Introduction to patchwork and quilting

In the introduction to patchwork and quilting class, you will learn the essential basic skills of quilting and make a pretty patchwork sampler.

This sewing class is suitable for those who have used a sewing machine before and can confidently thread the machine and bobbin. If you need a beginners class or a refresher then have a look at beginners classes available or get in touch for a 1 to 1 session.

You will learn:

• What materials and equipment you will need in order to make a quilt
• How to cut fabric pieces accurately using a rotary wheel, quilting ruler and self healing mat
• How to use an even feed/walking foot
• How to piece squares together accurately to make your sample topper
• How to layer your quilt sampler together to prepare for the quilting stage
• How to quilt your sample with a simple design
• How to make your own quilt binding
• How to bind your quilt sampler using the sewing machine and by hand
• How to sew a mitred corner

You will make a quilt sampler that is a 3 X 3 square block (approx size 11.5″ x 11.5″) This would make a pretty wall hanging or mat to display flowers on/ornaments.

The bias binding provided for the edging will be plain white.

Equipment and Materials:

What is included:

• White bias binding for quilt binding
• Wadding
• White backing fabric
• Machine thread
• Use of Janome sewing machines and tools including rotary cutters, quilting rulers and self healing mats. 
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed to you after the class

What you need to bring:

• Fabric squares for the patchwork front. You will need 9 squares of 4.5″ x 4.5″. Scraps of fabric or fat quarters would be ideal. You could have 9 different fabrics or as a minimum you could have 4 of one design and 5 of another.

Cost £50

Lorna says:

“Patchwork and quilting can be extremely therapeutic and satisfying. This workshop is perfect for getting you started and will teach you the essential skills you would need to be able to go on and make your first quilt. Be warned – it can get addictive!!”

Children’s sewing class –

Learn to sew fabric bookmarks

This class is ideal for children who have never used a sewing machine before or if they don't feel that confident. Time will be spent at the beginning going through how to use the machine and practising. If your child has used a machine before then they will be able to crack on with the project and have more time to create!

In this children’s sewing class, you will learn how to make some fabulous fabric bookmarks.  Be inspired, unleash your creativity and learn a fantastic skill at the same time. There are 2 types of bookmarks and each one can be completely unique as you can customise them as you wish.

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 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 :

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 pouf

• How to sew your own piping
• How to insert a zip (standard or invisible)
• How to finish off raw edges neatly using a zig zag stitch or overcast foot. The overlocker will be available for you to use if you are familiar with an overlocker and confident using it.

• Paper templates for the pouf which will be sent out in advance of the class.
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

• Fabric  – it is recommended to use a sturdy, medium to heavyweight fabric.  You can use lighter weight fabric if you interface them first – in which case you will need enough fusible interfacing to interface your fabric pieces.
• 1 x 22″ zipper (an invisible zipper or regular one)
• Machine thread
• Optional – piping cord and fabric for piping
• Lunch – please bring lunch to have or feel free to visit one of the shops or cafes in Knowle.

Bookings