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 or Friday mornings. Evening courses take place in The Square and morning 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! - £8 for two hours
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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!
I'm offering places at half my usual rate - so £8 for a two-hour session. They will have to be booked at fairly short notice, when I know how many spare places I have. Message me if you're interested!
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Mondays:
7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays:
7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays:
10am to 12 noon at my home
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Cushion Workshops
Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop
2 x 2-hour sessions £30
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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!
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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.
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Mondays: 4th and 11th September- 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 6th and 13th September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 8th and 15th September - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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OR: online - you can access a series of detailed step-by-step video tutorials to make your cushion in your own time
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Scroll on past the pictures for details of more workshops.....
"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."
![IMG_20230524_192319_127[29786].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a2ab8_3b4d61d67e6d4e46b1119027113b3914~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_90,h_68,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG_20230524_192319_127%5B29786%5D.jpg)
"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."
Skirt Workshop
Sew Over it Erin Skirt
OR Tilly and the Buttons Miette Skirt
OR Sew Over It Ava Skirt
3 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £45
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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.
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The Miette is a gently flared wraparound skirt that ties at the front in a bow. The skirt has a wide overlap at the back (no danger of flashing!) and optional patch pockets. Tilly designed this pattern as the perfect first dressmaking project for new stitchers - simple to sew, Miette has no fiddly zips or buttonholes and is easy to fit. The pattern covers sizes 6-20.
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The Ava skirt is a versatile A-line skirt with two hem length options, midi or mini. It's an everyday classic that'll go with everything and work throughout the seasons. Ava features darts at the front and back for shaping, a regular centre back zip, narrow waistband and in seam pockets! Made up of only four pieces, Ava is simple to sew and a perfect starting point for beginner dressmakers, whereas more experienced stitchers will enjoy a quick, satisfying project. The pattern covers sizes 6-20 and 18-30 (please let me know when booking this workshop which of the two size ranges you would like for your pattern).
All the skirts work well all year round, depending on the fabric you choose.
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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!
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Key skills depending on the skirt: cutting out and learning to follow a commercial pattern, button holes, pockets and darts.
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Level 3: The Erin and Ava 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.
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Level 2: The Miette skirt (especially without the pockets) 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.
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Mondays: 18th, 25th September and 2nd October - 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 20th and 27th September and 4th October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 22nd and 29th September and 6th October - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Erin
Miette
Ava
Winter Workshop
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Sew House Seven Toaster Jumper
OR Hot Water Bottle Cover
OR Hat and Mittens
2 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £30
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Sew something to keep you (or a friend!) warm in the winter! Either a pretty hot water bottle cover, or a sweatshirt or a jersey hat and mittens.
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The Toaster Jumper by Sew House Seven is a close-fitting, semi-cropped sweatshirt/sweater with an upright neck. It features raglan sleeves, a wide waistband, a loose turtleneck, long cuffs, and falls between the high and low hip.
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Key skills: Working with bulkier and / or stretch fabrics. For the hot water bottle cover - binding.
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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.
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Mondays: 9th and 16th October- 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 11th and 18th October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 13th and 20th October - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Coat Workshop
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I Am Patterns Hathor Gilet
OR Sew Over It Lola Coat
OR Papercut Patterns Nova Coat
OR Itch to Stitch Taktsang Jacket
4-6 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions depending on project £60 / 75 / 90
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This is the biggest and most advanced project we've done in workshops so far - a winter coat! But you needn't be daunted! The Hathor gilet and Taktsang jacket are both more beginner friendly, the Lola and Nova coats are for those with more experience.
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Hathor is a lined, boxy gilet with choice of neckline and fastening (4 sessions).
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Lola is an unlined, waterfall and open fronted jacket in choice of lengths, with deep pockets (5 sessions).
Nova is a dramatic, lined cocoon coat in a choice of lengths, also with pockets (6 sessions).
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Taktsang is an unlined belted jacket with slightly cropped sleeves (4 sessions).
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Key skills: depending on the project, lining, pockets, and some fitting.
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Level 3: The Hathor gilet and Taktsang Jacket 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.
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Level 4: The Lola and Nova coats are for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting.
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Mondays: 30th October -4th December (depending on project) - 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 1st November - 6th December (depending on project)– 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 3rd November - 8th December (depending on project) - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Left to right: Hathor, Lola, Nova and Taktsang
Cushion Workshops
Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop
2 x 2-hour sessions £30
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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!
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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.
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Mondays: 1st and 8th January- 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 3rd and 10th January – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 5th and 12th January - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Dog Coat Workshop
Closet Core Made-to-Measure Dog Coat Workshop!
2 x 2-hour sessions £30
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This is a fun project! Make a warm dog coat in a fun or stylish fabric, adjustable by length and width to fit your pup!
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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.
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Mondays: 1st and 8th January- 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 3rd and 10th January – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 5th and 12th January - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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This workshop runs alongside the beginners' cushion workshop.
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Trousers Workshop
Tilly and the Buttons Safiya
OR Papercut Patterns Tula
OR Tilly and the Buttons Jessa
OR Sew Over It Camille
3 /4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £45 /60
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Level 3: The Tula, Jessa 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.
