What People Are Saying
Elly M.
Birmingham, UK
Last year I wanted to up my skill level and invest in my education. The HTA was recommended to me on a Facebook forum after a fruitless search for decent courses. It was the only place that I could learn online which suited my situation. I began with Pattern Drafting for Bespoke Menswear, followed by the Trouser Making and rounded off the year by taking the In house Handcraft coat making. My recorded lessons are a rich and valuable resource which I consult regularly to consolidate my learning. The In House course lasted for six weeks; I could have taken some of this online had I wished. I had access to the fully equipped workshop 24/7 and the video series The Making of a Handcraft Coat so I could gen up before the next lesson. It was a fantastic experience.
Situated in beautiful countryside I could be completely absorbed without distractions. The accommodation was lovely and had everything I needed, including a board so I could work in my room if I wanted. Rory is a brilliant teacher and a fountain of knowledge. He’s really generous with his time and expertise. His family really looked after me and made my stay a wonderful experience.
Having a year’s mentorship following the course has meant that I am taking on jobs that I would previously have shied away from because I have access to help should I need it.
Being a student of the HTA has been a game changer for me, I now have skills and confidence that I was lacking and a thirst to know more. I can’t recommend it enough.
Grace C.
Athlone, Ireland
Khunakorn (Ta) D.
Bangkok, Thailand
I flew across the world to get closer to the definition of Handcraft Tailoring and it was more than I expected. I first got to know my master, Mr. Rory Duffy from his YouTube videos. His technique and his passion inspired me a lot. I was so excited when he opened The Handcraft Tailor Academy.
I Skyped with him and applied for visa right away!
At the academy, Rory gave me everything that I would like to know. It was not easy but my passion told me not to give up. After finishing the workshop, I returned home with the secrets of Savile Row and all the questions in my head had been fulfilled.
And I am ready for my dream journey.
Tomislav F.
Zagreb, Croatia
Anthony S.
Japan/USA
I attended The Handcraft Tailor Academy from August-September 2017. I first heard of the school on a tailoring blog.
I had just finished my degree at a fashion university and was working as a pattern-cutter for a handful of Tokyo fashion houses. Most of the garments created for the runway were not constructed to last longer than the time it took for them to get down the runway.
In attending the Handcraft Academy not only did I learn how to make lasting garments, I acquired the skills in sewing, and cutting that I still use everyday.
Rory’s method and teaching style are exceptional. Something I don’t think exists outside the doors of his school in Ireland.
Julia D.
New York, USA
Ties D.
Belgium
After being self-taught in sewing I was looking for more professional classes to get me out of the hobby segment.
Some local sewing classes were very helpful but did not offer me the in- depth information on materials and construction methods of traditional tailoring that I was looking for. Luckily we have the internet and quickly I found Rory’s HTA.
After an online pattern making course I came to Ireland for the in-house Bespoke Coat Making course. During these 6 weeks, I learned so much more than I expected and went home with big book full of notes and a finished coat I keep going back to if I can’t remember a certain step or finishing method. Huge bonus are the friends I’ve made and the long relaxing walks I took in the beautiful Irish countryside.
Tommy O.
Georgia, USA
Neil M.
Canada
Though I am based in Toronto/Canada, my ancestors are from Nova Scotia, and earlier from the outer Hebrides, having emigrated post-Clearances. My great-grandfather, also Neil Stephen MacInnis, was a noted Ghàidlig musician, as well as owner of his own bespoke Tailor shop (beginning in 1906) which he operated for 40 years in the historic, military town of Louisbourg, Cape Breton. Neil also represented the eponymous Toronto-based empire, House of Stone, beginning in the 1920s, when the made-to-measure industry exploded across North America.
I found Rory online after a very long search for a mentor who could guide me in the particular techniques and traditions of bespoke tailoring. The three subscription-based courses I have completed to date with Rory, (trousers, waistcoats, coats) are superb. You will not find a more accessible, clear, and thorough course training in bespoke menswear tailoring anywhere else on the internet. Very few books contain the critical-to-success information that Rory so generously shares with his students through his delightful demonstrations. Most importantly, Rory teaches the correct way to produce Savile Row style bespoke apparel.
As a decades-long creative practitioner in the fields of textile and apparel design, I have witnessed an endless parade of interlopers flit through these industries.
No doubt, Rory Duffy is the real deal.
Edouard T.
France/Morocco
After three years of apprenticeship to become a tailor, I wanted to improve my skills in the highest standard of tailoring: the know-how of Savile Row tailors. Rory Duffy's courses were the ideal solution for my excellence's search. I chose the “Making a Savile Row Coat” course, with a checked pattern fabric to challenge myself as much as possible. Pattern, cutting, sewing skills, I improved all aspects of my tailoring skills. I recommend this course to achieve a fine quality of tailoring competences.
Rory likes to share his different experiences as a tailor, between Savile Row and New York, and will answer all your questions about the tailoring profession and business.
The course framework is unique in the heart of a small village. Peaceful environment, green landscapes and pleasant walks.
