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! - £12 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 £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: 3rd and 10th September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 5th and 12th 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 Tilly and the Buttons Ramona Skirt

OR True Bias Mave Skirt

4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £68

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 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 Mave pattern is an elastic-waist skirt with a drawstring, inseam pockets and an optional lining. The skirt can be made with or without ruffles in different lengths

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, Ramona and Mave 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: 15th, 22nd and 29th September and 6th October - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 17th and 24th September and 1st and 8th October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 19th and 26th September and 3rd and 10th October - 10am to 12 noon OR 1-3pm at my home.

Erin

Ramona

Ruby

Mave

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Workshop

Upcycled Men's Shirt

OR patchwork cowl scarf

OR quilt-as-you-go scraps zip bag

OR use your scraps slippers

2 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £34

Be creative and transform something from scraps or second hand clothes!

You can either upcycle an old men's shirt (or similar) into a simple top (or something else of your choosing!), make a quilted zip bag from small scraps, make a patchwork scarf cowl, or make a pair of travel slippers.

Key skills: Depending on the project, creativity(!), zips, 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: 13th and 20th October- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 15th and 22nd October – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 17th and 24th 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 Sew Over It Frankie Jacket

OR Helen's Closet Wildwood Jacket or Gilet

OR Lotta Jansdotter Pilvi Coat or Jacket

4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions depending on project £68

The Pilvi and Jessie Coatigan are beginner-friendly, the Lola, Frankie and Wildwood coats and jackets are for those with more experience.

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

Frankie is a lined boxy jacket with choice of collar and pockets.

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

Pilvi is an unlined open-front jacket or coat with raglan sleeves.

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 and some fitting.

Level 3: The Pilvi coat or jacket 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, Frankie and Wildwood Jackets 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: 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th November - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

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

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

Pilvi, Lola, Frankie, Jessie and Wildwood

Jersey Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Drew Sweatshirt

OR Sew Over It Ultimate T-shirt

OR Tilly and the Buttons Romy top or dress

OR Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan

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 Romy dress or top with boat neck and choice of plain or tie-back, or the jacket-style Blackwood cardigan in a choice of lengths.

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: 1st, 8th and 15th December- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 3rd, 10th and 17th December – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

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

Blackwood

Ultimate

Romy

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

Mondays: 5th and 12th January- 7pm to 9pm at The Square

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

Fridays: 9th and 16th 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 Thea

OR Sew Over It Ultimate

OR Lotta Jansdotter Owyn

OR Named Ninni Culottes (3 sessions)

3 /4 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions £51 /68

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.

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.

Owyn- Easy, comfortable, pull-on trousers, with an elasticated waistband, but flat front.

Ninni- Easy elastic-waist culottes with pockets, can be made from stretch or woven fabrics.

Level 2: The Safiya and Ninni 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.

Level 3: The Tula, Ultimate and Owyn 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.

Mondays: 19th, 26th January, 2nd and 9th February - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 21st and 28th January, 4th and 11th February – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 23rd and 30th January, 6th and 13th February - 10m to 12 noon OR 1pm -3pm at my home.

Safiya

Tula

Ultimate

Owyn

Ninni

Tops Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Samara

OR Friday Pattern Company Square Neck Top

OR True Bias Roscoe Blouse or Dress

OR Sew House Seven Remy Raglan

3/4 x 2-hour sessions £51/£68

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.

Roscoe- A loose fitting top or dress with gathered sleeves and neckline, neck tie and raglan sleeves.

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 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.

Level 3: The Square neck, Roscoe 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: 23rd February, 2rd, 9th and 16th March – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

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

Fridays: 27th February and 6th, 16th and 23rd March - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Samara

Roscoe

Nightwear / Homeware Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie pyjama bottoms

OR Sew Over It Luna pyjamas

OR Friday Pattern Company Saltwater Slip

OR Apron

OR Closet Core Floor pouf

3 x 2-hour sessions £51

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.

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

Saltwater Slip - a simple slip dress with adjustable straps in a choice of length. Suitable for a nightie or as a summer dress.

Apron - A choice of a simple classic or a cross-back Japanese style.

Pouf - A great use-your-scraps project that also makes a stylish floor pouf with piped edge.

Level 2: The Jaimie and basic apron workshops 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.

Level 3: The Luna, Saltwater Slip and Pouf 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: 16th, 23rd and 30th March - 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 18th, 25th March and 1st April– 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 20th and 27th March and 2rd April (last week on a Thursday to avoid Good Friday) - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Saltwater Slip

Pouf

Dresses Workshop

Tilly and the Buttons Bettine

OR Sew House Seven Sauvie

OR Tilly and the Buttons Nell

OR Lotta Jansdotter Esme top or dress

OR Tilly and the Buttons Lyra

Sew Over It Eve

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.

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.

Esme - An a-line scoop-neck top or tunic dress with set in sleeves and a choice of length.

Lyra - Easy-fitting shirt dress with choice of length and sleeve. One for the more experienced sewer!

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

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, Nell, Esme, Lyra and Eve 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: 20th and 27th April and 4th and 11th May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 22nd and 29th April and 6th and 13th May – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 24th April and 1st, 8th and 15th May - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

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Sauvie

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Esme

Eve

Jumpsuits / Menswear Workshop

Sew Over It Poppy

OR Sew Over It Porto

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

OR Tilly and the Buttons Alexa

OR Helen's Closet Lazo

OR Helen's Closet Cameron

OR Tilly and the Buttons Joe PJs (3 sessions)

4 x 2-hour sessions £68

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.

Alexa- An easy-fitting jumpsuit with buttoned bodice, curved v-neck, waist tie and short sleeves.

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

Cameron- A unisex classic shirt, with all the details! We will be making the short sleeve version.

Joe- Easy pyjama trousers. Great for beginners or for a quick sew!

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: 18th May and 1st, 8th and 15th June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 20th May and 3rd, 10th and 17th June – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 22nd May and 5th, 12th and 19th June - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Porto

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Bag Workshop

Noodlehead Firefly Tote

OR Caravan Bag

OR Cross-Body Bag

OR Lined tote

OR Blackbird Bestie Bag

OR Blackbird Mia Messenger

2/3/4 x 2-hour sessions £34/51/68

(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 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 Simple tote is 2 sessions, the cross-body bag is 3 sessions and the Firefly, Caravan, Bestie and Mia 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, 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.

Mondays: 22nd and 29th June, 6th and 13th July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Wednesdays: 24th June, 1st, 8th and 15th July – 7pm to 9pm at The Square

Fridays: 26th June, 3rd, 10th and 17th July - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm at my home

Cross-body bag

Lined tote

Bestie

Mia

Summer Holiday Workshop!

Dhurata Davies Rome Weekender Bag

4 x 2-hour sessions £64

The Rome Weekender is a functional and stylish bag that’s perfect for use on a weekend away or as a gym bag. The pattern includes two options: view A is fully lined with a quilted back and front, and view B is unlined for a quick and easy project. Both variations have a front pocket, a large internal back pocket for documents or a laptop, two internal side pockets, dual handles and an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.

Bonus feature: it meets under-seat cabin bag requirements on current EasyJet flights!

Wednesdays: 20th and 27th August, and 3rd and 10th September – 7pm to 9pm at The Square / my home depending on numbers

Fridays: 22nd and 29th August, and 5th and 12th September - 10am to 12 noon OR 1pm - 3pm 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.

(The last two weeks will run alongside the complete beginners' cushion workshop).

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