FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- ADMIN
- How do I sign up for a workshop?
- Do I need a PayPal account to register?
- I'm unable to attend the workshop I booked. May I reschedule or get a refund?
- Are you hiring teachers?
- Can you organise a hen event, party or other special event?
- When can I visit The Make Lounge?
- How does The Make Lounge give back to the community?
- Do you offer gift vouchers?
- WORKSHOPS
- When is the next (insert name of workshop here) being offered?
- How many students are in a class?
- What supplies do I need to bring?
- I'd like to learn to sew. Which class should I take?
- Do you provide sewing machines?
- Can you teach me how to make ... ?
- SUPPLIES
- Where can I buy fabric and other sewing supplies?
-
ADMIN
-
How do I sign up for a workshop?
That’s easy. Simply click on the Book Now button next to each workshop description. (If you haven’t already registered on the site, you’ll need to do that first; it only takes a few minutes.) Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis (thanks to our technical wizards, you can see available spaces online). Full payment is required when you register. All registration is done online using a valid credit card, debit card or PayPal account. (No cheques, please). Please note that we are not currently equipped to take bookings over the telephone.
-
Do I need a PayPal account to register?
No, simply follow the links and instructions on the registration page to use your favourite credit or debit card.
-
I'm unable to attend the workshop I booked. May I reschedule or get a refund?
Due to the special nature of our workshops and the very limited enrollment, classes are non-refundable and there are no makeups or reschedules. (So please check your diary carefully before you sign up.) Of course, if you’re unable to attend, you may send someone in your place. Please provide us with that person’s name, phone number and email address as soon as possible and we will send them details about the workshop.
In the unlikely event that a workshop is cancelled, you’ll receive a full refund or we will happily transfer your booking to another workshop of the same price, space permitting.
-
Are you hiring teachers?
We’re always looking for passionate, friendly people to lead workshops at The Make Lounge. We’re especially looking for people to teach 3-hour project-based evening workshops. If you’d like to join our team, please contact us by email and include the following: 1) A bit of info about yourself (including a link to an online portfolio or three JPGs); 2) an example of the kind of workshop(s) you’d like teach; 3) and your rates. We’ll get back to you shortly.
-
Can you organise a hen event, party or other special event?
Absolutely! Please see our parties page for more information.
-
When can I visit The Make Lounge?
The best way to see what The Make Lounge is all about is during one of workshops. Check our calendar to see what’s coming up and book online. Or, if you’d like to view the premises, give us a call to set up an appointment.
-
How does The Make Lounge give back to the community?
We’re pleased, where possible, to work with organisations on their charity efforts, such as helping spread the word about knitting or crocheting items for a worthy cause. In addition, we are happy to make donations for non-profit raffles and auctions. If you would like your non-profit considered for such a donation, please get in touch.
-
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, and aren’t you nice for asking! Vouchers are available in denominations of £10, £20, £35, and £45. Purchase them here.
-
WORKSHOPS
-
When is the next (insert name of workshop here) being offered?
We add new classes all the time, so if you want to be kept in the loop, please sign up for our monthly email newsletter. (You can register here.)
-
How many students are in a class?
We keep workshops small (the average size is 8 people) so you’ll get plenty of help with your project plus have a chance to chat with others. A minimum of five people is required for a workshop or for a bespoke event.
-
What supplies do I need to bring?
For the majority of our classes, we provide all materials – all you have to do is show up. The workshop description will tell you which materials, if any, you’ll need to purchase and bring to class to complete your project. We’ll also send you a list of materials by email when you book your workshop so you can take it with you when you shop.
-
I'd like to learn to sew. Which class should I take?
You’re in luck! Most of the sewing classes at The Make Lounge are geared toward beginners or those with just a little bit more experience. (We’ll offer more advanced classes in the coming months). The three levels of instruction are as follows (and are listed within the description of each sewing workshop):
Intro to Sewing Machine:
If you’ve never used a sewing machine before (or you used a machine once years and years ago).Level 1:
If you’ve taken our Intro to Sewing Machine class or know the following parts and skills without assistance:*Threading the machine.
*Winding, loading and bringing up the bobbin thread.
*Backstitching.
*Following seam allowances accurately.
*Understanding basic pinning, cutting and ironing instructions.
*Are generally comfortable using a sewing machine (you don’t feel intimidated).
Level 2:
If you’ve taken Level 1 or know the following skills:*Creating a button hole.
*Inserting a centered zipper.
*Sewing straight, curved and eased seams.
*Sewing basic hems and finishing methods such as French seams and binding.
*Working with interfacing.
*Top-stitching, gathering and pleating. -
Do you provide sewing machines?
Yes, but if you have a machine at home that you’d like to use, please bring it to class (along with your instruction manual).
-
Can you teach me how to make ... ?
If there’s a specific skill you’d like to learn please contact us and we’ll do our best to schedule a workshop in the future.
-
SUPPLIES
-
Where can I buy fabric and other sewing supplies?
We love Liberty for its traditional prints and its bright, colourful modern Rowan cottons. Another favourite is The Cloth House, which stocks a wide array of natural fabrics, vintage trimmings, as well as wools, silks and felts in its two shops on nearby Berwick Street. For strong, clean graphic cotton and linen prints, visit Marimekko at St. Christopher’s Place in Marylebone. For less expensive options, try IKEA (various locations) or Rolls and Rems on Seven Sisters Road in Holloway. For haberdashery, trimmings, threads and other sewing essentials, visit MacCulloch & Wallis or Kleins.