• LATEST UPDATE!!!

    May 2024 course date now available for booking.

      Are you tired of making cushions, bags and garments with elasticated waistbands and would like to move up to the next level? Have you tried your hand at making up a simple garment using a "very easy" commercial pattern but it didn't turn out as well as you hoped it would? Would you like to start making yourself beautiful and unique clothes that fit like a glove but are too scared to go it alone? We don't blame you! Understanding commercial patterns, how to alter them in order to make garments that fit well and how to put into practice what's written and illustrated in their instructions can be very daunting if you're new to dressmaking, so let us help you with that! This two day course is the perfect place  for advanced beginners to get started on the real dressmaking journey and the perfect follow up to our  Complete Beginners Sewing Course . In order to attend, you'd  need to be very confident on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic dressmaking project, or taken either our Complete Beginners Sewing Course or equivalent elsewhere, or a combination of two of our shorter beginners courses such our Ultimate Beginners (Gifts & Accessories) course followed by the Easy Pyjamas Intro to Sewing one. *Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use  a sewing machine without assistance. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home. This course will take you from making a super flattering circle skirt to completing a stylish shift dress in your preferred length (or you can make a top or tunic instead if you prefer!) providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to get started on similar or more advanced projects at home. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
    • How to accurately take your measurements
    • How to alter the pattern to fit you, including those much dreaded bust alterations!
    • How to construct and attach a lapped waistband
    • How to insert a centered zip
    • How to sew darts
    • How to attach a neckline facing
    • How to finish armholes with bias binding
    • How to create and finish a hem and much more!
    WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, zips and threads. DAY 1: Circle Skirt
    • All sizes 2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven (non stretchy) fabric, or 3m of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your waist measurement is above 90cm/35 1/2″ as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you would like your skirt)
    • 25cm of light fusible interfacing
    • Matching thread
    • 20cm regular zip (matching colour to your fabric)
    DAY 2: Dress, Tunic or Top *PLEASE NOTE ON DAY 2 YOU WILL ONLY BE MAKING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GARMENTS BELOW NOT ALL THREE OF THEM. Please bring enough fabric for the one you decide to make. Dress
    • 1.5m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Tunic
    • 1m of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 2m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Top
    • 75cm of 140/150cm wide fabric or
    • 1.5m of 114cm wide fabric
    • 1m of 12mm wide bias binding
    • Matching thread
    • 25cm of light to medium fusible interfacing
    Recommended fabrics: Woven (non-stretchy) fabrics such as medium weight cotton, cotton chambray, cotton lawn, poplin, linen, challis, lightweight denim, crepe, lightweight wool. *Please remember that very thin, shiny and slippery fabrics are difficult to handle and therefore not suitable for your level. *Important note: If you're bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash it according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you're buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it at the beginning of the class instead. All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make these garments again and again!   Dates
    • Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May 2024, 10:30am-5:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got a question for us? Please check our  FAQs  before contacting us! Having trouble completing the booking?  HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • March and May 2024 course date now available for booking!   Can you thread up confidently, sew in a straight line and ziz-zag comfortably but would now like to move up to the next level? Would you like to learn other features of the sewing machine like how to sew buttonholes to learning techniques for fusing and guided methods for sewing on a waistband with a drawcord channel and elastic? If so, this is the course for you! This Easy wear draw-cord trouser with side pockets introduces you to all this and more! This one day intensive course is the perfect place for advanced beginners to expand their skill into easing you into trouser making and the perfect follow up to having completed a couple of our more beginner level courses or even one or two of our advance beginner level courses. In order to attend, you'd need to be fairly confident with the basics on the sewing machine, have completed a few basic sewing projects and at least one basic garment making project. *Please note that depending on how you do on the Complete Beginners Sewing Course or other beginner courses, you might still not be ready to move up to this course and might need more practice at a beginners level. In order to attend this course you are expected to be able to set up and use a sewing machine without assistance and have a fairly good sewing pace. You must also have a sewing machine at home or access to one, as you will have a few things to finish at home. This course will introduce you to an easy wear trouser pattern that you can adjust the length of according to your height and style preference. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
    • How to accurately take your measurements to pick the correct pattern size for you.
    • How to alter the pattern to your required length
    • How to transfer pattern markings
    • How to sew in side pockets
    • How to deal with fusing a waistband
    • How to insert and handle wider width elastic
    • How to sew buttonholes
    • How to create and finish a hem and much more!
    WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the trim/ haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, elastic and threads. Fabrics & trims
    • All sizes 2.2m of 140 to 150cm wide woven or of 112 to 114cm wide woven fabric. (*Please let us know if your height is above 185cm as you may need extra fabric depending on how long you make the trousers)
    • 50cm of light fusible interfacing
    • 1m of 5cm wide elastic (if your waist measures more than 1m you may require more)
    • Matching thread
    • 1m length of 1cm wide draw-cord
    • 30cm of pocketing fabric (light cotton, preferably matching colour to main trouser fabric.
    *Important note: If you're bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash both the main fabric and pocketing fabric according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you're buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it at the beginning of the class instead. All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make these garments again and again! Dates
    • Sunday 24th March 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Saturday 4th May 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses. Anything else you'd like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us.  HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY!
  • BOXY TOTE BAG

