Designer Lin McDonald. FdA
My Profile
My name is Lin McDonald, I have 40 years experience of dressmaking, including 20 years predominately with Bridal wear. After many years being self taught, I achieved professional status by attending a two year course at a North London technical college where I achieved a City and Guilds certificate in couture dressmaking and a Diploma in Pattern Cutting and Design. Originally intending to enter into theatrical work, I was presented with an opportunity to join the Bridal industry and enjoyed this for several years until drifting into freelance work.
After some years of freelance and contract work, I felt it was time to share my specialist skills and began a journey of five years part time teacher training, to pass my professional skills on through Adult Education.
After training, I gained full time employment in 'Adult Community Learning' with a local authority as a sewing tutor, after a few years I was promoted to Programme Area Leader for the sewing department. In this capacity I was teaching a range of sewing and pattern cutting subjects up to Level 2 City and Guilds and supported a team of teachers in delivery of the classes.
Along side my teaching post, I have been a part time student myself for the past 3 years and have just completed and achieved a Degree in Fashion and Surface Pattern Design. After teaching for 10 years, I found that I missed the creative side of designing and making beautiful individual gowns, so I decided to return to the business of customized dressmaking where I can now offer a wider service through new and developed skills.