Sewing Classes

Please phone the shop to book classes and check availability - 01786 462 993

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Dressmaking with Christine Finlayson 10am-4pm £50

These workshops are tailored to suit your needs. Get back to the basics, learning the most up to date methods for doing markings, darts, zips and the easiest pocket welt ever. Learn how to take the measurements you require to choose the correct size of pattern. Make and fit a toile before making up the garment of your choice. The procedures covered in our successful course last year included pattern drafting for jackets, skirts and a bodice block the basis for dresses and tops. Christine will contact each student before the class to arrange a timetable and requirements.

Dates are:

  • Friday 23rd January FULL
  • Friday 6th February
  • Saturday 14th February FULL
  • Friday 6th March FULL
  • Thursday 9th April FULL
  • Friday 10th April FULL
  • Saturday 11th April FULL
  • Saturday 25th April
  • Thursday 21st May
  • Friday 22nd May FULL
  • Saturday 23rd May
  • Thursday 11th June
  • Friday 12th June FULL
  • Saturday 13th June FULL
  • Thursday 2nd July
  • Friday 3rd July FULL
  • Saturday 4th July
  • Thursday 10th September
  • Friday 11th September FULL
  • Saturday 12th September
  • Thursday 8th October
  • Friday 9th October
  • Saturday 10th October
  • Wednesday 28th October
  • Thursday 29th October
  • Friday 30th October
  • Saturday 14th November FULL
  • Saturday 28th November FULL

Dressmaking with Gill McBride 10am-4pm £50

At our bespoke Dressmaking Workshop day at Pembertons, you can come along with your sewing project and get the help you need:

  •  To start your new project
  • To have some fitting help with your garment

OR

  • To get some advice on how best to finish your garment.

You might have a new pattern that isn’t yet cut out but some guidance on how to best cut your pattern can help enormously with fitting your garment. Or you may have a pattern that you have used before but wish to ‘hack’ it and change some details of the pattern.

If you have a project that you have started but there is something about how to sew it that is tricky or you don’t understand then bring it along.  Perhaps you have some fitting issues?  Bring them with you and guidance and explanations can be given. Or perhaps you have almost finished making something and just need a bit of time and guidance to finish it properly? 

What you will need to bring:

  • Your garment, pattern, fabric, thread etc
  • Your sewing machine, scissors, pins etc
  • Yourself!

Come along and treat yourself to a sewing day and finally get that project underway, fixed, finished and ready to wear! Whatever stage you are at, help and guidance is available and, at the same time, you can enjoy a great day at the sewing machine with lots of chat and laughter.

Dates:

  • Friday 15th May
  • Friday 20th November

Get to Know your Sewing Machine with Gill McBride 10am-4pm £50

Bring your new or preloved sewing machine along to one of our bespoke days for understanding your machine.  During the day you will learn all about your sewing machine and how to use it with confidence. You will also learn how to:

  • Solve threading and tension problems
  • Use some of the different feet that come with your machine
  • Try out and use a twin needle

and you will

  • Take home lots of samples from the day!

There will be lots of different types of fabric samples to use during the day and lots of tips and tricks as well!!  If there are particular skills you would like to learn, then there is often time to help with those as well, eg, inserting a zip or making a really good dart. 

Tea and coffee is always available as well as lots of learning, chat and confidence building! 

This workshop day is suitable for anyone with a new (to them) sewing machine and is also a good introduction to learning to sew.  All levels of sewer are welcome.

Dates:

  • Friday 20th February FULL
  • Friday 28th August

Learn to use an Overlocker with Gill McBride 10am - 4pm. £50

Bring your new or preloved overlocker along to one of our bespoke days for understanding your machine. During the
day you will learn all about your overlocker and how to use it with confidence. You will especially learn
how to:   

  • Thread your overlocker confidently

And

  • Understand the stitches that it can do for you

During the first half of the workshop day, you will spend your time using different fabrics on your overlocker and this will include adjusting the tensions and using the overlocker with and without the blade engaged. This will include learning how to sew a rolled hem on the overlocker.

In the afternoon, you will make a very small (approx. 2year old size) sweatshirt entirely on the overlocker. All fabrics
for the sweatshirt will be provided on the day, cut and ready to sew.  Full sewing guidance will be given verbally and demonstrated.  

The entire day will help you to properly understand your overlocker and give you the confidence to go home and use it on all your home sewing projects. There is unlimited tea and coffee during the day, as well as lots of chat, lots of learning and lots of confidence building. 

It is important to know that your overlocker is actually working and sewing properly before you come to the workshop day, and this is in order that all participants can get the most out of the day and enjoy it.  

There is an additional cost of £10 to be given to Gill on the day to cover the cost of fabric used.

Dates:

  • Friday 13th March FULL
  • Friday 18th September

Working with Stretch on a Sewing Machine with Gill McBride 10am - 4pm. £50

At our bespoke Sewing with Stretch workshop at Pembertons, you will learn how easy it is to sew with stretch fabrics and the possibilities this will open up for you on your dressmaking and sewing journey. 

 On the first half of the day you will sew with various different stretch fabric samples, learn how your sewing machine reacts to different types and weights of stretch fabrics, different stitches and regular vs stretch/jersey needles, learn how to sew cuffs, necklines and stretch waistbands. In the afternoon you will make a simple ‘t’ shirt.

Whatever stage of sewing experience you have, help and guidance is available on this stretch workshop day at Pembertons. And, at the same time, you can enjoy a great day at the sewing machine with lots of chat and laughter.

 Please note NO overlocker is needed for this workshop. All sewing will be done on a sewing machine. 

 For the day you will need:

  •   A ‘t’shirt pattern.  Contact Gill by email if you need advice before the day.
  •  Jersey fabric, suitable for a ‘t’shirt or
    top.  A cotton mix jersey is good.
  • Thread, pins, fabric scissors etc
  • Stretch or jersey needle and stretch twin
    needle if possible.  Needles can be
    purchased on the day in Pembertons.
  • Your sewing machine

At the end of the day, you will take home lots of samples, and depending on your own sewing ability, a finished or near finished ‘t’shirt. 

If you have any questions, email Gill at sewwithgill@gmail.com

Dates:

  • Friday 24th April
  • Friday 16th October

Terms and Conditions

Refunds for cancellations will only be issued on the following basis:

Notice of 14-28 days prior to course - 80% Refund

Notice of 7-13 days prior to course - 50% Refund

Notice of less than 7 days prior to course - No refund

Many courses have a waiting list so if you are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible and if we are able to fill your place, we will give you a credit for a future course. If we have to make an unavoidable cancellation, we will endeavor to offer you an alternative date or a full refund will be given.