    £55.00 Inc.Vat

    Sorry, no dates available at the moment. Please register your interest to be notify when new dates are released.

    Are you a complete sewing newbie? Are you feeling daunted at the thought of using a sewing machine? Does it feel like rocket science to you? Are you looking for a crush course that teaches how to use a sewing machine as well as how to use simple sewing patterns and  basic cutting skills? Did you know that, when taught by someone who knows what they're doing, learning to use a sewing machine is easy and fun? We promise - this workshop is exactly what you're looking for! After spending three hours with one of our expert tutors, you will come away feeling confident, proud of your achievements and inspired to practice and learn more. Plus, you will be the owner of a fabulous new boxy tote bag :) What's there not to like??? And it gets even better! All materials are included free of cost, you get to keep the pattern so you can make more bags at home, and you will receive step-by-step Pdf instructions! No previous sewing machine experience is necessary in order to join this workshop. You will also benefit from it if you have previously taken our Learn to Use a Sewing Machine workshop or, our Ultimate Beginners Intro to Sewing (Gifts & Accessories) Course and you'd like a refresher, or if  after taking those classes you want to learn to work with simple accessory type sewing patterns and gain some basic cutting experience. So just come along, be part of a lovely small group with plenty of individual attention from the tutor, learn to sew, chat and make friends! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
    • How to set up and thread a sewing machine and how to wind a bobbin
    • How to cut and pin fabric using a simple pattern
    • How to sew straight seams and how to finish them with zigzag stitching
    • How to sew corners
    • How to create a boxy shape
    • How to troubleshoot common sewing machine issues
    And much more! *Please note that this session does not allow for time to set up and go through student’s own machines. When joining this class you will have to use our machines. The basic principles to set up and use a sewing machine are the same for all models and any differences can be easily worked out by going through your own machine’s manual once you have practiced on ours. Dates
    • No dates available at the moment.
    Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our  FAQs  page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP.
  • Out of stock
    THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED Are you looking to build on your dressmaking skills? Do you struggle to find trousers that fit well? Have your previous trousers making attempts resulted in a disaster or have you been too scared to attempt this garment by yourself? We hear you! Achieving a well fitting pair of trousers is no easy task UNLESS you have the help of some super skilled pros! So... if you'd like your first (or second!) pair of trousers to be a success, look no further than this class! On this course you will learn to alter the pattern to fit your shape and measurements to create a great fit. You will then learn some great construction techniques such as darts, facing a waist and inserting a concealed zip. PLESE NOTE: We have ready made toiles (test garments) for you to try on so the tutor can establish the necessary pattern alterations. Please be aware that depending on your size and shape, you might need to make your own toile first before cutting into your fabric. Once we fine tune your toile and pattern, you may cut out you fabric and get started on the sewing. This may result in having to finish your trousers at home (don't worry, we'll give you plenty of instruction!) and if you've never inserted a concealed zip before, you'll be given the opportunity to practice this in class. However, making a toile will not be necessary if one of our own toiles fits you reasonably well, in which case you'll be able to move straight onto altering your pattern and cutting into your fabric. So! Are you ready to take your dressmaking and pattern alterations skills to the next level??? Then come along and be part of a lovely group, learn some invaluable skills, chat and make friends. The tea and biscuits are on us! NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: To be able to attend this course you need to be very confident on the sewing machine as well as be able to sew at a good speed and have previous experience of working with dressmaking patterns. You will also need to have previously completed our Complete Beginners Sewing Course,  and our Advanced Beginners Dressmaking Course or equivalent elsewhere. Alternatively you would need to have previously undertaken some dressmaking projects independently. WHAT TO BRING We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase on the day at very affordable prices. If you would rather bring your own fabric please refer to the quantities and types below. We also sell all the haberdashery needed for both projects including interfacing, zips and threads. Materials Required:
    • Sizes 8 to 12 – 2m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.50m of 114cm wide fabric
    • Sizes 14 to 20- 2.5m of 150cm wide fabric or 2.75m of 114cm wide fabric
    • Matching thread and a 9″ invisible zip (if bringing your own fabric)
    Suitable fabrics: Medium weight woven fabrics with 2-3% elastane such as medium weight stretch cotton, stretch cotton drill, stretch gabardine, light to medium weight stretch denim, stretch crepe. Please allow extra fabric if choosing a material with bold patterns or checks. Not suitable for diagonals. *Important note: If you’re bringing your own fabric, please make sure to pre-wash it according to manufacturers instructions prior to attending the class in order to pre-shrink it. This does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Check with the shop about fabric care when purchasing your material. If you’re buying fabric from us on the day, you will be able to steam shrink it instead. The class includes pattern and step by step illustrated instructions, so no excuse not to practice your newly acquired skills at home and make this trousers again and again! Got a question for us? Please read our  FAQs  page before contacting us. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    March to May  2024 course dates now available for booking!

