Beginners dressmaking course –

Learn to sew a skirt

• those who are beginning their dressmaking journey
• those who would like to refresh their skills
• those who would like to make a project over a longer amount of time to really get to grips with core techniques
• anyone who would like to learn to make an a-line skirt in a social setting (online in a small group)

**Please note the size range of the pattern is:

Course outline

• To measure yourself accurately
• To translate your body measurements and use the pattern tables to determine which size pattern to cut and how much fabric and notions to buy
• Sew darts
• Change feet on the sewing machine and use of the zipper foot
• Insert a standard (centred) zip

• To lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• To select which pattern pieces to use
• Recognise common symbols and abbreviations used on sewing patterns
• To identify the selvedge and grainline of fabric and layout your pattern pieces correctly on the fabric
• To transfer pattern markings onto the fabric.
• To cut out of fabric accurately
• To apply interfacing to give structure to projects

• How to attach a waistband
• How to neatly sew on hooks and eyes
• How to machine or hand sew a hem
• Optional skill if confident and time allows – sewing an automatic buttonhole

• Practise fabric and 2 x practise zips for week 1
• Skirt pattern (Sew Over It Ava skirt) for final skirt project worth £17.00.

• Materials for skirt project to include fabric, matching thread, zip and hook/eye. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the course. Suitable fabrics will be cotton, needlecord, corduroy, lightweight denim/chambray.

Cost: £150

Learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers

Learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers in this 2 part sewing course.

It is an ideal first dressmaking project or for those that haven’t sewn following a pattern before.

The learn to sew a pair of pyjama trousers class will be run over 2 sessions. You must be able to attend both dates to complete the workshop.

Tuesday 11th October 2022 10-12.30pm 

Tuesday 18th October 2022 10-12.30pm 

LOCATION:

This workshop will take place at the All About The Sew sewing studio in Knowle, Solihull. For further info on the studio see here.

The 2 part class will use the Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie pyjama trouser pattern.

“Jaimie is an ideal first sewing project for newbies, or a quick and satisfying make for existing stitch addicts. Choose between full-length pyjama bottoms or flirty boyfriend shorts, with optional drawstring detail. The low-rise, elasticated waist and relaxed-fit leg make these PJs oh so comfy to wear. You’ll never want to get dressed when you’re wearing your Jaimie jammies!” (taken from the Tilly and the Buttons website)

You will learn how to:

• Take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• Identify pattern pieces required
• Lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• Accurately cut out pattern pieces
• Sew an elasticated waistband
• Identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• Follow a commercial sewing pattern
• Sew automatic buttonholes (this is an optional extra for the drawstring version. If you want to keep it simple leave those out)

For more confident sewists, there is an option to add in seam pockets.

What is included:

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £13.00 (this will be sent to you prior to the workshop).
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Jaimie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 4-24. Size 4 is an XS size which is perfect for tweens and teenagers. Tilly and the Buttons have also added  sizes 9 and 10 to several of their patterns (UK 22 and 24), increasing their size range even further.

For a larger image of the sizing chart please see here.

You will need to measure yourself in order to know how much fabric to get. You cannot compare to high street sizes. Please get in touch if you are uncertain.

You will need to measure your waist, hip and inside leg. Please refer to my blog post on measuring yourself accurately for help with the waist and hip measurements.

You will need to get:

• Fabric

Shorts:

For 115cm/45″ wide fabrics you will need 1m for all sizes

For 150cm/60″ wide fabrics you will need 1m for all sizes

Trousers:

For 115cm/45″ wide fabrics you will need 2.5m for all sizes

For 150cm/60″ wide fabrics, Sizes 0-3: 1.7m, Sizes 4-6: 2.1m, Sizes 7-10: 2.5m

• 25mm (1″) wide elastic – the length of your low waist measurement (where your shorts or pyjamas are likely to sit) – this is available to buy in the studio
• For the drawstring version you will need either ribbon/cord or some of your main fabric to make the drawstring.
• Optional – trim to go round the bottom of the shorts or trousers e.g. ric rac, ribbon, pom poms

Fabric suggestions: 

Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, shirting, “quilting cotton”, flannel, double gauze and viscose (rayon).

Please give me a call if you are in any doubt about fabric choices or suggestions of where to buy from.

It is recommended to pre wash your fabric before the workshop as it is likely to shrink a little in the first wash.

Cost £70

Lorna says:

” We all need pyjamas and how amazing to make your own where you can choose just the right fabric you like and make them to fit you. Whether you need to make them shorter or longer, with pockets, shorts….anything is possible! I love my Jaimie pyjama trousers and have made several pairs of shorts for teenagers including one pair that uses mix and match fat quarters.”

Bookings

Learn to sew a reversible shoulder bag

Learn how to make a gorgeous reversible shoulder bag in this 3 hour class.

This sewing class is a Level 3 class - You need to have sewn a few simple projects before.

The bag has nice long straps, gorgeous topstitching details and a separate oval base piece.

You will learn:

• Tips on accurate and neat topstitching
• How to ease in patterns pieces to sew 2 curves together
• Sewing round curves accurately
• Optional - learn to insert a magnetic clasp fastening (if you're not worried about the bag being reversible)

Equipment and Materials:

What is included:

• Full use of Janome sewing machines and Prym tools
• Magnetic clasp fastening and interfacing if inserting a clasp.

