FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. ADMIN

  2. How do I sign up for a workshop?
  3. How can I find out about new workshops?
  4. Do I need a PayPal account to book a workshop?
  5. I'm unable to attend the workshop I booked. May I reschedule or get a refund?
  6. The weather is bad or a tube/bus/rail strike is planned for the date of my class, may I reschedule or get a refund?
  7. Do you offer gift vouchers?

  8. WORKSHOPS IN OUR LOVELY N1 VENUE

  9. How many students are in a class?
  10. What supplies do I need to bring?
  11. Where do the workshops take place?
  12. May I bring my baby/child/teenager with me to a class?
  13. I have a food allergy. Can you substitute materials in your culinary craft classes?
  14. I'd like to learn to sew. Which class should I take?

  15. Do you provide sewing machines/overlockers during class?
  16. Where can I buy fabric and other sewing supplies?
  17. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

  18. Can you organise a hen party, corporate event or other group gathering?

  19. MISCELLANEOUS

  20. Where can I get my sewing machine repaired?
  21. Are you hiring?
  22. I'd like to start running craft workshops or launch a craft space, can you offer advice?

  1. ADMIN

  2. How do I sign up for a workshop?

    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 and the web site shows all available spots in real time.

    Full payment is required when you register using a valid credit/debit card or a PayPal account. If you prefer to book over the phone, please ring us.

  3. How can I find out about new workshops?

    Our e-newsletter is the best way to hear about new workshop dates, special events, discounts and giveaways at The Make Lounge. If you’re not already on the list, please do sign up on this very page, off to the right-hand side.

  4. Do I need a PayPal account to book a workshop?

    Nope, you may use your favourite credit or debit card! Simply click the relevant links during checkout.

  5. I'm unable to attend the workshop I booked. May I reschedule or get a refund?

    Refunds/Make Ups:
    Due to the special nature of our workshops and the very limited enrollment, classes are non-refundable and there are no make-ups for missed sessions. We urge everyone to check their diary carefully before booking a class; please read our Terms & Conditions (these are made available for you to read you during the registration process) before you book a class.

    Transfers:
    With 14 working days advance notice, we’re happy to transfer you to another workshop, space permitting, or issue you a voucher to use at your leisure.

    Send a Friend:
    If you find you are unable to attend one of our workshops, you may of course send someone in your place. Please let us know that person’s name before the workshop so we may welcome them to the class.

    Attempt to Resell Your Spot:
    As a courtesy, we will place your booking back up on our web site and attempt to resell the spot to our audience. This is not a guarantee it will sell, but if it does, we will issue you a voucher by email a few days after the class runs. You may use this voucher toward booking a workshop of your choice or for crafty goodies in our retail shop.

    Multiple Class Sessions:
    If you miss a session of a multiple session workshop, we will attempt to find space in another class to attend, but cannot guarantee we will be able to do so as class sizes are limited. Alternately, you may finish the project with a private lesson, instructor’s schedule permitting. Please contact us to enquire about rates.

    Cancellations:
    In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a workshop, you’ll receive at least 48 hours notice. We will offer a credit, transfer your booking to another workshop or issue you a full refund – your choice.

  6. The weather is bad or a tube/bus/rail strike is planned for the date of my class, may I reschedule or get a refund?

    Workshops at The Make Lounge take place even in the event of strike action or inclement weather.

    Unfortunately we can’t be held responsible for any disruptions in transport service, or for the weather, but we do urge customers to use alternate transport methods or arrange their travel times accordingly.

    If you paid by credit card please contact your card issuer to find out if they will offer a refund for cancelled travel service or inclement weather.

    Our usual cancellation/refund policies apply, please see details here .

  7. Do you offer gift vouchers?

    We do indeed! Our gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase and may be used online to book workshops or in our retail shop for workshops or merchandise. You may purchase them here.

    We also have printed gift vouchers available to purchase over the phone or in our retail shop for any denomination you would like. Here’s what they look like.

  8. WORKSHOPS IN OUR LOVELY N1 VENUE

  9. 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.

    For very popular workshops, we occasionally run a class using two teachers over two studio spaces so the teacher/student ratio remains the same.

  10. 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. If materials are needed, we’ll email you a list when you book so you can take it with you when you shop.

