Sewing and dressmaking – the next steps

Duration – 6 weeks

Cost £180

Dates:

Friday 28th February 2020

Friday 6th March 2020

Friday 13th March 2020

Friday 20th March 2020

Friday 27th March 2020

Friday 3rd April 2020

This is a 6 week course aimed at those who are familiar with a sewing machine and have made several projects, including at least one garment. You must be able to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew basic stitches. It is ideal for those who have done the 6 week beginners sewing and dressmaking course or for those who already have some sewing experience and want to take their sewing skills to the next level. Throughout the 6 weeks you will build on foundation skills you already have and learn lots more essential sewing skills with the second half of the course, honing your skills and making a top with lots of fun along the way!! The 6 week course aims to build your confidence in using a sewing machine and develop and progress your skills. With 6 weeks in close succession and a massive 18 hours of sewing, it is an ideal opportunity to consolidate skills and progress them even further.

Week 1: Buttonholes

You will learn:

How to use the buttonhole foot and make a buttonhole using the 1 step buttonhole function on the sewing machine
How to neatly finish your buttonhole
How to position buttonholes correctly
How to self cover buttons

You will make a cushion cover with buttonhole fastenings and self covered buttons.

Week 2: Pockets and darts

You will learn:

How to sew a patch pocket
How to sew an inseam pocket
How to sew a standard dart
How to sew a contoured dart

Week 3: Zips and fastenings

You will learn:

How to sew an invisible zip
How to make a thread loop and sew on a button
How to make a rouleau loop
How to sew on a hook and eye and snap fastening

Weeks 4-6: Make a top

Bring together all of the skills you have learnt and add some more!! Learn some new dressmaking skills and make a fitted woven top! Take the time over a 3 week period to make your top. This will allow plenty of time to practise techniques, hone skills, for questions and feedback and most importantly enjoying the process.

Using Simplicity 8061 you will choose and make one of the woven tops from the pattern. This is a classic pattern and is extremely versatile when combined with different fabric choices. It would work equally well as a casual top or work wear.

You will learn:

How to stay stitch
How to sew and press bust darts
How to alter the bust area of a pattern using a Full Bust Adjustment or Small Bust Adjustment (if necessary)
How to attach neck facings to a garment
How to sew under stitching
How to ease sleeves into a garment
How to finish off seams neatly
How to give garments a clean and professional looking finish

What is included:

Janome sewing machines and basic sewing tools provided to use
Photographic step by step handouts with instructions to repeat the projects at home
Simplicity 8061 for final top project worth £10.00.
Self covered buttons for cushion project
Calico for all samples
Tea/Coffee

What you need to bring:

Fabric for cushion project. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the start of the course
Fabric and interfacing for top project. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose during the course

Additional information

**This course needs a minimum of 3 people to run.**

Maximum of 6 spaces.

You need to be able to attend all 6 sessions.

There may be slight variations to the course content in advance or along the way to enhance the quality of the experience and adapt to indiviual’s needs.

Lorna says:

“I am really excited to introduce this new course. It is a great way of progressing skills you already have, build on your confidence and learn some new ones. These skills are key components of dressmaking so you will be able to transfer your learning into so many projects. It offers great value for money and a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop and progress their skills in a friendly, sociable setting. Learning together is so much fun and people really benefit from the support of others and sharing ideas.”