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 some 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 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 biscuits 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 5 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! - £15 for two hours

Would you like to block out a couple of hours in your week to sew, away from distractions? Maybe 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!

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 £34

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.

Wednesdays: 9th and 16th September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 11th and 18th 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 Ruby Skirt

OR Alba Skirt

OR Tilly and the Buttons Ramona Skirt

OR Madswick Zamora Skirt

OR Style Arc Northcote Skirt

OR Style Arc Memphis Skirt

3 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £51

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 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 Alba skirt is an elegant wrap skirt, with dipped hem and optional hem ruffle. Best in a floaty fabric!

The Ramona skirt is a pencil or mini skirt with an invisible zip at the side. Choose from patch pockets or faux flaps at the front, and optional lining. It covers sizes UK 6 to 34.

The Zamora skirt is midi-length, has an elasticated waistband skirt for comfort, two gathered tiers and varying widths of pin-tucks to create visual interest.

The Northcote skirt is slinky! It has an elastic waist, is midi length, skims the body and flares slightly at the hemline.

The Memphis skirt is a gathered skirt with fitted waistband, invisible zip and an optional separate hem panel - great for stripes or colour-blocking!

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, 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, Ramona and Zamora, Memphis and Northcote 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 and Alba skirts are 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.

Wednesdays: 23rd, 30th September and 7th October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 25th September, 2nd and 9th October - 10am to 12 noon OR 1-3pm at my home.

Erin

Ramona

Alba

Zamora

Ruby

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Memphis

Northcote

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Workshop

Almost zero waste Cris Wood Sews Kite Dress

OR Zero waste trousers

OR use-your-scraps True Bias Ogden Camisole

OR use your scraps Tilly and the Buttons Iris Knickers

OR freestyle upcycle project!

2 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £34

Choose a minimal or zero waste pattern, use a pattern that needs very little fabric to use up your scraps, or choose to upcycle your own item of clothing!

Key skills: Depending on the project, creativity(!), zips, bias binding, sewing with jersey 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.

Wednesdays: 14th and 21st October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 16th and 23rd October - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.

Coat Workshop

Sew Over It Lola Coat

OR Sew Over It Jessie Coatigan

OR Tilly and the Buttons Sonny Jacket

OR Helen's Closet Wildwood Jacket or Gilet

OR Style Arc Gracie Coat

4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £68

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

Sonny is an unlined boxy jacket with choice of collar and pockets.

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

Gracie is classic unlined overcoat which can be made long or short with button front or tie belt and your choice of pockets and collar.

Wildwood is a unisex quilted gilet or jacket, with patch pockets, bias binding detail and a choice of lengths.

Key skills: depending on the project, lining, pockets, quilting, working with bulky fabrics and some fitting.

Level 3: The Jessie Coatigan 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 other projects are for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting.

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

Fridays: 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th November - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.at my home.

Gracie, Lola, Jessie,Wildwood and Sonny

Jersey Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Drew Sweatshirt

OR Sew Over It Ultimate T-shirt

OR Sew House Seven Toaster Jumper

OR Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan

OR Tilly and the Buttons Coco top

OR Itch to Stitch Andorra tank top or jumper

OR Style Arc Estelle jacket

3 x 2-hour sessions £51

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

You can either make the Drew plain or colour-blocked sweatshirt, the fitted ultimate t-shirt with a choice of crew or scoop neck, and sleeve length, the raglan-sleeve Toaster sweater, the Coco top or tunic, the Andorra v-neck tank top or jumper, the Style Arc Estelle waterfall jacket, or the jacket-style Blackwood cardigan in a choice of lengths.

Level 3: These projects 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.

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

Fridays: 4th, 11th and 18th December - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm-3pm at my home.

Blackwood

Ultimate

Andorra

Estelle

Toaster

Cushion Workshops

Complete Beginners' Cushion Workshop

2 x 2-hour sessions £34

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

Wednesdays: 6th and 13th January – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 8th and 15th January - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home.

Shirts and Blouses Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Frida Shirt

OR Sew Over It Alex Shirt

OR Helen's Closet Cameron Shirt

OR True Bias Roscoe Blouse

OR Tilly and the Buttons Nell Blouse

Helen's Closet Gilbert Blouse

4 x 2-hour sessions £68

The Frida shirt is a classic shirt with collar, cuffs and yoke and long or short sleeves, Alex is a simplified classic shirt, Cameron is a unisex boxy shirt, Roscoe is a feminine peasant-style blouse, Nell is a blouse with choice of sleeves and button or tie front, and Gilbert is a short-sleeve shirt with tie waist.

Level 4: Frida and Cameron are for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. They feature more technical sewing and some fitting. (There may also be some homework!)

Level 3: The other projects 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.

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

Fridays: 22nd, 29th January, 5th and 12th February - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Cameron Shirt

Gilbert

Roscoe Blouse

Alex Shirt

Trousers Workshop

Style Arc Parker Ponte Pants

OR Papercut Patterns Tula

OR Tilly and the Buttons Thea

OR Sew Over It Ultimate

OR Tilly and the Buttons Winnie

OR Sew Over It Camille

4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £68

The Parker pants are slim-fit, pull-on elasticated trousers made from stretch fabric, with a good range of sizes. I love mine!

The Tula Pants have an elasticated waistband with an option to add a drawstring, side pockets and ankle cuffs. Choose between a wide or peg leg fit. They are also very versatile, as they can be made from woven or jersey fabric. 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.

Ultimate- Slim-fitting trousers with an invisible zip, made from woven fabric with a bit of stretch. Available in sizes 6-30.

Winnie have a modern barrel leg shape, high waistline, and elasticated waistband. Sizes 6-34.

