Beginners' and Improvers'Workshops

Have you been inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee?

Would you like to learn to sew but don’t know where to start?

Did you do a bit of sewing a long time ago, but now feel rusty?

Come and learn the basics of sewing or improve your skills in a small group and make something to take home at the end! I also have video workshops if you'd like to learn online at home, at your own pace and a time that suits you.

Face-to-face workshops run in term time in Chudleigh on Monday evenings, Wednesday evenings, Friday mornings or Friday afternoons. Evening courses take place in The Square and Friday classes at my home.

I provide the sewing machines, tools, notions and tuition (and tea and cake to keep you going!). For online workshops, I provide the pattern (if relevant) and any extra notions you need. You just bring some fabric you like – I can advise on suitable types and quantities when you book a place.

Please contact me to find out more or to book your place.

(Short!) Terms and Conditions

1. Payment of workshop fee on booking, please.

2. If you cancel after booking a place, the fee will only be refunded if I can fill the space.

3. If you cannot make all the dates of a workshop, there may be flexibility to attend on other days / times if I have availability to finish your project.

4. You're welcome to bring your own machine if you know how to use it, so you can get more familiar with it. But please let me know in advance if you plan to, and arrive 10 minutes early to set it up.

5. Workshop projects are partly about the end result and making something lovely you can be proud of; and partly about learning new skills and having fun along the way! Most people should be able to finish the project within the available sessions. If you don't quite manage to finish, I can either show you how it can be finished at home, or if I have space, you may be able to drop in to another group's workshop.

6. For online workshops, you need access to your own machine and be confident threading it up and using it. I will provide a pattern / other essentials as indicated, and a series of step-by-step videos. Online workshops are for your personal use only, please don't share the links with others. But please do tell others about them so they can book themselves!

Drop-In Sewing! - £10 for two hours

Would you like to block out a couple of hours in your week to sew, away from distractions? Maybe money is tighter at the moment, or you don't fancy the workshop I'm currently running, but would still like to sew with some other lovely people? Perhaps you don't have a machine at home, but have a project you'd like to work on?

As with my workshops, I'll provide a machine set up and ready to go, a basic sewing kit and tea and biscuits to keep you going. You just bring something you're working on. It won't be a taught workshop place, but I will be on hand if you get stuck!

Message me if you're interested!

Mondays:

7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays:

7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays:

10am to 12 noon or 1pm-3pm at my home

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Cushion Workshops

Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop

2 x 2-hour sessions £32

We will be making a simple envelope-style cushion cover. There are no fiddly zips or buttonholes! I'll provide machines, sewing kits, tuition and cushion pads; you just bring some fabric you like!

Level 1: Complete Beginner

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. We will cover setting up a sewing machine, basic stitching (straight line and zig-zag), choosing and preparing fabric, measuring, cutting out, pinning, hand-sewing, seam allowances and finishing.

Mondays: 2nd and 9th September- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 4th and 11th September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 6th and 13th September - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm-3pm at my home.

OR: online - you can access a series of detailed step-by-step video tutorials to make your cushion in your own time

Scroll on past the pictures for details of more workshops.....

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"If you've never done one of Rachel's classes, you should give them a go! I hadn't done much sewing when I started but Rachel is so patient and lovely - we have a great time and I am chuffed to bits with the various things I have made."

"This course was BRILLIANT. Great pace, everything explained clearly, a great way to spend the last four Wednesday's. Thanks Rachel. I'll be back!" -Sue L

"After your brilliant workshop I have definitely been bitten by the sewing bug" -Claire

"I've attended Rachel's workshops and made a bookmark, cushion cover and bag. I would highly recommend Rachel as a sewing teacher. She is so knowledgeable, patient and kind. She slowly talks you through it all step by step and is more than happy to repeat anything again, and again until you get it. I've definitely caught the sewing bug thanks to Rachel. Loving my new skills for life!"

-Rachael

"Great way to spend an evening learning a new skill."

"I loved the way your sewing class gave me my confidence back."

"I’ve loved going to the classes - a little oasis in the week! You are a wonderful teacher. And you’ve opened my eyes to the joy of choosing fabric and then making my own clothes".

"I loved how welcoming you were with the class, also you’re made to feel like you can do it and we too can make our own clothes if we want to in the future. Just from a beginners class, I’ve got the bug."

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Skirt Workshop

Sew Over it Erin Skirt

OR Ava Skirt

OR Emmeline Skirt

OR Ruby Skirt

OR Tilly and the Buttons Ness Skirt

4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £64

The Erin skirt has a waistband, front buttons and darts at the back for fit. It can be short or knee-ish length. The Erin pattern covers sizes 8 - 24.

