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

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 :

Beginners Sewing Class

• Janome sewing machines and basic sewing tools provided to use
• A selection of fabrics and threads will be available for you to choose from for the project. If you would prefer to bring your own fabric then please see details below
• Handout with instructions to repeat the project at home will be emailed after the class
• Tea/coffee

• Fabric

• Matching thread

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 top –

the Closet Core Patterns Cielo top

• Stay stitch
• Sew and press bust darts
• Alter the bust area of a pattern using a Full Bust Adjustment or Small Bust Adjustment (if necessary)
• Attach neck facings to a garment
• Sew under stitching
• Fit sleeves into a garment
• Finish off seams neatly
• Give garments a clean and professional looking finish

• Sewing pattern – Closet Core Pattern Cielo top/dress pattern worth £19.00
• Tea/coffee/soft drinks
• Use of Janome sewing machines
• All sewing tools provided for you to use in order to complete the project

• Lunch - please bring your own or feel free to pop into Knowle to get some lunch from the local shop/cafe.
• Materials for top project to include fabric, matching thread and interfacing. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the course.
• Suggested fabrics: For a more structured shape, use light to medium weight wovens such as linen, chambray, or cotton shirtings. For a drapier effect, use rayon challis, tencel, cotton voile or silk (I would only recommend these if you are more experienced).

Cost: £110