Workshops
Sewing and textiles workshops
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Knockout knickers
Tired of boring high street knickers? Sew your own instead! You’ll make a pair of briefs or thongs in class, then take home patterns and instructions to stitch briefs and thongs as well as boy shorts. You’ll learn to insert elastic, create the perfect bow, and have a go on overlocking machines to finish seams. All materials provided, including printed cottons, satins, and lace plus fancy trimmings.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Ruka Johnson
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Sunday 18 April, 11:00am—2:30pm
- Fee: £49.00
- Availability: 8 places left
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Learn to sew! Tote bag
Learn how to use a sewing machine and take home a lovely tote bag – you chose the shape and the strap length! You’ll learn how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew straight seams, plus get tips on choosing fabric, pinning, cutting and ironing. All materials included (choose your favourite fabric from our retail shop before class) plus you’ll take home a pattern so you can keep sewing at home.
This class serves as a prerequisite for our clothing workshops so once you’ve completed it you can learn to sew knickers, skirts, bags and more! (More about our sewing levels here.)
- Level: Absolute beginner
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva & Laurel Waldron
- Course length: One 3-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Wednesday 21 April, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Fee: £43 (includes £8.00 materials fee)
- Availability: 2 places left
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Metal snap frame purse
Create a very roomy snap frame purse (nearer in size to a clutch, really!), ideal for storing makeup or any of those bits and bobs that always end up at the bottom of your handbag! You’ll learn to affix a metal snap frame like a pro, plus stitch a lined bag using a pattern. All materials provided, including your choice of fabric, coordinating lining, interlining, a nickel or brass purse frame, plus a printed handout to take home. (All supplies available for purchase in our shop, too.)
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags.
- Level: Intermediate Sewer
- Teacher: Ariane Dreysse
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Tuesday 27 April, 6:30pm—10:00pm
- Fee: £51 (includes £15.00 materials fee)
- Availability: 2 places left
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Creative alterations
Revamp the unused items in your closet to make the most of what you already have! In this two-part workshop, you’ll learn techniques to creatively alter garments in your wardrobe or apply them to your favourite vintage finds.
For the first class, you’ll bring 4-5 items of clothing. We’ll work through what can done to them and how, then you’ll begin the process of unpicking, cutting and restyling. By the end of the session, your first garment will be pinned and ready to sew.
In the second class, you’ll sew up and finish your garment then start on a second to sew at home. By the end of this session you’ll feel confident about applying the techniques to other garments in your wardrobe and to future purchases.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags).
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Nin Castle & Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Course length: Two 3-hour sessions
- Next date(s):
- Tuesday 11 May, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Tuesday 18 May, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Fee: £53.00
- Availability: 4 places left
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Learn to sew! Cafe apron
Learn how to use a sewing machine and make a clever pocketed apron, perfect for gardening, cooking or washing up. You’ll learn how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew straight seams, plus get tips on choosing fabric, pinning, cutting and ironing. All materials included (choose your favourite fabric from our retail shop before class) plus you’ll take home a pattern so you can keep sewing at home.
This class serves as a prerequisite for our clothing workshops so once you’ve completed it you can learn to sew knickers, skirts, bags and more! (More about our sewing levels here.)
- Level: Absolute beginner
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva & Laurel Waldron
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Wednesday 26 May, 6:30pm—10:00pm
- Fee: £45 (includes £10.00 materials fee)
- Availability: 9 places left
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Survival sewing
Tired of paying a tailor for simple alterations and repairs? In this basic skills workshop you’ll learn hand-sewing skills (such as sewing on replacement buttons and clasps properly) to tackle simple repairs and take up hems and cuffs on lightweight trousers and shirts. All materials provided.
Please bring one garment to fix (no denim, knits or stretch jersey fabric, please) or adjust during the workshop. No previous sewing experience required.
PLEASE NOTE: This class does not use sewing machines or overlockers. If you’re an experienced sewer and are looking to learn more complicated restyling and alterations techniques, please sign up for our Creative Alterations workshop.
- Level: All levels
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva & Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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Learn to sew! Cushion cover with floral corsage
Learn how to use a sewing machine and create a gorgeous removable cushion cover (pad included) with a detachable floral corsage. You’ll learn how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew straight seams, plus get tips on choosing fabric, pinning, cutting and ironing. All materials included (choose your favourite fabric from our retail shop before class) plus you’ll take home a pattern so you can create more cushions at home.
This class serves as a prerequisite for our clothing workshops so once you’ve completed it you can learn to sew knickers, skirts, bags and more! (More about our sewing levels here.)
- Level: Absolute beginner
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva & Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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A-line skirt
NEW DATES COMING SOON!
Sew a flattering A-line skirt in this two-part workshop. You’ll learn to use a commercial pattern, insert a concealed zipper, and sew darts – plus take home the pattern and stitch its included variations at home! Great for sewers who want to take the next step and begin making their own clothes.
Suggested fabrics: denim, moleskin, corduroy, twill. Please do not use very light or itchy fabrics as this skirt is not lined.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop, but a good introduction to dress-making for someone with recent basic sewing experience. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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Reversible sling handbag
Stitch a stylish, hold it all handbag with pleat detailing. It’s reversible to give you two distinctive looks! You’ll work from a pattern and choose from a range of gorgeous printed and solid fabrics. All materials included.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva & Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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Zippers Clinic
Overcome your fear of zippers in this practical skills workshop! You’ll learn to insert a regular zip, an invisible zip, and sew a semiconcealed zip (look like a pro when you make skirts or cushion covers!). You’ll also get tips for managing broken zips and for altering garments with existing zippers. All materials provided.
At the end of the class you’ll leave with samples of each technique, printed instructions, plus a stylish little zippered oilcloth purse you made yourself.
Prerequisite: You should already know how to thread up a machine and sew a straight seam. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron or Cushion Cover or Tote Bags).
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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Fabric manipulation
Fabric manipulation is a brilliant way to add distinction to your home accessories and your sewn clothing. In this skills workshop you’ll learn piping, tucking and gathering to make sample swatches then make a gorgeous cushion cover (pad included) using your new-found knowledge. (See samples here.)
All materials provided, including a selection of fabrics, cushion pad, plus take-home instructions.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to wind a bobbin, thread a machine and sew a straight seam before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Learn to Sew! Workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Laurel Waldron
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
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Overlocking made easy
With their ability to simultaneously cut and stitch a hem, overlocking machines are incredibly useful for decorating, reinforcing and constructing garments and other items. But they can be a bit intimidating! In this workshop, we’ll demystify the overlocker by teaching you how to thread, adjust tension and differential feed, and deal with corners and curves. You’ll leave the workshop with a set of rolled hem napkins, in your choice of gorgeous solid or printed fabrics!
- Level: All
- Teacher: Nin Castle & Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Availability: 0 places left
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