The Emmeline skirt is below the knee, has soft pleats front and back, a button-front and optional tie belt. It covers sizes 8-20.

The Ruby skirt is a button-through slightly gathered skirt, with elasticated back for comfort and fit, optional patch pockets and a flattering flat front waistband. It covers sizes 6-30.

The Ava skirt is a versatile A-line skirt with two hem length options, midi or mini. Ava features darts at the front and back for shaping, a regular centre back zip, narrow waistband and in seam pockets. The pattern covers sizes 6-30.

The Ness skirt is a classic denim-style, with pockets, back yoke, fly zip and top-stitching. One for the more experienced sewer!

All the skirts work well all year round, depending on the fabric you choose.

As part of the workshop, you will receive printed pattern sheets, a zip (if appropriate), as well as the usual tuition, machine and sewing kit. You just bring some fabric you like!

Key skills depending on the skirt: cutting out and learning to follow a commercial pattern, button holes, zips, pleats, pockets and darts.

Level 3: The Erin, Ava, Emmeline and Ness Skirts are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Level 2: The Ruby skirt is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Mondays: 16th, 23rd and 30th September and 7th October - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 18th and 25th September and 2nd and 9th October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 20th and 27th September and 4th and 11th October - 10am to 12 noon OR 1-3pm at my home.

Erin

Ruby

Ava

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Workshop

Upcycled tablecloth blouse

OR patchwork scarf

OR quilt-as-you-go scraps zip bag

OR use your scraps storage basket

OR fold-away shopping bag

2 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £32

Be creative and transform something from scraps or unloved tablecloths! Some of these projects you may have seen on the last series of The Great British Sewing Bee.

You can either upcycle an old embroidered tablecloth (or other fabric) into a v-neck blouse, make a quilted zip bag from small scraps, make a patchwork scarf, make a storage basket or tray from larger scraps of fabric, or make a fold-away shopping bag.

Key skills: Depending on the project, creativity(!), gathering, bias binding, quilting and accuracy.

Level 3: This workshop is suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 14th and 21st October- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 16th and 23rd October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 18th and 25th October - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.

Coat Workshop

I Am Patterns Hathor Gilet

OR Sew Over It Lola Coat

OR Papercut Patterns Nova Coat

OR Sew Over It Jessie Coatigan

OR Tilly and the Buttons Sonny jacket

3/4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions depending on project £48 / 64

The Hathor gilet and Jessie Coatigan are beginner-friendly, the Lola and Nova coats and Sonny jacket are for those with more experience. (Hathor is 3 sessions, the other projects are 4 sessions).

Hathor is a lined, boxy gilet with choice of neckline and fastening.

Lola is an unlined, waterfall and open fronted jacket in choice of lengths, with deep pockets.

Nova is a dramatic, lined cocoon coat in a choice of lengths, also with pockets.

Jessie is a cardigan-style coat, with shawl collar, open front and dropped shoulders.

Sonny is a denim-style unlined hip or cropped-length jacket with a choice of collars.

Key skills: depending on the project, lining, pockets, and some fitting.

Level 3: The Hathor gilet and Jessie Coatigan are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Level 4: The Lola and Nova coats and Sonny Jacket are for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting.

Mondays: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th November - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th November – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th November - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.at my home.

Hathor, Lola, Nova, Jessie and Sonny

Jersey Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Coco

OR Sew Over It Ultimate T-shirt

OR Tilly and the Buttons Children's Tabitha T-shirt

OR Tilly and the Buttons Nora T-shirt / jumper / cardigan

3 x 2-hour sessions £48

This workshop is a chance to learn about (or improve your skills of) sewing with stretch fabrics.

You can either make the Coco boat-neck long-sleeve top or tunic, the fitted ultimate t-shirt with a choice of crew or scoop neck, and sleeve length, the kids' Tabitha t-shirt or the Nora boxy t-shirt, jumper or cardigan.

Level 3: This project is suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 2nd, 9th and 16th December- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 4th, 11th and 18th December – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 6th, 13th and 20th December - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm-3pm at my home.

Cushion Workshops

Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop

2 x 2-hour sessions £32

We will be making a simple envelope-style cushion cover. There are no fiddly zips or buttonholes! I'll provide machines, sewing kits, tuition and cushion pads; you just bring some fabric you like!

Level 1: Complete Beginner

Mondays: 6th and 13th January- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 8th and 15th January – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 10th and 17th January - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.

