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 fairly 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, how to sew straight lines, curves and all the other little bits that make up the building blocks of any sewing project.
We will make at least one small project during your session, so you’ll leave with something to show for all your hard work.
All materials, equipment and sewing machines are provided for use in class. This is perfect if you’re just starting out and trying sewing for the first time, and aren’t yet sure if you want to commit to such a big expense.
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 my studio cutting and sewing space.
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 cut and make self 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 synthetic filled cushion pad and a length of 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.
Flat pattern cutting workshop
Learn how to draft a flat SKIRT pattern to your own measurements – £400
2 x full day workshops (10am – 5pm) with a short break for lunch on each day.
Experience level – able to use a sewing machine confidently.
Day 1
Start pattern cutting with a basic SKIRT block (straight skirt) made to your own measurements. This is classic pattern cutting, using your actual measurements and pencil & paper to create a starter pattern for you as an individual. A sample garment will then be made in cotton, and the fit adjusted to suit you. You’ll be shown how to apply those adjustments to the flat pattern and then re-sample.
Finally you will learn, using miniature scale patterns, how to restyle your basic block into various different skirt styles.
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 split (for the straight skirt) 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.
Materials for pattern cutting and test garments are included in your price, but you will have to purchase suitable fabrics and fastenings for your final garment. You are also welcome to bring your own sewing machine if you’d like to.
Pattern cutting – follow on workshops available
Trousers
Bodices, blouses and shirts
Jackets
Coats