Camille are elegant wide-leg trousers, with high waist, pleated front and back invisible zip. Sizes 8-20.

Level 3: Tula, Parker, Winnie, ultimate and Camille trousers 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 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.

Wednesdays: 24th February, 3rd, 10th and 1th March - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 26th February, 5th, 12th and 19th March - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm -3pm at my home.

Camille

Tula

Ultimate

Parker Ponte

Tops Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Samara

OR Friday Pattern Company Square Neck Top

OR Style Arc Como top

OR Style Arc Alice top

OR Chalk and Notch Aria top

OR Style Arc Courtney top

OR Forgetmenot Lola top

3 x 2-hour sessions £51

Samara- Simple v-neck top with dropped shoulders and a choice of sleeve and hem length. Good for beginners or a quick sew!

Square Neck top - a boxy top with a square neckline. Can be made from woven or stretch fabrics. Suitable for beginners.

Style Arc Como- a fitted jersey t-shirt with extended shoulders and “V” neckline which hugs the back neck.

Style Arc Alice top- a jersey v-neck t-shirt with a gathered front bodice and ruched sleeves

Chalk and Notch Aria top- a bubble-shaped woven top with elbow-length sleeves and elastic hem casings. View A includes a high back with a bias or facing neckline option. View B includes a low back with ties and a square back facing.

Style Arc Courtney top- a versatile round-neck top that can be made from woven or lightweight jersey fabrics.

Forgetmenot Lola top- a loose-fitting blouse with side bust dart, back yoke with an inverted box pleat and optional back ruffle.

Level 2: The Samara 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.

Wednesdays: 14th, 21st and 28th April – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 16th, 23rd and 30th April - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Samara

Como

Courtney

Aria

Lola

Alice

Dresses Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Bettine

OR Sew House Seven Sauvie

OR Tilly and the Buttons Noa

OR Atelier Jupe Pippa

OR Itch to Stich Sorata

OR Sew Over It Eve

OR Helen's Closet Holmes

OR Sew Over It Penny

OR Helen's Closet Lazo jumpsuit

4 x 2-hour sessions £68

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.

Noa - a pinafore with a princess seam bodice, exposed zip, and optional D ring adjuster,

Pippa - a simple dress with short or statement puff sleeves, wrap tie and optional side pockets.

Sorata - a summer dress with four armhole/sleeve options, three skirt lengths, and built-in cup sizes, optional ruffle hem and sleeves and elasticised waist.

Penny - a slightly 1950s style shirt dress with sleeveless button-up bodice, flat collar, pretty gathered shoulder panel, easy-fit elasticated waist and midi-length 3/4 circle skirt.

Eve - A stylish, drapey wrap dress with choice of length and sleeve.

Holmes - a throw-on-and-go dress for everyday wear. It has a deep V-neck, a button-front bodice, short sleeves and a drawstring waist. The skirt has an optional ruffle hem.

Lazo- An easy-fitting jumpsuit with buttoned bodice, deep v-neck, waist tie and wide legs.

NB The sleeves on Lazo and Holmes can be swapped, so you can make either the dress or jumpsuit with short sleeves or sleeveless).

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: Noa, Pippa, Penny, Holmes, Eve, Lazo and Sauvie 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: Sorata is for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. It features more technical sewing and some fitting.

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

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

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Sauvie

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Noa

Eve

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Holmes

Pippa

Sorata

Bag Workshop

Noodlehead Firefly Tote

OR Caravan Bag

OR Cross-Body Bag

OR Lined tote

OR Blackbird Bestie Bag

OR Blackbird Mia Messenger

OR Dhurata Davies Rome Weekender

2/4 x 2-hour sessions £34/68

(depending on project - the lined tote is a two-week 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 Bestie Bag is a banana-shaped cross-body bag in a choice of sizes and straps.

The Mia is a cross-body or over-the-shoulder messenger-style bag.

The Rome Weekender is a cabin-size, spacious travel bag with lining, pockets and quilted exterior.

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, Mia, Bestie 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.

Level 4: The Rome Weekender is for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. It features more technical sewing.

Wednesdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 11th, 18th 25th June and 2nd July - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Cross-body bag

Lined tote

Mia

Bestie

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Summer Holiday Workshop

Style Arc Summer Cover-Up

OR Sorrento Bucket Hat

OR Beach Bag

OR Tilly and the Buttons Esti trousers

2 x 2-hour sessions £34

Summer Cover-up - Dress with a “V” neck, wide sleeves, drawstring under bust and a short or long skirt.

Sorrento - a classic unisex bucket-style hat in four sizes.

Esti- From the Tilly and the Buttons co-ord set, these are wide leg, culotte-style trousers (long or cropped) or shorts.

Beach bag- A strong, large bag perfect for the beach or picnics!

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.

Wednesdays: 7th and 14th July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 9th and 16th July - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

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Summer Holiday Workshop!

New Look 6301

3 x 2-hour sessions £51

This is your opportunity to try a traditional pattern from one of the big pattern companies!

It is a mock-wrap jersey dress with either a straight or flared skirt, with a choice of sleeves and a tie that can be worn at the front or the back. It is flattering to most body shapes and as it is a mock wrap, there is no chance of accidental flashing!

Available in sizes that roughly equate to UK 6-16.

Level 4: This project is for people who have more experience making clothes and are used to following a pattern. It features more technical sewing and some fitting.

Wednesdays: 2, 9 and 16 September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square / my home depending on numbers

Fridays: 4th, 11th and 18th September - 10am to 12 noon at my home

Don't worry if you can't make all the dates. You can mix and match the days, or book some drop-in sessions later in September to catch up if you need.

(This project will include some homework, as ideally it would run over 4 weeks! Also, the last two weeks will run alongside the complete beginners' cushion workshop).