      This is the perfect sewing course for you if you are a complete beginner wishing to have a thorough introduction to using a sewing machine, learning different sewing techniques, understanding basic sewing patterns and learning basic cutting skills. This course consists of four two and three quarter hour sessions in which you will be taken from the very basics of setting up and threading a sewing machine to making a simple A-line skirt to show off your newly acquired sewing skills by the end of it! Please note that weekend courses cover 2 sessions per day, whether weekday ones are taught once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. You can choose to use one of our machines (we are a fully equipped studio with enough machines for all participants) or you’re very welcome to bring your own if you’d like to learn to use it, but please do let us know beforehand if you plan to do this as depending on the type of machine you have, it may not be suitable for some of the projects covered on this course. So... come along, be part of a lovely small group with plenty of individual attention from the tutor, learn to sew, chat and make friends. The tea and biscuits are on us! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
    • How to cut and pin fabric using a simple pattern
    • How to thread the machine and wind a bobbin
    • How to sew straight seams and how to finish them
    • How to create a fabulous covered button
    • Understanding and demystifying sewing patterns including their mysterious language and symbols
    • How to correctly take your measurements
    • How to alter the pattern and skirt to your perfect fit
    • How to insert a regular zip
    • How to finish a waistline with bias binding
    And much much more! SESSION 1- Button Down Cushion Make a fabulous cushion cover with a covered button perfect to jazz up your home or give away as a gift! SESSION  2- Tote Bag In this session you will take your skills further and gain extra confidence with your sewing by making a handy boxy tote bag What to bring: Nothing! You will be able to choose from a selection of our fabrics for both the cushion cover and tote bag at no extra cost! SESSIONS 3 & 4 - A-line Skirt Consolidate and build on the skills learnt in the previous sessions by taking them further with this simple dressmaking project packed with essential basic dressmaking techniques. WHAT TO BRING: Nothing! We have a lovely selection of suitable fabrics available to purchase during the course at very affordable prices and we also sell the necessary haberdashery needed for this project. If you would rather source your fabric elsewhere, we'll be able to give you advice during the course, however, due to beginners lack of fabric knowledge and the often ill advice given in fabric shops, we highly recommend our carefully selected fabrics, in order to avoid having to purchase fabric a second time, due to sourcing the wrong one in the first place. All classes include patterns and step by step illustrated instructions for each project completed so you can practice your newly acquired skills at home! Dates
    • Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th March 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st March 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Wednesday 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th April 2024,10:30am-1:15pm
    • Thursday 4rd, 11th, 18th & 25th April 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm  
    • Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th April 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Tuesday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th April 2024, 10:30am-1:15pm
    • Tuesday 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th April 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm
    • Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th April 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd May 2024,10:30am-1:15pm
    • Thursday 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd May 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm
    • Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm
    • Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th May 2024, 10:30am-1:15pm
    • Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th May 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm
    • Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May 2024, 10:30am-4:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got some questions about this course? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    March 2024 course date now available for booking!

      Do you have a favourite garment that fits you perfectly and would love to recreate it? Then this all day workshop is for you! This course will teach you how to copy your clothes by making a pattern from an existing garment. You will leave the class with a perfectly fitted pattern and toile (test garment) ready to be made up as many times as you like and in all kinds of fabulous fabrics! So, if you like the sound of this here we we go! What you will learn:
    • Copying the shape of your garment
    • Transferring seam lines, darts, gathers, tucks and any other design details
    • Adding seam allowances
    • Adding markings such as notches and balance marks
    • Reproducing pockets and any other design details
    • Making up a toile (test garment) to check the fit.
    *Please note that this course is not suitable for beginners. You'll need to have made a few garments as well as have some basic construction skills prior to attending the course. Because of the limited time frame, we recommend you bring something that is not too complicated. If in doubt, you could bring more than one garment and get advice from your tutor. Please note that depending on the scale of your project and on your skill level, you might not be able to get to the toile stage, but will however leave with the pattern ready to test at home. What to bring: To make your toile, please bring a length of calico or other cheap material as close as possible in weight and drape to the fabric you intend to use for the final garment. Dates
    • Thursday 21st & 28th March 2024, 6:30pm-9:15pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class.