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Mondays: 15, 22, 29 January and 5th February - 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 17, 24, 31 January and 7 February – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 19, 26 January 1 and 9 February - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Safiya
Tula
Camille
Jessa
Tops Workshops
Tilly and the Buttons Stevie
OR I AM Patterns Joy
OR Itch to Stitch Nittany
OR Sew Over It Ultimate T-shirt Workshop
3 x 2-hour sessions £45
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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​.
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Joy- This is a 3/4 sleeved top, with slash neck, bust darts and slightly gathered sleeve hems. It's a great alternative to a long-sleeved t-shirt, and could be a wardrobe basic, or an opportunity to use a fabulous print!
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Nittany- This top has a round neckline with pleats and an optional keyhole at the centre front. It has short sleeves, a shirttail hem, a partially lined front, and an optional sash to cinch in the waist.
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Ultimate t-shirt-This is a great wardrobe staple and is pretty quick and easy to sew up! It's a basic t-shirt pattern that can be made with long, three-quarter or short sleeves, and either a crew, scoop or v-neck (although I don't recommend the v-neck unless you've done quite a bit of sewing before). It's available in sizes 6-30.
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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.
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Level 3: The Joy, Nittany and Ultimate t-shirt 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.
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Mondays: 19 and 26 February and 4 March – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 21 and 28 February and 6 March – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 23 February and 1 and 8 March - 10am to 12 noon at my home
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Stevie
Joy
Nittany
Nightwear Workshops
Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie pyjama bottoms
OR Tilly and the Buttons Fifi Camisole set
OR Closet Core Carolyn pyjamas
3/4/5 x 2-hour sessions £45/60/75
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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. (Three-session workshop)
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Fifi- This is a delicate camisole and shorts set. The camisole is cut on the bias to create a flowing shape, with soft pleated cups, gently shaped princess seam back and bias binding straps. (Four sessions)
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Carolyn-The Carolyn top features a classic notched collar, curved hem and breast pocket with three sleeve options. For a matching set, choose between a straight legged pant (with or without cuff) or a cuffed short. Both trousers and shorts feature an elasticised waist, pockets and a faux fly. Personalise Carolyn by adding contrasting piping details for an elegant finish. (Five sessions).
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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.
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Level 3: The Fifi 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.
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Level 4: The Carolyn workshop is for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting.
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Mondays: 11, 18, 25 March and 15, 22 April (depending on project and breaking during the Easter holiday) – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 13, 20, 27 March and 17, 24 April (depending on project and breaking during the Easter holiday) – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 15, 22, 29 March and 19, 26 April (depending on project and breaking during the Easter holiday) - 10am to 12 noon at my home
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Cushion Workshops
Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop
2 x 2-hour sessions £30
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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!
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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.
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Mondays: 15 and 22 April - 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 17 and 24 April – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 19 and 26 April - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Camisoles Workshops
True Bias Ogden
OR I AM Patterns Gaia
2 x 2-hour sessions £30
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The Ogden Cami is a simple top that can be worn on its own or as a layering piece. It has a soft V-neck at both the centre front and centre back, and delicate spaghetti straps (sizes 0 – 18) or 3/4″ wide straps (sizes 14 – 30). The neckline and armholes are finished with a partial lining for a beautiful, high end finish. It is probably the most popular pattern in the sewing community!
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The Gaia is a sleeveless cami top with a v-shaped neckline and high back. It has ties that gather the fabric at the shoulders.
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Both tops are fairly loose fitting, so easy to fit.
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Level 2: This 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.
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Mondays: 15 and 22 April - 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 17 and 24 April – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 19 and 26 April - 10m to 12 noon at my home.
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Dresses Workshops
Tilly and the Buttons Bettine
OR Sew House Seven Sauvie
OR Sew Over It Ravello
4 x 2-hour sessions £60
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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.
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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.
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Ravello - Ravello is a wrap dress and top with four variations. Choose from maxi or knee-length for the dress and hip-height or waisted for the top. Ravello wraps across the front bodice, and features comfortable grown-on sleeves with cuffs, ties at the waist, and a gently curved hem. The raw edges of the neckline and hem are neatly finished with bias binding.
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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.
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Level 3: The Sauvie and Ravello 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.
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Mondays: 29 April and 6, 13 and 20 May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 1, 8, 15 and 22 May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 3, 10, 17 and 24 May- 10am to 12 noon at my home
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Sauvie
Ravello
Jumpsuits Workshop
Paper Theory Zadie
OR Closet Core Sallie
OR Sew Over It Poppy
4 x 2-hour sessions 60
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mondays: 3, 10, 17 and 24 June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 5, 12, 19 and 26 June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 7, 14, 21 and 28 June - 10am to 12 noon at my home
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Sallie
Poppy
Zadie
Bag Workshops
Noodlehead Go Anywhere
OR Cross-body bag
OR Lined tote
3 x 2-hour sessions £45
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The Go Anywhere bag is a decent size, lined tote with pockets and optional piping detail.
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The cross body bag also features optional piping, lining and pockets.
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The simple lined tote is a great project for beginners.
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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.
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Level 3: The Go Anywhere 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.
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Mondays: 1, 8 and 15 July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Wednesdays: 3, 10 and 17 July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square
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Fridays: 5, 12 and 19 July - 10am to 12 noon at my home
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