If you can make an A-line skirt, it can be the staple to any wardrobe – but finding one to make that is well constructed, has a lining and can be easily altered for different lengths can be hard.  We use the Amy Butler Barcelona pattern as our base and then show you how to customise it, add a french seam, insert an invisible zipper for a neat finish as well as different lengths to suit your own particular taste. And once you know how to create the first skirt, you can go on to make more skirts in a wide variety of fabric choices for all seasons – you can have a skirt for every occasion!

In this multi-session workshop you will learn:

Session 1:

• measuring for your size (this pattern sits slightly lower along the hips than your average A-line skirt)
• cutting out both the lining fabric and the main fabric as well as transferring markings
• installing an invisible zipper using an invisible zipper foot to the main fabric
• We provide the fabric for the lining (either a white or black cotton muslin weight) as well as the zipper foot for installing the zipper, an invisible zipper, thread etc.  
• You will be required to purchase  2 3/8 yards  0r 1.9 metres of fabric of your choice before the workshop.  We can give you advice on what type of fabric you could use for your skirt – the suggested fabric by the designer is a cotton weight fabric.

Session 2:

• construct the main fabric skirt, using a French seam for a clean finish
• construct the skirt lining also using a French seam
• attach main fabric and lining together
• finish hand sewing the zipper to the lining to ensure a finished look
• hem the skirt to the appropriate height

Skill Level: Enthusiastic beginner (not sure if you are an enthusiastic beginner? We like you to be able to have taken a dressmaking course so that you understand basics such as laying out your pattern, cutting etc. but also how to sew straight and not be afraid to ask questions.

But if you want to make sure you are set up to take this workshop, why not sign up for our beginning dressmaking workshop Dressmaking Isn’t Rocket Science or our beginner sewing workshop All You Need to Know to Sew ?)

Course Availability: Daytimes & Evenings

Fee and what this includes: 70.00 and this includes everything you will need to take this workshop except for the main fabric (we can even lend you a sewing machine if required), coffee/tea and a homemade snack.

FAQs

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

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.