Workshops during Covid-19
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the introduction of social distancing measures by the UK government in March 2020, all face to face workshops by All About the Sew have ceased.
All About The Sew delivered several weekly Facebook Live Sew-along sessions during full lockdown on various projects including a simple tote bag, fabric basket and drawstring bag. The videos can be viewed again on the All About The Sew Facebook page here.
Online classes via Zoom!
All About The Sew has progressed to delivering a program of online workshops via Zoom. I am excited to move forwards and continue to offer my online sewing workshops via Zoom in the Autumn of 2020. These workshops have been extremely popular and am delighted to say that most workshops have been full.
Online workshops are fabulous in terms of being a great way to learn without the opportunity of face to face learning and also in giving people some much needed therapeutic, time out. Individuals and small groups of people can be taught on sewing projects and techniques within their own home, on their own sewing machine – no face mask or hand sanitiser required!!
The sessions allow 2 way interaction via video so that feedback can be given and individual learning can be supported more effectively.
Class sizes are small with a maximum of 6 people to allow interaction between sewists and effective tuition from myself. Kits with necessary materials are sent out in advance of the workshop, providing you with everything that you need. As it is now easier for people to buy fabric either in stores or online, I will also be introducing workshops where you provide your own fabric for example dressmaking workshops,
If you haven’t used zoom before or aren’t that confident with technology – don’t let that stop you. I can help you set it up and even do a practice run prior to the class if that would help.
To see what customers have said about the online workshops, take a look at some testimonials here.
Upcoming Zoom workshops will be advertised on the upcoming workshops page.
One to one sessions:
If you would like help on a one to one session via Zoom then please get in touch. These sessions would be ideal if you have a brand new machine and would like help getting to know your machine or if you have a specific sewing problem or project you would like help with. The session can be arranged at a mutually convenient time – daytime/evening/weekend.
To keep up to date with news and upcoming events, sign up to All About The Sew’s email newsletter here.
If you have any questions or would like to be kept informed of developments please do get in touch – details on the contact page. I would love to hear from you!
Workshops
Where are they held?
All About The Sew sewing workshops and classes currently run from 2 different locations: Knowle Village hall and Lapworth Village hall (both in Solihull).
What sort of times are they held?
Sewing classes are held at a variety of different times with the aim to make it as convenient as possible for a variety of people to attend e.g. during nursery/school hours, weekdays, evenings or weekends. Childrens sewing workshops are held either on a Saturday or Sunday.
Most sewing classes are 3 hours in duration. Dressmaking classes tend to be longer and are often held across 2 sessions i.e. 2 workshops of 3 hours each or a whole day.
What are the class sizes?
There is a maximum of 6 people for most classes, with the exception of dressmaking classes when there is a maximum of 5. The small size of the classes allows lots of support from the tutor. All workshop participants also work from their own individual sewing machine during the class.
Will I need to bring anything?
Janome sewing machines are available to use for the workshops so there is no need to own one or bring yours along. Basic sewing kit items are also provided for you to use e.g. scissors, tape measures, tailor’s chalk, threads etc. For a lot of workshops fabric will be supplied. You are welcome to bring your own along but you may wish to contact me in advance before buying it as some fabric may be more suitable than others. If fabric is not supplied, details of how much and which type will be given. Please see individual workshop details for more information.
Can I bring my own machine?
Unfortunately within the workshops it is not possible to bring your own sewing machine. This is because all of the machines that are used have been electrically tested and therefore meet the risk assessment requirements for using a hired venue. What you learn throughout the workshop should be transferrable to your own machine at home even if it isn’t the same brand. If it is your own machine that you wish to have a lesson on then I do offer a 1:1 teaching facility – please get in touch via the contact page for more information.
What sort of workshops are there?
Workshops focus on learning key skills and gaining confidence with the sewing machine, with the aim of incorporating those skills into a project to make and take home at the end of the class.
Examples of classes are beginners cushion cover or tote bag, free motion machine embroidery, all about zips, appliqué, piped cushion cover, quilting and patchwork and dressmaking. I am always open to suggestions so if there is anything you would like to learn then please do let me know. Click on the upcoming workshops bar above to see current ones listed.
Visit the gallery page for a variety of photographs taken during workshops.
Do you run childrens sewing classes?
Yes absolutely. I love teaching children how to sew – they are so creative and teach me a thing or too! Sewing is a skill for life so it is great to encourage children to learn whilst they are young. Childrens sewing classes tend to be held once a month on a Saturday or Sunday in term time. They run as parent/child classes so parents or grandparents accompany the child and they work together to complete a project. Examples of classes are appliqué cushion covers, aprons, backpacks, pencil cases and skirts. The classes are aimed for children in Year 4 and above.
Do I need to have done any sewing before?
Beginners classes are designed for those who have never used a sewing machine before. Full instruction on how to use the sewing machine will be covered so just come along and have a go. There will be a simple project to make and take home. If you have not sewn for many years you may also wish to do this class to refresh your memory and skills. For those that have used a sewing machine more recently then there will be a variety of workshops available to learn new skills, be inspired and create amazing things!
How do I book a place on a workshop?
Visit the workshop page for the workshop that you are interested in booking. You will be able to view how many spaces are left on a workshop (click on ‘spaces’ and the drop down list will show how many places you can book). You can then book and pay via the website. Payments accepted in this way are through Paypal or credit/debit card. When you click on the PayPal/Checkout button you will be redirected to the Paypal website. Please follow the instructions there to make the payment. Following the payment being processed you should be redirected back to the All About The Sew website. You should then receive a confirmation email regarding the payment and booking. If you wish to pay by BACS transfer, cash or cheque that is still ok – please get in touch via the contact page if that is the case.
What payment methods do you accept?
Please see above.
What if I have booked a place and I can no longer attend?
If you can no longer attend a workshop, as much notice as possible is appreciated. If 2 weeks or more notice is given prior to the workshop date then a full refund will be given. If less than 2 weeks notice is given you will be offered to book onto another workshop. In this instance, a full refund will only be possible if the workshop place can be filled. Every effort will be made to readvertise the space but this can be more difficult at short notice.
What if the workshop is cancelled by All About The Sew?
If due to insufficient numbers or unforeseen circumstances the workshop needs to be cancelled by All About The Sew, as much notice as possible will be given. A full refund will be issued. Alternatively the opportunity to book onto a subsequent workshop will be given.
Do you do gift vouchers?
Yes gift vouchers for any amount can be ordered – just get in contact via the Contact page and I can arrange. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and are not redeemable for cash. You can also book a specific workshop place as a gift and a gift voucher can be issued to give as a present.
Do you do 1:1 sewing lessons?
Yes, I do offer the option of having private sewing lessons. This may be particularly suitable to you if you find it tricky getting to the workshops because of time or location or if you would like any help on using your own machine. Lessons can be tailored to the individual’s needs whether it is a particular skill you would like to learn, need help getting to know your new sewing machine or overlocker or help with a specific project you would like to make. Please get in touch via the contact page if you would like to make an enquiry/for more information.