Workshops
Sewing dressmaking workshops
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Jeans genius
Do you have pairs of jeans you once loved but no longer wear? Perhaps the shape feels out of date, the legs are too long, or the hems have worn out? In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll use a sewing machine and an overlocker to transform your worn-out treasures into something new (to you)! Changing flares into stylish skinnies, taking up hems without losing the original stitching, and creating summery capris or shorts are just a few of many possibilities.
Bring one or two pairs of jeans that fit in the waist and bottom plus a bit of imagination!
Please note: This is NOT a beginner’s workshop. You should already know how to sew straight seams and feel confident on a sewing machine. (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: Advanced beginner
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Course length: One 2.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Thursday 16 September, 6:30pm—9:00pm
- Fee: £32.00
- Availability: 6 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, and ideally have a few projects under your belt. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please sign up for one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops to get started: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags).
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Nin Castle
- Course length: Two 3-hour sessions
- Next date(s):
- Wednesday 22 September, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Wednesday 29 September, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Fee: £55.00
- Availability: 4 places left
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Stitch your own stretch T-shirt
Create your own stretch jersey T-shirt! You’ll use an overlocker, so your jersey garment will be springy and robust – rather than baggy and saggy. (Unlike overlockers, sewing machines can’t create truly stretchy seams).
You’ll begin the class with an overview of how stretch fabrics are constructed, choose a perfectly-sized pattern with short or 3/4 length sleeve variations, pin and cut, then get stitching! You’ll take home a T-shirt of your own creation, plus the paper pattern so you can stitch more at home. (If you don’t have an overlocker, you can rent one after class during Open Studio Time.)
This is a great workshop to learn about sewing with knits and to have the opportunity to try out – or further – your overlocking skills. Please note: Although experience using an overlocker is recommended, it’s not essential. We’ll thread up the machines for you and walk you through stitching steps. (IIf you’d like to learn to use an overlocker from the ground up, try our Overlocking Made Easy class.)
- Level: Advanced beginner
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Course length: One 3.5-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Saturday 2 October, 10:30am—2:00pm
- Fee: £46.00
- Availability: 3 places left
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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, thongs and 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 sew straight and curved seams, confidently use a sewing machine and have a few recent projects under your belt. (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):
- Wednesday 20 October, 6:30pm—10:00pm
- Fee: £49.00
- Availability: 7 places left
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A-line skirt
Sew a flattering A-line skirt in this two-part workshop. Learn to use a commercial pattern, insert a concealed zipper and line a garment! Great for sewers who want to take the next step and begin making their own clothes. You’ll learn to take your measurements then use (and take home) a lovely Amy Butler Skirt pattern which includes three variations – so you’ll have a slew of new skirts in no time! This pattern fits UK sizes 8-22.
Bring your own materials or purchase from a selection of over 150 different gorgeous fabrics and other supplies in our retail shop. Click here for the supplies list.
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 sew a straight seam and confidently use a machine with a few projects under your belt before coming to class. (If you haven’t sewn recently, please start with one of our Intro to Sewing Machine workshops: Cafe Apron, Cushion Cover or Tote Bags)
- Level: Intermediate
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Course length: Two 3-hour sessions
- Next date(s):
- Thursday 21 October, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Thursday 28 October, 6:30pm—9:30pm
- Fee: £64.00
- Availability: 3 places left
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Using and altering patterns
Confused by pattern markings? Curvy or slim and not sure which size to choose? Unlock the secrets of using commercial dress-making patterns in this two hour workshop.
You’ll learn how to take your own measurements, read and use a pattern, place fabric correctly, and make alterations before you start stitching to get the best fit from your project.
Feel free to bring a pattern you’re working with or refer to one of our samples in class.
- Level: New to patterns
- Teacher: Ekaterina Ignatieva
- Course length: One 2-hour session
- Next date(s):
- Wednesday 27 October, 6:30pm—8:30pm
- Fee: £29.00
- Availability: 5 places left
