WORKSHOPS
Fancy learning a new skill or simply want to brush up on some old ones? Then why not join us on one of our workshops and meet other creative people. We run regular classes with in house tutors as swell as one day workshops with guest tutors.
Ideally, we will need 3 people for the class to run. We require full payment on time of booking. The classes are non refundable, but if you are unable to attend the class we will do our best to fit you in another time, we would require 48hrs notice.
We have machines you can use or you are welcome to bring along your own machine, you will also need to bring along a small sewing kit which would include scissors. snips, pins and an unpicker.
If you are interested, simply click on the Book Now button of the course you are interested in and complete the form. Your place on the course will only be confirmed once we have made contact with you and taken payment. Therefore, please make sure you include a phone number.
We'll be adding more courses over the next few months so please keep checking back to see what's new.
Location: Fiona's Fabrics
Time: 6.30pm-9pm
Workshop Cost: £150
Materials: The pattern's are included but you will need to bring fabric.
Introduction to Garment making 6 week course
with Peta Orme
During this six week course we will cover the following techniques to start you on your garment making journey.
- Understand commercial patterns and their notations, translate sewing jargon, (seam allowance, darts, notches etc.)
- Choosing the right size to cut
- Pattern/fabric layout & straight of grain
- Marking & cutting the fabric
- Different ways to finish seams and pocket application
- Staystitching and applying interfacing
- Tips and techniques on garment construction
- Hemming
Week one and two.
Merchant and Mills Betty Apron.
This simple and stylish PDF pattern from Merchant and Mills is the perfect starter. A slip over the head apron with a crossover back, ideal in a soft tumbled linen. Available in 3 sizes S, M, L.
All seam allowances are 1cm unless otherwise stated.
Skill level - beginner.
This PDF pattern is made up of 14 A4 pages.
Fabric Suggestions - 5-10oz linen, linen/cotton blends, 5-10oz denim and tencel/linen.
Week three - six
Tilly and the Buttons Stevie Top/ Dress
This adaptable pattern gives the opportunity for some creative choices of
different sleeve styles, fastenings and length.
With no darts, zips or set-in sleeves, Stevie is a satisfyingly quick and easy
make. Perfect for beginners
.
- Modern, boxy fit, with easy-peasy grown-on sleeves
- 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
- Optional patch pocket and turn up cuffs
SIZE RANGE - UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34
Fabric suggestions - Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, such as linen,
double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn, viscose (rayon).
Requirements:
Sewing machine in good working order with manual, if you have one.
Sewing kit - dressmaking scissors, small scissors, pins, tape measure, machine
and hand sewing needles.
Spiral Coasters
with Mandy from Cord Creations
We are very excited to welcome Mandy from Cord Creations to our wonderful team of tutors.
Create a beautiful spiral coaster using twisted macrame cord.
This workshop is perfect for beginners and great to do with a friend or two. Please arrive in plenty of time to get settled in. During the two hours you will learn some of the basic knots of macrame and complete this beautiful spiral coaster.
You will not need to bring anything along on the day, all materials are included, as well as tea, coffee and cake!
Macrame Pot Hanger
with Mandy from Cord Creations
We are very excited to welcome Mandy from Cord Creations to our wonderful team of tutors.
Create a beautiful macrame pot hanger using recycled cord from Jolly Good Yarns.
This workshop is perfect for beginners and great to do with a friend or two. Please arrive in plenty of time to get settled in. During the two hours you will learn some of the basic knots of macrame and complete this beautiful pot hanger.
You will not need to bring anything along on the day, all materials are included, as well as tea, coffee and cake!
Zipped and Piped Cushion Workshop
with Fiona
Create a beautiful zipped and piped cushion.
As part of our soft furnishings programme this 4 hour workshop will teach you all the skills you need to create a stunning zipped and piped cushion. The cost includes material and pad, but if you have a particular fabric you would like to use then please bring it along to the class. We will be making a 45cm (18") cushion so half a metre of fabric will be plenty. We will be using ready made bias binding, so if you are bringing along your fabric of choice please choose a coordinating 25mm bias binding, as well as a matching thread.
Bring on the day:
Sewing machine (in good working order) with regular foot and zipper foot.
Small sewing kit.
Cutting mat and rotary cutter. ( Available to borrow if needed)
Get To Know Your Sewing Machine Part 1
with Fiona
On this workshop you will learn the very basics of your machine, such as threading, tension, cleaning and stitch selection. During the class we will show you how to use Bondaweb to make an attractive applique design on a tote bag.
Within the 2.5 hours we know we can make you feel so much more confident about your sewing skills, so you can embark own creative journey.
You will go home with your own useful tote appliquéd tote bag, perfect for all your sewing projects.
All materials included
Crochet Workshops 2pm to 4pm
with Mary Lambert
Crochet is the latest revival trend and examples can be seen everywhere. Would you like to learn how to make your own on-trend items? Then come along to one of our Crochet Workshops.
