Date/Time
Date - 22/07/2018
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location
Knowle Village Hall, Solihull

Duration – 7 hours

Cost £70

(this includes a paper pattern to use in class and take home to use again worth £14.50)

This workshop 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. It is however, suitable for a first dressmaking project.

   Learn how to sew a shift dress or top

The ultimate shift dress is a perfect project for beginner dressmakers. It is an extremely versatile dress that would flatter a range of body shapes due to the option of being able to team it with a belt, and add sleeves if you prefer. A classic shift dress really is a wardrobe staple. There is even a top version to make if preferred.

You will learn:

• How to take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• How to identify pattern pieces required
• How to lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• How to accurately cut out pattern pieces
• How to identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• How to cut fabric accurately
• How to sew darts
• How to attach facings
• How to sew the dress with tuition along the way

What is included:

• Full individual use of Janome sewing machines
• Use of sewing tools
• Full tuition to make your garment
• Paper pattern to take home and step by step instruction booklet worth £14.50
• Hook and eye
• Tea/coffee

Sizes the pattern covers:

• Smallest size

Size 8: Bust 33, waist 26, hip 36

• Largest size

Size 20: Bust 45, waist 38, hip 48

For help taking your body measurements please see my blog post here.

What you need to bring:

Fabric:

• Lightweight woven fabric e.g. cotton, cotton lawn. These will be the easiest to sew with. If you are more experienced, for for a softer look you could choose rayon or crepe.

Once you have taken your body measurements (see link above for guidance), compare them to the chart on the envelope back image below. If you are across sizes, go for the biggest size and then see how much fabric you need depending on whether it is 1.15m wide (45″) or 1.4m wide (55″).

If you are tall or will be matching patterns/stripes then you will need more than that amount.

If you have any questions at all then email your body measurements and I will help you.

• Matching thread
• Lunch – please bring your own packed lunch with you or feel free to pop to the local shop/cafe in Knowle to buy something.

Lorna says:

“The shift dress is a classic style of garment that suits a range of body shapes. I wasn’t sure whether it would suit me but wearing a belt with the dress for me is perfect as it nips me in at the waist. This would be a perfect summer dress – nice and cool and can be dressed up or down. As a shorter dress version it would look great over leggings or tights in the winter too! It’s a great pattern for a beginner sewist and teaches you some basic dressmaking principles.”

 

My versions:

Classic shift teamed with a belt:

Classic shift with optional added sleeve frills:

Top version:

 

 

Images from Sew Over It used with their permission.

Bookings

Alternative payment to website payment:
If you would prefer to pay by cash, cheque or BACS payment then please email me at allaboutthesew@gmail.com or give me a ring on 07963 734756 with the following details:

Name:
Email address:
Contact telephone number:
Workshop(s) you would like to book onto:
How you heard about All About The Sew:

I will then be in contact with alternative payment details. Please be aware that a workshop place can only be secured when payment is received so please act promptly to avoid disappointment if wanting to pay via one of these methods.

Kind Regards

Lorna

All About The Sew

To find out more get in touch today.