  11. Where do the workshops take place?

    Workshops take place in our two gorgeous studios located in Islington, North London – in Barnsbury Street, walking distance from Highbury/Islington and Angel Tubes. For details and maps, click here.

  12. May I bring my baby/child/teenager with me to a class?

    We welcome children 12 and over, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and both attendees must book their places in advance.

    Please note that due to insurance restrictions, we cannot accommodate infants or younger children during our workshops at The Make Lounge.

  13. I have a food allergy. Can you substitute materials in your culinary craft classes?

    We really do wish we could! However, as we bake and prepare materials for the entire class, we aren’t able to make food substitutions. (More important, we would not be able to guarantee that items used in class are not free from substances as items are freshly baked in kitchens where nuts, wheat, gluten and dairy may be present.) Thank you for understanding!

    However, you are welcome – as many of our students do – to learn the techniques and decorate items to give to a friend or colleague, then use your own recipes when you bake at home.

  14. I'd like to learn to sew. Which class should I take?

    We have a variety of workshops for sewers, depending on your skill level. Our levels are as follows:

    Absolute beginner
    If you’ve never used a sewing machine before (or you used a machine once years and years ago and need a refresher), sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops for absolute beginners: Cafe Apron or Cushion Cover or Tote Bags.

    Intermediate
    Once you’ve done taken one of our Introduction to Sewing Machine workshops then have a few projects under your belt, or if you already know your way around the sewing machine without assistance, you’re ready to move on workshops such as:

    Knockout Knickers, A-Line Skirt, Zippers Clinic, Fabric Manipulation, Creative Alterations or Reversible Sling Handbag.

  15. Do you provide sewing machines/overlockers during class?

    We have 20 Janome sewing machines and 8 Janome overlockers for use by students at The Make Lounge. However, if you have a sewing machine or overlocker you’d like to learn on during class, please bring it with you (along with the power cord and foot pedal and instruction manual, if available).

  16. Where can I buy fabric and other sewing supplies?

    • Berwick Street. There are lots of fabric shops in and around Berwick Street in Soho. The Cloth House has two shops, one that specialises in cottons and linens and another one that stocks silks, jerseys, wools, gorgeous prints and some very special and unusual fabrics.
    • Joel and Sons on Church Street carries exclusive dress fabrics, including great prints, silks, cottons, beautiful devore velvets, and tailoring fabrics.
    • MacCulloch and Wallis sells most types of fabric as well as haberdashery and trimmings.
    • Liberty is well known for its traditional prints but also stocks bright, colourful modern Rowan cottons, including Amy Butler and Kaffe Fassett designs.
    • For strong, clean graphic cotton and linen prints, visit Marimekko at St. Christopher’s Place in Marylebone or IKEA (various locations) for less expensive options.
    • To find nice fabrics at bargain prices, try rummaging in little local shops – you never know what you might find. Markets are also good, try Shepherd’s Bush, Ridley Road in Dalston or Brick Lane.

  17. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

  18. Can you organise a hen party, corporate event or other group gathering?

    Absolutely! We are happy to help organise a bespoke event for your group of adults. Please see our parties or corporate pages for more information.

  19. MISCELLANEOUS

  20. Where can I get my sewing machine repaired?

    Here are two places which have been recommended to us by customers:

    Chapman Sewing Machine Co.Ltd
    80, Parkway, London, NW1 7AN (Camden)
    020 3370 6767

    Tony’s Sewing Centre
    Fortress Road (Tuffnell Park)
    020 7485 1653

  21. Are you hiring?

    We are not currently looking to fill any positions.

  22. I'd like to start running craft workshops or launch a craft space, can you offer advice?

    Please understand that we receive this question very frequently from people around the globe. As we are a tiny team and all of our time is spent running our own business, unfortunately we’re not available to answer questions by email or phone or meet with you about this, though we really do appreciate your interest.

    The best advice we can offer when starting this, or any other type of business, is to write a business plan and see if your idea is viable. Good luck!

Contact us

create@themakelounge.com

020 7609 0275

View workshop calendar

Purchase gift vouchers

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the news first about classes, events, promotions and more from The Make Lounge! (We won’t share your details with anyone.)


Join