Sewing Classes

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

If you would like to be the first to know about new class dates, subscribe to our mailing list by scrolling to the bottom of the page and typing in your email address!

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:

  • Saturday 25th January FULL
  • Friday 7th February FULL
  • Saturday 22nd February FULL
  • Friday 7th March FULL
  • Saturday 22nd March FULL
  • Friday 11th April FULL
  • Saturday 12th April FULL
  • Friday 25th April FULL
  • Saturday 26th April
  • Friday 9th May
  • Saturday 10th May FULL
  • Friday 23rd May FULL
  • Saturday 24th May FULL
  • Friday 13th June
  • Saturday 14th June
  • Friday 27th June
  • Saturday 28th June
  • Friday 8th August FULL
  • Saturday 9th August
  • Friday 22nd August FULL
  • Saturday 23rd August
  • Friday 12th September
  • Saturday 13th September
  • Friday 26th September
  • Saturday 27th September
  • Saturday 8th November
  • Saturday 22nd November

Two Day Pattern Drafting Course with Christine Finlayson £100

Choose one from the following blocks:

  1. Bodice with sleeve – Choose this to take forward for a blouse or dress. A skirt block can also be added for some styles.
  2. Tailored jacket block with a two piece sleeve.
  3. Trouser block

Day 1 – Draft the block and make and fit a toile.

Day 2 – Refine the fit and design a working pattern 

Requirements:

A good sharp pencil (a mechanical one is best), rubber, ruler, set square if you have one. You
will also need a sewing machine, sewing kit and calico or sheeting to make your
toile. Paper for making your patterns is provided.

Bring a picture or drawing to help design your choice of block but keep it simple.

Dates:

  • Thursday 3rd July & Friday 4th July

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

You have bought the machine but what about using it to its full potential? In this class you will find out about all the stitches on your machine - from the humble straight stitch to satin stitch, appliqué and the fun of free motion work.

Dates:

  • Friday 14th February FULL
  • Friday 16th May FULL
  • Friday 29th August

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

If you have an overlocker this course is a must for you. The course covers: threading, threads, needles, cleaning, which stitch to use for what and how to balance the tensions. You will learn how to do a rolled hem, gather fabric and find out how to go around corners. On the day you will make a child's jumper to illustrate the techniques you have learned.

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

Dates:

  • Friday 21st March
  • Friday 30th May
  • Friday 19th September

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

For the day you will need:

  • A t-shirt pattern. See the suggestions below and either use one of them or try and find a similar pattern. If you are not sure about your pattern choice, contact Gill with your alternative suggestions to ensure that it is suitable for the workshop day.
  • Jersey fabric, suitable for A T-shirt or top. A cotton jesrsey mix is good.
  • Thread, pins, fabric scissors etc
  • Stretch needle and twin needle
  • Spare spool pin for your sewing machine (this will be with the accessories that came with your machine)

Optional (for making pattern alterations):

  • Pattern tracing paper, paper scissors
  • French curve - if you have one
  • Fine liner pen, pencil, soft rubber

On the day,you will learn about techniques for working with jersey and other stretch fabrics and then in the afternoon you will make a simple top with your purchased fabric.

Pattern suggestions:

  • Sew House Seven - Tabor V-neck Top
  • Liesl & Co - Chai Tee
  • Simplicity - S8892 and S8950
  • Newlook - 6556
  • McCalls -6964

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

NOTE:  Whether or not you finish making your t-shirt on the day, will depend very much on your own level of sewing ability!

Dates:

  • Friday 4th April FULL
  • Friday 10th 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.