    Anything else you’d like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    April and June 2024 course dates now available for booking!

      Are you looking for a sewing course that will teach you some essential sewing basics, while giving you an introduction to basic dressmaking? Do you wish to gain the confidence and inspiration you need to continue to experiment and learn to create many more exciting projects? Then this course is for you! The Easy Pyjamas Intro to Sewing course is a good introduction to sewing  and basic dressmaking suitable for complete sewing novices and those already able to use a sewing machine alike. On this course you will learn the very basics of sewing and of using a commercial pattern which you will then put into practice by making a fabulous pair of pyjama bottoms either long or *short suitable for both women and men! No previous experience is required in order to take this course. You may join this class as a complete newbie or after taking any other of our Beginners Classes. Although please note, most students do do this course as a follow up to one of the other beginner courses as it's an intense day of sewing! The class is taught in small groups, so there is plenty of individual attention and opportunity to chat and make friends! What you will learn:
    • How to set up and thread a sewing machine
    • How to sew straight and curved seams
    • How to troubleshoot sewing machine issues
    • How to read and understand a multi-sized sewing pattern including the markings and mysterious jargon that accompanies them
    • How to take your measurements
    • How to select the right pattern size for you
    • How to complete simple alterations to custom fit your pattern
    • How to correctly pin the pattern to your fabric and how to accurately cut it out
    • How to finish seams, insert elastic and create a simple hem
    What to bring: Nothing! We have the perfect fabrics and haberdashery for you to buy on the day, so just bring yourself! Dates
    • Wednesday 3rd & 10th April 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm
    • Saturday 20th April  2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Sunday 2nd June  2024, 10:30am-5:00pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Anything else you'd like to know? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us.  HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO CHECK AVAILABILITY!
  • LATEST UPDATE!!!

    March and April 2024 course dates now available for booking!

     

    Are you able to use a sewing machine with confidence and sew in a straight line? Would you like to be able to alter and upcycle your clothes to breathe some new life into them and learn how to reshape them so they fit well?

      Then this course is for you! Come and join this full day class and learn invaluable alterations and upcycling techniques to build up the basic skills you need to alter your clothes, revamp your wardrobe and save a tonne of money! The course will consist of practical demonstrations followed by time for you to practice the techniques and alter some of your clothes in the remaining time. What you will learn
    • How to mark, unpick and pin alterations into place
    • How to insert elastic and stop it from twisting
    • How to take in or let out garments including adjusting waistbands
    • How to take up and let down hems
    • How to fix gaping necklines and reduce big shoulders
    • How to sew on buttons and other types of fastenings
    • How to hem jeans
    • How to create different types of hems both by hand and on the sewing machine
    • How to transform and reshape garments using different upcycling techniques and much more!
    What to bring Please bring a selection of clothes you would like to alter, especially items needing taking up or letting down, taking in or letting out, jeans etc... as well as a notebook and pen. PLEASE NOTE- This course is suitable for those able to use a sewing machine and a perfect follow up to some of our Beginners classes. If you have no previous sewing machine experience, you may join either our Complete Beginners Sewing Course, Easy Pyjamas,  or a combination of the former and  Ultimate Beginners (Gifts & Accessories), or   Boxy Tote Bag courses prior to attending this class. Dates
    • Saturday 23rd March 2024, 10:30am-5:00pm
    • Wednesday 17th & 24th April 2024, 6:30pm-9:30pm

    * Please arrive 5 minutes early to ensure prompt start and to make the most of your class. Please bring a packed lunch for all day courses.

    Got some questions about this course? Please read our FAQs page before contacting us! HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BOOKING? PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR HELP PLEASE CLICK ON THE DATES TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABILITY!
  • Gift Voucher

    £10.00 Inc.Vat
    Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.
  • Gift Voucher

    £50.00 Inc.Vat
    Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.
  • Gift voucher

    £5.00 Inc.Vat
    Voucher redeemable against the value of any available classes and valid for six calendar months from the date of purchase. Please note that you will be sent an E-voucher via email for you to print at home. Your voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase if bought during working days. All vouchers bought after 5:30pm on a Friday will be emailed on the next working day. *All vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with discount codes.
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