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 FIVE STUDIOS (IN TWO VENUES)

  9. How many students are in a class?
  10. Do you do alterations or make curtains?
  11. What supplies do I need to bring?
  12. Where do the workshops take place?
  13. Do you offer weekday workshops for adults?
  14. May I bring my baby/child/teenager with me to a class?
  15. I have a food allergy. Can you substitute materials in your culinary craft classes?
  16. When is the next (insert name of workshop here) being offered?
  17. I'd like to learn to sew. Which class should I take?

  18. OUR RETAIL SHOP

  19. Do you sell craft supplies at The Make Lounge?
  20. Do you provide sewing machines/overlockers during class?
  21. Where can I buy fabric and other sewing supplies?
  22. Can I sell my handmade goods at The Make Lounge shop?

  23. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

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

  25. MISCELLANEOUS

  26. When can I visit The Make Lounge?
  27. Where can I get my sewing machine repaired?
  28. Are you hiring? Do you need interns?
  29. Do you take scraps and surplus materials?
  30. 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?

    Please sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, which includes details about all new dates and upcoming events at The Make Lounge. You may sign up on this very page, off to the right-hand side.

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

    No, simply follow the links and instructions on the registration page (to the left, where you’ll see the credit card logos) to use your favourite credit or debit card. You do not 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?

    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?

    Yes, and aren’t you nice for asking! Gift vouchers are valid for six months from the date of purchase and may be used online to book workshops or may redeemed in our retail shop for workshops or merchandise. Purchase them here.

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

  8. WORKSHOPS IN OUR FIVE STUDIOS (IN TWO VENUES)

  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. Do you do alterations or make curtains?

    Although we don’t offer a make up service, we can recommend people who do!

  11. 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.

  12. Where do the workshops take place?

    Workshops take place in our five studios located over two gorgeous venues in North London – both within walking distance of each other on Barnsbury Street, midway between Highbury/Islington and Angel Tubes. For details and maps, click here.

  13. Do you offer weekday workshops for adults?

    Not currently, but we’re hoping to launch them in the future. If you’d like to know more, please sign up for our e-newsletter via the link off to the right. Thanks!

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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 e-newsletter. (You can register here.)

  17. 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.

  18. OUR RETAIL SHOP

  19. Do you sell craft supplies at The Make Lounge?

    Yes! We stock gorgeous cotton plain and printed fabrics, haberdashery, craft books and magazines, contemporary craft kits and much more in our shop. For opening hours and other information, click here.

  20. 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).

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

    The Make Lounge sells fabric and other sewing supplies (have a peek here). Here are some other resources in and around London:

    • 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.

  22. Can I sell my handmade goods at The Make Lounge shop?

    If you’re interested in submitting your work for possible sale at The Make Lounge shop, please email ‘shop AT themakelounge DOT com’ and include the following information (see below). Be sure to include ‘HANDMADE GOODS’ in the message’s subject line to be considered.

    -Contact Name
    -Company name
    -Info about your work (100 words)
    -Your wholesale prices and suggested retail price points.
    -Images of your work (e.g., links to your Etsy shop, Flickr site or attach three JPGs, maximum size of email 2MB).

    Due to the large numbers of submissions, we can only reply if we believe your work is a good fit for our shop and our target market (generally individuals age 25-45 seeking to create unique projects or purchase personal/gift items with a stylish, contemporary focus). Please keep in mind that we are a very small company so please understand that we cannot respond to every submission and cannot accommodate in-person requests.

  23. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

  24. 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.

  25. MISCELLANEOUS

  26. When can I visit The Make Lounge?

    The best way to see what The Make Lounge is all about is to come to a workshop or visit our retail shop, located alongside our three studios in our original venue.

    You can also view some images of our premises, shop and workshops via our Flickr page.

  27. 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

  28. Are you hiring? Do you need interns?

    We’re currently looking to fill the following positions. Please apply using the guidelines below. No phone calls, please.

    Workshop Instructors
    Ongoing

    We’re hiring!

    We are always interested in hearing from talented London-based makers who have experience teaching groups. Applicants for these paid positions should be very outgoing, incredibly organised, and be available to teach occasional weeknights and occasional weekend mornings and/or afternoons. Payment is on a freelance, invoiced basis and will be discussed upon application.

    We are currently particularly interested in individuals who have the following skills:

    - Silver metal clay jewellery, particularly ring-making
    – Photography
    – Biscuit decorating
    – Food/drink instruction (NB: we have heat sources but no ovens)
    – Chocolate making
    – Cupcake / cake pops / cake decorating
    – Surface design
    – Screen printing / lino printing
    – Wallpaper printing

    To apply, please email jobs AT themakelounge DOT com with TEACHER in the subject line. Tell us about yourself, what you’d bring to the position, ideas for two new workshops (please look at our existing classes first, please), and include a link to your blog/web site showing us images of your work (or attach NO MORE THAN three small jpegs). No phone calls, please.

    —-

    Internships
    Ongoing

    Are you organised and responsible? Do you love crafts? We’re looking for interns to come help out ‘behind the scenes’ at The Make Lounge!

    Internships are available to qualified candidates in 4-week stints, weekdays only, and take place at our Barnsbury Street offices in Islington. Candidates will ideally be available Tues-Friday full time. In return, we’ll provide interesting projects, cover travel costs, and also give you the opportunity to enjoy workshops at The Make Lounge (space permitting) for free!

    This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn about the London craft scene and to learn more about a small, start-up business. We can also cater the position to your interests if there is something specific you’d like to learn.

    Please note this is not a workshop assistant position, but rather a chance to work with us during the daytime on the nuts-and-bolts of the business, e.g, helping order workshop materials, organising our digital photographs, liaising with suppliers, and other types of short and longer-term projects.

    Interested candidates should email jobs AT themakelounge DOT com with INTERN in the subject line. Tell us what you’ve done, what you’d bring to the position, what you’d hope to gain from an internship at The Make Lounge, and which four weeks you’d be available (or NOT available). No phone calls, please.

  29. Do you take scraps and surplus materials?

    We’re happy to consider your donations of fabric scraps, beads, buttons, sequins, and more if they are usable in our on and off-site activities. Please note that we have very limited storage space and cannot take all items – please contact us for more details. If you are able to email us details/images of the sorts of items you are offering, that’s always best!

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

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

Contact us

create@themakelounge.com

020 7609 0275

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