Trousers Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Safiya (3 sessions)

OR Papercut Patterns Tula

OR Tilly and the Buttons Jessa

OR Sew Over It Camille

OR Tilly and the Buttons Thea

3 /4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £48 /64

Safiya-These trousers are super-simple to make, and comfortable and flattering to wear! They can be made long or cropped, with and without pockets, and feature a flattering flat-front design. Available in sizes 6 - 24.

Tula- The Tula Pant has an elasticated waistband with an option to add a drawstring, side pockets and ankle cuffs. Choose between a wide or peg leg fit. It is also very versatile, as it can be made from woven or jersey fabric. Available in sizes 6 - 20.

Jessa- The Jessa trousers (or shorts) have wide, gently flared legs on the full-length trousers or turn-up hems on the shorts, they close with a concealed front zip fly.

The high waist, curved waistband and back darts create a good fit, while the triangle tab fastening, deep patch pockets and faux pocket flap give nice details. Available in sizes 6 - 20.

Camille- The elegant Camille trousers are wide legged, have darts for shaping onto a waistband, pockets and an invisible back zip. Available in sizes 6 - 20.

Thea - These are cropped or full length wide leg trousers, with darts, fly zip and a choice of pockets (including welt pockets). Available in sizes 6-34.

Level 2: The Safiya trousers workshop is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Level 3: The Tula and Camille trousers workshop is suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Level 4: The Jessa and Thea trousers are for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting.

Mondays: 20th, 27th January, 3rd and 10th February - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 22nd and 29th January, 5th and 12th February – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 24th and 31st January, 7th and 14th February - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm -3pm at my home.

Safiya

Tula

Camille

Jessa

Tops Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Stevie

OR Mimi Blouse

OR Mathilde top

OR Sew Over It Alex Shirt

OR Sew House Seven Remy Raglan

3/4 x 2-hour sessions £48/£64

Stevie- This top is a satisfyingly quick and easy make. Perfect for beginners. It has a modern, boxy fit, with easy grown-on sleeves. It has a round neckline with choice of pretty tie or button loop at the back. Make it as a top with a high hip hemline, or above-the-knee tunic dress. (Stevie is 3 sessions).

Mimi Blouse - This is a v-neck blouse with a Chelsea collar, buttoned front, gathered yokes front and back and pleated short sleeves.

Mathilde- This top has gathered cuffs, pin tuck front detail and a buttoned back. You could include a piping detail in the front yoke.

Alex- This is a simplified version of a traditional shirt, with fold-back buttoned cuffs.

Remy - This is a simple raglan-sleeved, loose fitting top, with the option to add gathered sleeves, and or a front-button keyhole closure. (3 or 4 sessions depending on the version)

Level 2: The Stevie workshop is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Level 3: The Mimi, Alex, Mathilde and Remy workshops are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 24th February, 3rd, 10th and 17th March – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 26th February and 5th, 12th and 19th March – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 28th February and 7th, 14th and 21st March - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Stevie

Alex Shirt

Mimi

Nightwear Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie pyjama bottoms

OR Juno jersey pyjamas

OR Kids' Juno pyjamas

OR Sew Over It Luna pyjamas

OR Named Hathor dressing gown

3 x 2-hour sessions £48

Jaimie- Tilly's classic Jaimie pyjama trousers or shorts (or Joe for the men!) made from woven fabric are a great beginner project. The pattern covers sizes 4 - 24.

Juno- These are jersey pyjamas with ribbed neck and sleeve and leg cuffs. You can make short or long sleeves for the top and shorts or trousers for the bottom. Women's sizes 6-24 or children's sizes aged 0-12.

Luna - These are simple but elegant pyjamas with elasticated trousers and a wrap-tie top. Sizes 6-30.

Hathor dressing gown- This is a classic straight cut, unisex dressing gown in a choice of lengths.

Level 2: The Jaimie workshop is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Level 3: The Luna, Juno and Hathor workshops are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 24th and 31st March and 7th April - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 26th March, 2nd and 9th April – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 28th March, 4th and 11th April - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Juno

Hathor

Dresses Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Bettine

OR Sew House Seven Sauvie

OR Sew Over It Lucy

OR Tilly and the Buttons Nell

OR Kids' Indigo Dress

4 x 2-hour sessions £64

Bettine - Bettine is an easy throw-it-over-your-head dress. It has a blousy bodice with scoop neckline, grown-on sleeves which hang softly around the underarm, turn-up cuffs, elasticated waistline to cinch you in and tulip skirt.

The plain skirt version is a perfect project for beginners, as it's simple to sew, with no fiddly darts, fastenings or set-in sleeves. Optional pockets and sleeve cuffs.

