Really Useful Bag Workshop

with Jo Cowley

£40

plus materials

We called this bag the 'Really Useful Bag' because we couldn't think of a better name for it. Lined so it's strong, with an internal pocket, it holds a deceptively large amount whether you are going shopping or heading off to the beach. It has the added bonus that the strap is long enough to wear the bag across your body and have both hands free.

Join our four hour workshop to make your own Really Useful Bag. You will need 1 metre each of the outside and inside fabrics.

Fabric requirements:

Main fabric - 1 metre, lining fabric - 1 metre

Musette Bag Workshop

with Jo Cowley

Join Jo Cowley on this fabulous workshop where you will master the skills needed to craft a Musette Bag. In this 4-hour session, you will delve into the art of creating this versatile accessory.

The term "musette" derives from the French word for little bagpipe, embodying the history of these bags being utilised by racing cyclists to carry sustenance and by soldiers to transport vital supplies and ammunition.

Beyond its historical uses, the Musette Bag serves as a practical everyday accessory offering more room than meets the eye. It can comfortably accommodate essentials like a folded jacket or cardigan, a captivating book, and stylish sunglasses.

This workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn the craft of making a Musette Bag while appreciating its rich history and modern functionality.

Fabric requirements: 1.25m

It is possible to do for less - ie.80cm if you are happy to have a join in the strap and run the fabric for the drawstrings across the grain.

Alternatively for the drawstrings - 2m of cord or thick tape.

Print and Make a Lampshade

with Lovely Lydia

£55

incl materials

An enjoyable and relaxed workshop awaits you, where you will have the opportunity to print wood-block and Linocuts on cotton or linen fabric and then transform your creation into a 30cm drum lampshade. All techniques will be carefully demonstrated, and you will be provided with test fabric to try out your design before making your final masterpiece. Despite the seeming complexity of lampshade making, it's actually simpler than you may imagine and is ideal for fostering an afternoon of artistic expression.

Lydia, a talented fabric printer, dressmaker, and artisan based in Orford, will be your guide for the day. She operates her own micro-business specialising in printing captivating designs inspired by Suffolk's natural beauty, such as hares, bees, lobsters, and lighthouses. With Lydia's expertise and support, you will have the chance to experiment with a wide array of wooden printing blocks, linocut patterns, and a vibrant palette of paints.

Every essential you need to create your unique lampshade will be supplied during the workshop, and while the class is designed for adults, it's also suitable for older teenagers.

Zipped Cushion Workshop

with Sue Taylor

Tuesday 6th May

10am-1pm

Create 2 beautiful zipped cushions.

This 3 hour workshop will teach you all the skills you need to create 2 stunning zipped cushions. The cost includes material and 2 pads, 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 per cushion will be plenty, as well as a matching thread and zip.

During the first 1.5 hours you will be guided through all the skills you need to make a zipped cushion cover. The remaining 1.5 hours you will be encouraged to make the cushion cover independently to reinforce your learning, the tutor will be on hand to offer any help if needed.

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)

Summer Top Workshop

with Jo Cowley

£45

plus materials

The sun is out! Join us to make this simple summer top, with short sleeves and a bow tie at the front. You'll leave the workshop, not just with a new top, but a pattern (included in the price) that you can use again and again and a list of ideas of how to customise it to make it your own.

You will also learn (or brush up) new sewing skills - we will make french seams, a neck facing and practice top stitching for a neat and attractive finish.

You will need to bring or purchase 1.5m of fabric and matching thread. A basic knowledge of machine sewing is needed for this workshop.

Crochet Workshops

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

Learn to Knit

AND save the planet!

with Anne Cullinan

Join us for the opportunity to learn a variety of basic knitting techniques using cotton yarn to make re-usable face scrubbies and dishcloths.

All materials included

Roman Blind Workshop

with Sue Taylor

£70

incl materials

Saturday 3rd May 
- one space left!

Tuesday 20th May

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.

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.

Free motion Workshop
Sea Scene

with Sue Taylor

In this 4 hour workshop you will learn how to layer fabrics and paper to create a background on which you will add detail with free motion sewing.

Learn to Make
Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains

with Sue Taylor

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.

Free motion Workshop
Working with water soluble fabric and sheer fabric

with Sue Taylor

£40

plus £5 payable on the day

In this 3 hour workshop you will learn how to use water soluble fabric combined with threads, sheer fabrics and stitch to create a small bowl and 3D flower.