N.D.A

[sophie]

Completed the course thought it was good for making sure I wanted to do it as a job. Just makes you realise what you dont know!!! Very different from working on general public curtains there is sooooo much more to learn.

[kathy]

Re: N.D.A

Well done Sophie

It sounded like it was worth doing then? So do you want to do it as a job?

Good luck Sophie

Kathy

[Louise]

Re: N.D.A

A good grounding in basic curtain-making and soft furnishings for someone familiar with hand sewing techniques and use of a domestic sewing machine.

- you study at home so you do not have the expense of travel or accommodation
- payments are staged so you do not have to find a large amount to start the course
- within the course parameters you can work at your own pace
- you always have access to tutors by phone or email if you need help or advice
- as well as actually making items, there are also sections on the beginning of colour theory/design, how to deal with customers and advice on pricing your work

[esther]

Re: N.D.A

hi

i
has anybody done the 3 day course in the nda studio which follows the 6 month one
hope i made sense esther

[Louise]

Re: N.D.A

Sorry, not me. I just did the home study course as it would not be easy for me to take the time away from home/work.

[esther]

Re: N.D.A

thanks louise for your reply


esther

[sophie]

Re: N.D.A

Hi esther
I went to a private course because I realised I wanted to learn hands on and more personnel only 2 of us. NDA were great but I wanted to specialise more on the things I wanted to make and needed to make ie I get far more business making roman blinds and curtain than I would making headboards and other items. I wanted to perfect what I was already doing.

[esther]

Re: N.D.A

thanks sophie

[LSS]

Re: N.D.A

Hi i have just registered interested in the NDA home study i went on their website i believe Louise has done this one
thinking of enrolling i think it said £49
regards
LSS

[sophie]

Re: N.D.A

Hi I did that course you do about 11 or 12 assignments you can do it as quick as you like or over a year. It does cost 49 and then you have to pay another 25 I think cant remember. hope this helps

[LSS]

Re: N.D.A

Hi yes thanks Sophie

[jane]

Re: N.D.A

I've just started the course. Decided to do it because I'm self taught and needed to confirm what I think I know to give me more confidence and also to learn how to do some new things I haven't done before and so far the course is doing just that. If you do decide to do it, I think the DVD is really worth buying as you can follow it step by step which I've found much easier than following the pictures in the handbook or the written instructions. Have just sent off my first 4 assignments today so am waiting nervously to see if I'm up to scratch. Will let you know outcome

Re: N.D.A

I completed the home study elements of this course some years ago before I went to Merrick and Day to learn the hand crafted elements of curtain making.

The NDA course is one of the most useful courses available to curtain makers. Not withstanding the convenience of home study the course teaches many basic elements of curtain making and soft furnishings which serve as an excellent foundation for either the home curtain maker or budding professional. I would not suggest, however, that anyone completing this course should lull themselves into the belief that this is end state learning. This is simply a very basic begining and opens the door onto a much wider world. Where you go next after climbing this first step is up to you and there are a number of more advanced courses available, including my own, which, assuming you have developed a sufficient skill base, will take you the extra mile to a very different place.

I would strongly recommend that anyone who is considering a career in soft furnishings, but has little or no previous experience, complete this course before considering more advanced and more expensive training.

[on track]

Re: N.D.A

for those that have done the curtain course from home - how big are the assignments that need to be sent in? What are the assignments, are they all practicals, or partly written?

I am trying to get a guage of how much extra it is going to cost in postage, and other items to buy to complete the course/assignments (in addition to the course fee plus registration plus DVD costs)

cheers

[Louise]

Re: N.D.A

I completed the course a year or so ago, there were 12 projects to send and I spent around £21 in total on postage (I re-used packaging I already had). The first few projects were on paper, others were small sample curtains, blinds and top treatments, you did not have to include heavier components like rods and battens.

If you have already made some curtains etc. you will probably have pieces of fabric, lining etc. left over to use, otherwise you could buy remnants and small samples for a few pounds to make your samples. If you already have contact with any curtain makers or shops you may find they would be willing to donate some of your materials.

Where are you in the country/world? You could always try posting in the 'Wanted' section and ask if anyone nearby has what you need.......http://www.my.decozo.com/viewforum.php?f=26