Freehand Machine Embroidery isn’t just another workshop showing you how to use your sewing machine – it is one of the ultimate ways to show your creativity without the confines of seams and structure. Think swirls, think circles, think beautiful coloured threads, freehand machine embroidery is used to build texture and overlap to create a beautiful design with lines close together and random. We teach you the skills, tips and tricks required so you can understand the process of machine embroidery to ensure you make a beautiful bespoke work of your own creative expression.

In this workshop, you will use a 19 x 19 panel of neutral toned mid-weight fabric as the base for your finished piece. This panel, when finished, can be used as a cushion front, a piece of wall art or for you to keep and use as you want.

In this workshop, taught by Maria Tarn, you will learn:

• how to prepare your fabric for machine embroidery.
• how to set your sewing machine up ready for the embroidery process.
• you can work with a design that we supply or you can create your own
• learn how to use medium weight stabilizer and Vilene double sided stabilizer in preparing your panel.

Skill Level:  Beginner

Course Availability: Daytime

Tools and Equipment required for this Freehand Machine Embroidery workshop: ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. A complete list of what we use in the workshop is listed here and can be purchased from our on-line store or in person at the Studio.

Fee and what this includes: 47.00. The cost for the workshop includes everything you will need to complete this workshop – we even provide an embroidery for the sewing machines. However, if you would like to learn on your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you as we are very machine friendly. 

• Understand the basic construction of the metal frame used to make your lampshade.
• Cut fabric to the required size of drum.
• Leave with a fully finished 30 cm drum lampshade ready to be hung from the ceiling or placed on a table.

We can teach you how to make lined roman blinds like a professional with this comprehensive half-day course. This class is slightly different from our other workshops as due to the method of making the blinds, and the amount of space the fabric requires, this workshop shows you how to make them in “miniature”. 

You walk through exactly the same techniques as if you were making a full-size roman blind which allows you to leave the workshop, walk to your local fabric shop and start the process with 100% confidence you know what you are doing.

In this class, which Anne Sigsworth, owner of Sophies Soft Furnishings, will be your instructor, we cover:

• Measuring for blinds
• Estimating fabric quantities
• Checking, cutting out and pattern matching
• Hems, seam allowances
• Making up
• Attaching blind tape
• Assembling the blind and cutting the rods
• Stringing and hanging

Skill Level:  Confident Beginner

Course Availability: Daytime

Fee and what this includes: £48.00, this includes all items needed to make your blind (sewing machine is available at no extra charge), coffee/tea & a homemade snack.

EQUIPMENT LIST: All materials are provided for in the workshop – we want you to not have to worry about a thing when you come along. If you would like to see what we use,or bookmark for later, the link is here.

FAQs

Learn the basics of crochet in our popular Loopy About Crochet workshop. Our Loopy About Crochet workshop shows how you can recreate that magic of crochet with a fresh, contemporary twist so that you can easily turn your hand to making your own collection of crocheted items. Today’s crocheting is much more subtle in its use of colour and fibers but with a nod to the simple beauty of the craft – you will be amazed at what you can make once you have the knowledge of how to work with your basic stitches.

We provide everything for your workshop experience and you take ALL of it home with you at the end of the session. We use StyleCraft Special DK 100% cotton yarn, in a variety of colours, to help you create your beautifully crocheted piece. And to make sure you get the attention you need to learn your new skill, our workshop numbers are limited to five people.

In this class, Sue Lacey will be your instructor, we will cover:

• Learn the basic crochet stitches
• Follow a basic crochet pattern
• Understand what tension is and how to adjust it
• Use basic finishing techniques
• Create a beautiful and functional mug shrug
• Supported with a helpful handout to help you continue to “hook at home”!
• You will have all your supplies waiting for you when you arrive and you can take ALL of it home with you (hook included!) as well as a 50g ball Stylecraft wool to ensure you can keep “hooking” at home.

Skill Level: Absolute Beginner and those needing a refresher

Course Availability: Daytimes & Evenings

Fee and what this includes: 40.00, this includes all items needed to make your crocheted item, the hook and a 50 gm ball of Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK  (a £4.95 value) all for you to take home to keep, as well as coffee/tea and a homemade snack.

Do you Pin? Our Pinterest board for those new to crochet is filled with inspirational projects that will make sure you have a project to aspire to once you leave our workshop. Why not check it out and follow our board?

If we told you that if you attended our beginners sewing workshop, All You Need to Know to Sew, you could learn to sew in one, half-day session, would you believe us? Did you get a new sewing machine but have yet to get it out of the box? Do you feel like you need a confidence booster to show you how to sew and you would like to know what happens with all the knobs and settings? Or do you just want to learn how to sew and need someone to help move you past the red L plate stage? This course is an excellent place to start and comes highly recommended so that you can gain confidence with no pressure.

Maeri Howard will be your instructor for this workshop, where you will:

• Learn all the major functions of one of our sewing machines or you can bring your own to learn to sew on
• What makes a good “starter” kit for sewing equipment, as well as what each item does
• Basic sewing machine maintenance – what to do when things go wrong & how to fix them
• Introduction to fabrics, marking, pinning & cutting
• An invaluable list of tricks & tips that help beginner sewers get ahead of the sewing curve
• Students will create a cushion cover that they can take home which includes a cushion insert
• Students take home a handy 16-page booklet that reflects the content of the workshop

Skill Level:  Absolute Beginner (anyone can learn – we promise!)

Course Availability: Daytime, Evening & Weekends

Fee and what this includes: £43.00, this includes all items needed to make your cushion cover including the insert (sewing machine is available at no extra charge), coffee/tea & a homemade snack.

EQUIPMENT LIST: All materials are provided for in the workshop – we want you to not have to worry about a thing when you come along. If you would like to see what we use or bookmark for later, the link is here.

And we have a great Pinterest board for those that are new to sewing – it includes hints, tips, and projects great for those new to sewing! Why not check it out and follow it?

FAQs