Sauvie - The Sauvie Sundress is the perfect strappy summer dress to reach for when you are wanting comfort, ease and style in those hot summer months. It's also perfect for layering over a t-shirt as a pinafore when the temperatures drop. Sauvie can be anything from a swim cover-up to a casual summer dress to an elegant evening gown depending on your fabric choice. The low front and back V-necklines and narrow straps were designed to cover bra straps and optional bra keeper instructions are included. It is a very versatile pattern, with two pocket options, three hem finishes, two waist finishes and two hem lengths, you can mix and match any of the version's features.

Lucy - This is an easy to sew and easy to wear jersey t-shirt style dress, with scoop neckline (like the ultimate t-shirt pattern) and drawstring waist tie. You can easily alter the length and fullness of the skirt.

Nell - Nell is extremely versatile! The basic shape is a v-neck button-through top, but you have a choice of three different sleeves, pockets or not, peplum or not, on-trend bow closures or buttons, and it can even be made as a top or a dress! It is loose fitting, so easy to fit and wear.

Indigo - Indigo is a girls' version of Tilly's popular smock-style dress. You can customise it with frill details or keep it simple. For girls aged 0-12.

Level 2: The Bettine workshop is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Level 3: The Sauvie, Lucy, Nell and Indigo workshops are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 21st, 28th April, 5th and 12th May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 23rd and 30th April, 7th and 14th May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 24th April, 1st, 9th and 16th May- 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

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Sauvie

Indigo

Jumpsuits Workshop

Paper Theory Zadie

OR Closet Core Sallie

OR Sew Over It Poppy

OR Porto

OR Tilly and the Buttons Esti Co-ord (faux jumpsuit!)

4 x 2-hour sessions 64

Zadie - A cult classic in the sewing world! The Zadie Jumpsuit is a relaxed and easy to wear one piece that comes with the option of wide 3/4 length sleeves or sleeveless with a dropped shoulder. It wraps around the body and fastens with a tie so there is no need for buttons or a zip – making it quick and easy to sew, and quick and easy to get on and off. The legs are cut wide and skim above the ankle. There are deep slant pockets on the front, with small pleats at the waist on the front and back. The neck edge is finished with a bias binding.

Sallie -The Sallie Jumpsuit / Maxi dress is super chic and comfortable! It's designed for light to medium weight knitted fabrics, and features a number of customizable options. Choose between a self-lined V-neck with tie neck closure, or a strappy tank with shoulder ties. On your bottom half, mix and match wide-leg pants, culottes, or a maxi skirt with side slits, all with convenient pockets and a comfortable elasticized waist.

Poppy - This is the easiest of the jumpsuits. The Poppy Playsuit features a wide neckline, grown-on sleeves, a keyhole back opening, an elasticated waist, cuffs at both the legs and armholes, and a choice of long or shorter leg. With no tricky zips or buttonholes, it’s quick to construct.

Porto - This is a shirt-style jumpsuit, more like a boiler suit. It has button-up sleeves, pocket details and is a relaxed fit.

Esti- This is for those who want a jumpsuit without the faff! It's a co-ord set, which looks like a jumpsuit when worn together, but the pieces can be worn separately. It has wide leg, culotte-style trousers (long or cropped) or shorts, and a strappy top with square neckline.

Level 3: These workshops are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

(This workshop breaks after the first week for half term)

Mondays: 19th May and 2nd, 9th and 16th June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 21st May and 4th, 11th and 18th June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 23rd May and 6th, 13th and 20th June - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Sallie

Zadie

Porto

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Bag Workshop

Noodlehead Firefly Tote

OR Caravan Bag

OR Cross-Body Bag

OR Lined tote

2/3/4 x 2-hour sessions £32/48/64

(depending on project)

The Firefly and Caravan bags are gorgeous designs from Noodlehead patterns, featuring leather handles, rivets, lots of pockets and zips. The Firefly comes in two sizes, one designed for sewing / knitting projects (although I use mine as a handbag), and a shopping bag size.

The cross body bag features optional piping, lining and pockets.

The simple lined tote is a great project for beginners.

The Simple tote is 2 sessions, the cross-body bag is 3 sessions and the Firefly and Caravan bags are 4 sessions.

Level 2: The tote workshop is suitable for people who have done the level 1 course, or who can use a sewing machine, but have little experience of sewing, or are rusty, and want to start making simple items.

Level 3: The Firefly Tote, Caravan Bag and Cross-body bag workshops are suitable for people who have done a level 1 or 2 course, or who are confident in using a sewing machine, have made simple projects, and want to start using simple commercial patterns. The patterns may include zips, facings and buttonholes, for example.

Mondays: 23rd and 30th June, 7th and 14th July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 25th June, 2nd, 9th and 16th July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 27th June, 4th, 11th and 18th July - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Cross-body bag