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 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 :

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)

LeanLearn to sew a hoodie - the Sew Over It Drew hoodie

• Tips on cutting stretch fabric accurately
• Top tips on how to sew with stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine
• Neatly top stitch on stretch fabrics - using a twin needle is optional
• Insert eyelets with Prym variopliers (if choosing this version)
• Sew buttonholes on stretch fabric (if choosing this version)
• How to sew and attach a lined hood
• How to use ribbing for cuffs and waistband

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet - this will be sent to you in advance of the class if booked sufficiently in advance (this is a PDF only pattern but you will receive a printed version for the class. After the class you will receive a code from Sew Over It to download the PDF pattern free from their site).
• Full tuition in order to make your garment
• Cord and eyelets

• Fabric - approximately 2.8m-4m (depends on your size). 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 or use the same fabric as the main garment if it has enough stretch

Zips workshop

Learn all about zips in this 3 hour workshop.

Does the thought of inserting a zip terrify you?

Do you get confused by standard zips, concealed zips, lapped zips, centred zips, invisible zips…?

Then this workshop is just for you!

You will learn how to insert a centred zip, lapped zip and invisible zip. You will make samples of each to take home with you and handouts to accompany this, just in case you forget!

Learn all about zipped feet, adjustable zipper feet and invisible zipper feet – when to use them, what they look like, how to fit them to your machine and most importantly tips and tricks to make inserting a zip run smoothly! Learn with others and learn the process step by step in a relaxed, fun environment.

Cost: £45

Lorna says:

“When it comes to buying zips and inserting them into projects or garments, it can be very fiddly and stressful! By breaking each zip insertion technique down, having a practice and being taught some top tips, it can make it easier and you will be really chuffed with yourself! Add this essential skill into your toolbox and hopefully you will feel more confident when doing it for real!”

Bookings