These short courses and workshops can be arranged on request, Monday to Saturday, depending on my availability. A materials list will be supplied on booking. You are expected, unless specifically stated, to have basic machine sewing skills and to be able to operate your sewing machine without supervision.
Studio machines are available on request but if you have your own, please bring it, as well as the power cords, presser feet, all accessories and the manual.
Please contact me by email (lois@bluebell-design.com) to discuss your requirements and check availability.
All classes are age 16+. If you’d like to book a workshop for younger children, please contact me to discuss, as conditions apply with under 16s.
Absolute Beginners workshop. One to one intensive lesson – £75
Never used a sewing machine before? This is the class for you, then!
Over the course of 3 intensive hours, you’ll learn to use a sewing machine properly and safely. Change needles, wind your bobbin, thread your machine, learn how to sew an even seam, how to secure your stitches. This is an intensive class which should leave you feeling confident using your own machine. You should leave this class with at least one completed project.
All materials provided, but please bring your own sewing machine if you have one. Studio machines are available if you’ve not yet purchased a machine.
Experience level – complete beginners.
Hi Just wanted to say a big Thank you for today. L****** is grinning from ear to ear. She has also been raving on to her dad about the session she had with you and proudly showing off her wee bag. You have certainly boosted her confidence. Thanks again.
Workshop Time – £8/hour
Work independently in my studio. Bring your own sewing machine (or book a studio machine), your sewing pattern, sewing kit, thread and fabric and make use of the space I have available.
You will be working totally on your own. You will have the use of my large cutting tables, pressing station, and other equipment, as well as unlimited hot drinks. There may even be biscuits…. Bring a friend and have a “sewcial” morning or afternoon.
Experience level – able to work alone without my intervention or help.
Soft furnishings workshop. Learn how to measure up and make machine sewn lined curtains – £90
Half day workshop – 3 hours approximately
Learn how to measure up for, calculate your fabric requirements and make lined machine sewn curtains with tape headings.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine confidently.
Cost includes all the materials to allow you to make a finished sample sized lined curtain. Please bring your own sewing machine and sewing kit, including a spool of thread.
Soft furnishings workshop. Learn how to measure up and make a lined roman blind – £190
Full day or 2 x half day workshops. Learn how to measure up, calculate fabric requirements and pleats, and then make a lined roman blind using your sewing machine.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine confidently.
6 hours total. Cost includes all materials to make a finished sample sized roman blind. Please bring your own sewing machine and sewing kit, including a spool of thread in any colour.
Soft furnishings workshop. Learn how to make a zipped and piped cushion cover – £75
3 hour workshop.
Learn how to create your own piping from your fabric, and make a square cushion cover with an in-seam zip fastening.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine confidently.
Cost includes cushion pad and piping cord.
You need to bring your own fabric, threads and co-ordinating coloured zip. Quantities needed will be supplied on booking. Please bring your own sewing machine and sewing kit, including a zipper foot for your machine.
Crafting workshop. Make an embellished keepsake box – £120.
Full day or 2 x half day workshop.
Make a small fabric keepsake box. Discover hand and machine embroidery, experiment with paint and other mediums, play with yarns and fibres, go wild with applique and unleash your inner artist.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine confidently. No other experience necessary, as skills will be taught as we progress.
6 hours in total. Full day workshops will have a break for lunch – please bring a packed lunch.
All materials are included in your price, but please feel free to bring bits of your own if you’d like to make use of them – items such as beads, threads, scraps of pretty fabrics or lace, broken beaded jewellery, etc.
Bag making workshop. Stitch yourself a japanese knot bag – £40
2 hour workshop.
Japanese knot bags are the perfect evening bag. Slip one strap through the other, then over your wrist, and you have a secure place for your phone and keys. Simple to make once you know the trick, these little bags make perfect gifts.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine without help, and be accurate at cutting and sewing.
You will need to bring fabric, thread and lining. Quantities required will be supplied upon booking.
Pattern cutting workshop
Learn how to draft a SKIRT to your own measurements – £400
2 x full day workshops (10am – 5pm) with a break for lunch
One to One learning.
Day 1
Start pattern cutting with a basic SKIRT block (straight skirt) made to your own measurements. Adjustments to the pattern will be made as needed, using toiles to assess the fit, leaving you with a block that fits you perfectly by the end of the first day. We will then use quarter scale block patterns (which I will provide) to learn how to use this block to create different skirt styles, giving you infinite variety in your wardrobe.
Day 2
We’ll use your block to make a complete pattern for a lined pencil or A-line skirt with a waistband, zip fastening and centre back hem split and make it up in your own fabric.
Experience level – experienced sewists. You need a thorough understanding of classic construction methods as you will have no pattern instructions to follow, and the appropriate sewing skills to make toiles and your finished skirt.
Pattern cutting and toile materials all included.
Skirt fabric, lining and haberdashery should be purchased once your booking is confirmed.
Pattern cutting – follow on workshops available
Trousers
Bodices and blouses, shirts
Jackets
Coats