The internet has become the biggest hub for information. I started designing and taking a real interest in fashion about 12 years ago, and I have noticed a huge increase in resources available online. If I'm struggling to understand a pattern cutting technique in a book, I can watch a video tutorial. If I need to create a moodboard filled with inspiration, I can use an app. If I want to share my work online, there are so many websites I could use, and it could be seen by anyone from all around the world. Pretty amazing huh?

As much as I love all the new technology around, I do still love reading and learning things straight from a book, or visiting a museum to get really inspired. The best way is to have a balance between the two, and find what really works for you. A few years ago when I first started blogging, I did a mini-series called 'fashion design 101', (so glad my photography has improved since then), where I went through different stages of fashion design, from applying to a university course, to a full rundown of the design process. I had such a positive response from that series, I feel like there is a whole range of topics I need to cover, the first being a resource list.

This resources list covers everything you need to know to make the most of the interest, as well as useful books you may need. All the resources can be used by designers at any level whether you're a complete newbie trying to work out if design is for you, a student looking to build your library, a graduate looking for new ways to share your portfolio online, or even an established designer on a lookout for new apps to help with your designing. I'll update this list when I found new and exciting resources, so keep this page bookmarked, and refer back to it when you need.

BOOKS

GENERAL

• The Fundamentals of Fashion DesignCovers all areas of fashion from research, to creating your collection.
• Fashion Design CourseLearn about the creative side of fashion.
• Fashion Portfolio: Design and Presentation How to put together your portfolio.
• An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion Looking for the right job in fashion.
• The Fashion Designer Survival Guide How to start your fashion empire.

DESIGN

• The Fashion Resource BookHow to gather research for your designs.
• Fabric for Fashion Everything you need to know about picking the right fabrics.
• Print, Make, Wear: Creative Projects for Digital Textile Design If you're into print design.
• How to Create Your Final Collection Advice and tips on your final collection.

ILLUSTRATION

• 9 Heads: A Guide to Drawing FashionThis book is a must for anyone starting fashion illustration.
• Digital Fashion Print: With Photoshop and IllustratorFor experimenting with computer graphic illustrations.
• Technical Drawing For Fashion To help with your flat drawings.
• Illustration Now! If you're looking for inspiration.

PATTERN CUTTING

• Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's WearThis book is a must!
• How to Use, Adapt and Design Sewing PatternsHow to alter new and pre-existing patterns.
• Pattern Cutting A modern look at pattern cutting shown on a model and mannequin.
• Pattern MagicIf you love experimenting with patterns. There's multiple books available in this range.
• Draping: The Complete Course If draping is your thing.

MANUFACTURING

• The Sewing BookGuides you through all the aspects of sewing.
• The Complete Guide to SewingAnother guide covering all areas of sewing.
• Sewing for Fashion DesignersAn in-depth look at sewing especially for fashion.
• Fashion Sewing: Advanced Techniques Another in-depth look at sewing for fashion.
• Tailoring: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Customised Garments An easy to follow text and image guide.

WEBSITES

GENERAL

• SHOWstudioFashion film and live broadcasting.
• WGSNTrend forecasting.
• Drapers Fashion industry and retail news.
• WWD Fashion trend and news.

SCHOOLS & CAREERS

• What Uni?Finding the right fashion course for you.
• Top Universities Is fashion the right course for you?
• Fashion WorkieJobs, internships and freelance rolls.
• Startup Fashion Tips on setting up your own business.
• Business Of Fashion Latest business news and advice.

INSPIRATION & RESEARCH

• Art FundExhibition, museum and gallery list.
• EventbriteFashion talks and events.
• Who What Wear Street style from around the world.
• Pinterest Create visual moodboards.

FABRICS

• Ditto FabricsEx-designer fabrics.
• Sherwoods FabricsA range of fabrics.
• John LewisFabrics for dressmaking and crafts.
• Cloth House High quality natural fabrics.
• Joel and Son Fabrics Haute couture fabrics.
• Spoonflower Print your own fabrics.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT

• Cass Art Art supplies.
• Hobbycraft Art supplies and haberdashery.
• Fashionary The best sketchbook ever!
• William GeeFashion design products and haberdashery.
• MorplanManufacturing and pattern cutting tools.
• Jaycotts Sewing tools supplier.
• Amazon You can find some great deals.
• Ebay Another place for deals, or sell your own.

PATTERN CUTTING & SEWING

• Fashion Incubator Pattern cutting tutorials.
• Angela Kane Sewing TV Video tutorials.
• Open Source StitchesDraft your own custom block.
• Sew GuideSewing guide with free patterns.
• Tilly and the Buttons Sewing tips and online patterns.

ONLINE PORTFOLIOS

• BehanceShowcasing all areas of art and design.
• Arts ThreadShowcasing all areas of art and design.
• Issuu An online portfolio to share with perspective employers.
• Not Just A Label For designers with a collection.

APPS

• Notebook Taking down notes and ideas.
• Any.do Keep track of your to-do lists.
• The Ultimate Fashion Directory Explanation of anything fashion related.
• PANTONE Studio Colour, build and create palettes.
• Art GuideFinding museums, galleries and exhibitions.
• Adobe Illustrator Draw Sketching.
• Fashion Design Flatsketch Create fashion flats.

This was so fun to put together. You can find some really interesting things if you really look for it. If you have anything you think should be added to this list, let me know and I'll be sure to add it.