil pleat heading tapeo Hand-stitched interlined curtain with hand-stitched triple pleatso 2-width pattern matched interlined curtain with two of each Triple pleats, Goblets,

Cartridge, Champagne Fluteso Hand-stitched interlined curtain with contrast leading edgeo Hand-stitched interlined curtain pleated to the fabric’s pattern

Sheers: one with slot heading and weighted hem and one with a bound-edge frill and pencil pleat sheer heading tape

Roman Blinds – standard and cascade, one with mitred borders Shaped and Piped Tie-back Zips and other closures Sample various decorative techniques:

o Pleatso Frillso Tuckso Ruchingo Appliquéo Smockingo Patchworko Quiltingo Shaped Edges

Assessment Projects produced to full scale: A pair of full-length interlined curtains with a hand-stitched heading A roman blind A decorative scatter A decorative bolster cushion A piped box cushion with zip in a striped or checked fabric A Portfolio Project to include: design ideas, textiles samples, window treatment

suspension systems, order of work for projects and essential paperwork: costings, estimates, workroom sheets, invoices, terms and conditions

On the successful completion of the Essential Soft Furnishings course you will have gained experience of a variety of sewing techniques and materials used in soft furnishings. These practical skills will form a strong foundation upon which you can practice and develop your professional competency.

Course Delivery

The upholstery three stage diploma programme can be achieved in two formats. You may choose to study Stages 1 and 2 two-days per week in the first year (Mondays and Tuesdays) and Stage 3 one-day per week in the second year, or you may choose to study each stage one-day per week for three years (Wednesdays).

The Essential Soft Furnishings qualification is studied one-day per week (Fridays).

Classes start at 9.30 a.m. and finish at 4.30 p.m. each day and are based around the academic year starting the first week in September to July, with half-term and holidays in line with Hertfordshire schools.

Course Fees



£3360 inclusive of 20% VAT per Stage

These course fees include the materials used on the exercise and sample pieces, but students would be required to pay for the materials used in their individual assessment projects.

AMUSF QUALIFICATION REGISTRATION FEE

A Qualification Registration & Certification Fee of £50 plus VAT per stage, is payable direct to the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers.

PAYMENT STRUCTURE OF COURSE FEES

AMUSF UPHOLSTERY & SOFT FURNISHINGS QUALIFICATIONS (1-DAY PER WEEK): £600 inclusive of VAT non-refundable deposit due on acceptance of a place on a course. The balance is due in full by the first day of the course. Alternatively, staged payments may be made subject to a 5% administration fee. The first payment of £1000 plus VAT is due 1st September with the remaining balance paid in three equal payments due 1st October, 1st November and 1st December.

AMUSF UPHOLSTERY STAGES 1 & 2 QUALIFICATIONS (2-DAYS PER WEEK): £600 inclusive of VAT non-refundable deposit due on acceptance of a place on a course. The balance is due in full by the first day of the course. Alternatively, staged payments may be made subject to a 5% administration fee. The first payment of £1000 plus VAT is due 1st September with the remaining balance paid in six equal payments due 1st October, 1st November, 1st December, 1st January, 1st February and 1st March.

Except where expressly stated to the contrary, all prices are inclusive of 20% VAT, but this rate may change as dictated by HMRC. A VAT receipt will be issued following settlement of course fees.

Places on these courses are limited and are allocated on application and interview. If you would like to apply for a place, please complete and return the attached application form. You will then be invited to visit us so that you can see exactly what we do and what our students achieve. You may also have the opportunity of talking to the current students about their experience here.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

Wendy Shorter Interiors is an awards winning training centre recognised by Ofsted. Quality and Excellence in Teaching is at the heart of our upholstery and soft furnishings training.

Marsh Heritage Crafts Training Award 2014 OFSTED Recognition for Good Practice 2014 Craft Skills Award 2013 Worshipful Company of Upholders' Certificates of Excellence 2012 Heritage Crafts Trainers Award 2012 Outstanding Training Provider of the Year 2011 Women in Furnishings Award 2010 Hertfordshire Training Centre of the Year 2008

Wendy Shorter is a Fellow and Director of the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders (archaic word for upholsterers) and the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. In 2008 she was appointed Director of Training for the AMUSF and she represents the Association on several industry boards. Wendy trained and taught advanced upholstery at London Metropolitan University, formerly the London College of Furniture. She is City and Guilds Qualified and has been teaching for the past eighteen years.



Wendy also holds the Worshipful Company of Upholders’ Master Upholder Certificate. In 2010 her book “Soft Furnishings Professional Results” was published.

All the Tutors at Wendy Shorter Interiors have been trained by Wendy Shorter and have practical industry experience.

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) was founded in 1947 (then as the AMU) to protect and represent the interests of upholsterers, small furniture makers, and soft furnishers. In those days of post-war austerity, this group of master craftsmen (and craftswomen) were starved of many of the materials needed for their trades. They felt the need for a group voice and mutual support to tackle the difficulties this caused and, in the highly regulated environment of the time, to ensure that they could influence local and national government in the framing and enforcement of laws which affected them. Since those early days, the Association has vastly extended the range of support it gives to members. It is still a lobbying body but it also provides diverse services and advice to individual members. The Association is also highly active in training as it sees this as a vital contribution to the long-term well-being and continuing strength of the upholstery and soft furnishing industry.

The Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London can trace its history back to the early days of the Craft Guilds in which was fostered the high quality of goods and the high standards of workmanship that have always been the pride of English industry.The craftsman in Upholstery was known by a name that varied from Upheldere to Uphouldesterr, but mainly as an Upholder, and it is under this latter name that the Company came into existence on the 1st March 1360. The election, in February 1360, of Wardens “to survey and govern the men of the mistery” is recorded in the City archives together with the grants in 1474 of the right to search for and seize all wares in the City, pertaining to the Craft that were insufficiently or not truly made.

Links between the Worshipful Company of Upholders and the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers is as strong now as when first formed and exist to oversee the development of the crafts and the awarding of upholstery and soft furnishing qualifications.

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