You will learn the basics of crochet and how to crochet a simple granny square - the basis of most crochet projects.
We also offer classes for those wishing to take the next step. So if you have already completed our beginners classes or already have a basic knowledge of crochet why not join one of our intermediate classes.
Crochet hooks and yarn will be provided, although you can bring your own if you wish.
All materials included
Get To Know Your Sewing Machine Part 2
1.30pm to 5pm
with Sue Taylor
Sue Taylor is the voice and hands behind our fabulous YouTube tutorials. This workshop follows on from Get To Know Part 1, you will learn even more useful techniques whilst making a lovely lined and zipped makeup bag. Sue will cover inserting a zip, making a pocket with top stitching and buttonhole closure and finishing with boxed corners on your bag.
All materials included
An Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery
10am to 4pm
with Sue Taylor
If you are interested in the more arty side of sewing this workshop will show you how to draw with your sewing machine.
We will start the day with lots of small samples to build your confidence before working on a small wall hanging, which you will need to complete at home.
You'll be amazed at just what you can achieve with a little guidance and practice, which will open up a whole new world of sewing.
Materials are included for samples and front of wall hanging. Additional kits will be available on the day.
Cost: £70
Location: Melton Pavilion
Roman Blind Workshop
10am to 4pm
with Fiona
This extremely popular workshop will take you through the stages of making a beautiful roman blind by making a sample blind, using roman blind tape.
Materials included
Cost: £70
Location: Fiona's Fabrics
Please bring with you
Sewing machine
Small sewing kit
Metal retractable tape measure
Quilting ruler or metre stick
We have machines and tools for you to use but please let us know on time of booking if you would like to borrow them.
Learn to Make Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains
with Fiona
Learn all the skills you need to make your own lined pencil pleat curtains.
This one day workshop is part of our soft furnishings programme. I will take you through step by step all you need to know to create a sample curtain. You will leave with the skills and knowledge to make your own curtains for your home.
Materials included.
Please bring with you
Sewing machine
Small sewing kit
Metal retractable tape measure
Quilting ruler or metre stick
We have machines and tools for you to use but please let us know on time of booking if you would like to borrow them.
Crochet Baskets with the Cosy Loop Girls
Come and join the Cosy Loop Girls for what will be a fun day creating these beautiful crochet baskets using Recycled Cotton Macrame Cord By Jolly Good Yarn.
You will need a basic knowledge of how to crochet and with lots of encouragement (and cake) you will leave with a beautiful basket. This is a great workshop to do with a friend or two.
Please arrive at 9.30 to choose your yarn and get settled.
Bring a packed lunch, tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
Introduction to Modern Patchwork and Quilting
with Nicola Whayman
We are very excited to have Nicola as part of our team of tutors. Nicola is an experienced and passionate quilter and we are really looking forward to running quilting workshops in the shop again.
Learn how to make half square triangles to make this bright patchwork placemat. You will also learn patchwork piecing, free motion quilting and binding.
This class is suitable for beginners with a basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine.
You will need to bring:
You will need to bring:
Cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler
Iron and Ironing board will be provided
Sewing machine in good working order which can drop the feed dogs
Normal piecing foot
Quilting foot
Free motion or darning foot
Sewing machine manual, needles and bobbin
Machine Cotton thread in cream for piecing, bright colour thread that matches fabrics for quilting
Scissors
Pins
505 spray or safety pins for layering up
Binding clips
Fabrics
Kits will be provided at £10 that included the colour fabrics needed, wadding, backing fabric and binding fabric.
Please bring along a packed lunch, tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
Long stay parking can be found at the station/swimming pool carpark.
Location: Melton Pavilion
Time: 10am to 4pm
Workshop Cost: £60
Materials Cost: £12.50 (payable on the day)
Coiled Rope Basket
with Stella Mitchell
Create a unique rope basket from cord and scrap fabrics.
The session begins with a simple coaster to learn the technique, moving on to create a basket adding strips of scrap fabrics along the way. This is a great way of using up your stash! Quilting cotton works best and the amount will depend on how much you want to add to your basket. The length of the pieces doesn't matter, but they do need to be at least 1.5" wide.
Stella will supply all the cord you need to make the coaster and basket, the leather handles and a small piece of leather to finish off. You will need to supply the thread - this can either be an off white which will blend in with the basket and not be seen, or if you are looking to add more colour, you can use a coloured thread to create extra pattern. Make sure to bring a couple of bobbins ready to go in your chosen colour as you will use a fair amount of thread!
Bring on the day:
Sewing machine with regular foot
Thread
Small iron and board (if you have one, I will have one spare and there's just a small amount of ironing to do)
Scissors
Hand needle
Quilting clips or pegs
Fabric scraps - half a metre is plenty