What you need to bring:

• Fabric - You will need 75cm of 2 different fabrics. Medium weight cottons/ denims/ upholstery weight fabrics would work well
• Machine thread - you can use a contrasting thread to make the top stitching stand out.

Cost £40

Lorna says:

“This is a brand new class and I absolutely love this bag. It goes over your shoulder comfortably, I have already been using one of mine as a project bag - perfect to grab and go! I love that it is reversible too.”

Project from www.sewdiy.com with permission

Bookings

Children’s sewing class –

Learn to sew a drawstring backpack

This class is designed for children who have used a sewing machine before as there won't be time to go through how to use the machine (other than a quick refresher). If you are after a beginners children's class then the morning one would be more suitable - see here.

In this children’s sewing class, you will learn how to make an awesome drawstring backpack.  Be inspired, unleash your creativity and learn a fantastic skill at the same time. The backpack would be perfect for PE, sleepovers, dance club, library trips, car journeys, football kit – the list goes on!!!

For children in Year 5 and above.

Equipment and Materials:

• Janome sewing machines and basic sewing tools provided to use.
• All fabric and materials for the project are included.
• Soft drinks/biscuits included.

Other points to note:

• Finger guards will be fitted to the sewing machines which prevent fingers getting too close to the sewing needle
• I have an up to date DBS check

Other points to note:

• There will be a selection of fabrics to choose from. Alternatively if you would prefer to supply your own fabric just let me know and I can give you the dimensions.

Cost £25 

Learn to sew a buttonhole cushion cover with self covered buttons

• How to accurately mark out and position buttonholes
• How to sew automatic buttonholes on the sewing machine
• Tips on how to cut open buttonholes neatly and safely
• How to make self covered buttons
• How to hand sew self covered buttons into place
• There will be the option of using the overlocker with guidance to finish off raw edges but not compulsory

• 3 x metal buttons to be self covered
• Use of sewing machines, tools and overlocker for finishing if required
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed to you after the class
• Cushion pad is not supplied

• Medium weight woven fabric (not stretchy)
• If fabric is 115cm wide you will need 1m of fabric
• If fabric is 145cm wide you will need 0.5m of fabric
• Matching/co-ordinating machine thread (a selection of Gutermann threads are available to buy at the studio)

Learn to sew a sweatshirt – Tilly and the Buttons Billie sweater/sweater dress

“Cool, casual and modern, Billie is an ultra-comfy sweatshirt or sweater dress.” “It has a relaxed shape, crew neckline and classic trim details. Keep it effortless with cuffed, straight sleeves, or add some drama with on-trend balloon sleeves and deep cuffs. Choose between top length which sits on the high hip, or mini dress which finishes 10cm (4in) above the knee with gorgeous cutaway pockets.”  (taken from the Tilly and the Buttons website)

This workshop is suitable for those who have used a sewing machine before, can confidently thread the machine and bobbin and have sewn several projects before. If you need a beginners class or a refresher then have a look at beginners classes available. Please get in touch if you are not sure whether this is a suitable level for you.

You will learn how to:

• Take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• Identify pattern pieces required
• Lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• Accurately cut out pattern pieces
• Identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• Follow a commercial sewing pattern
• Cut stretch fabric accurately
• Top tips on how to sew with stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine
• Stabilise necklines and hems on stretch garments
• Top stitch using a twin needle (optional)

If this is your first garment or first time using stretchy fabrics, I would suggest you choose to sew the sweatshirt version. If you are more confident then you could choose the dress or balloon sleeved version.

What is included:

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £17.50 .
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Billie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 6-34.

You will need to measure yourself in order to know how much fabric to get. You cannot compare to high street sizes. Please get in touch if you are uncertain.

You will need to measure your bust, waist and hips. Please refer to my blog post on measuring yourself accurately.

You will need to get:

• Fabric - approximately 1.5m-4m (depends on your size and which version). Upon booking you will be given guidance on how much fabric you will need based on your measurements.

• Optional :
• Ribbing - You can use separate ribbing for the cuffs, hem band, neckline or use the same fabric as the main garment.

I would recommend using ribbing for cuffs etc, if main fabric has less than 20% stretch. For a regular sleeve you will need 0.6m of ribbing and for the balloon sleeve you will need 0.7m of ribbing.

If your fabric is particularly stretchy you can stabilise the shoulder seams using 30cm (12″) of 6-9mm (1/4″) wide satin ribbon.

Fabric suggestions: 

Sweatshirt fleece, French terry, Ponte Roma, double knit, interlock or sweater knit with at least 10% stretch. 

Please give me a call if you are in any doubt about fabric choices or suggestions of where to buy from.

It is recommended to pre wash your fabric before the workshop as it is likely to shrink a little in the first wash. Do not hang your fabric to dry as it will stretch out of shape – dry flat.

Cost £110

Lorna says:

“This has been such a popular Tilly and the Buttons’ pattern and you can see why. I absolutely love this pattern (as you can see from my 3 versions!!). So comfy to wear and with the 3 options in the one pattern, it offers great value for money. Perfect working from home attire! It is a great pattern for those new to sewing with stretch or for those a bit more confident that would like to improve their skills further.“

My versions :