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.
Please contact me by email (lois@bluebell-design.com) to discuss your requirements and check availability.
All classes are age 16+
Absolute Beginners – one to one lesson
Learn to use your 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 will leave you feeling confident with your own machine.
Experience level – beginner.
3 hours – £60
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
Work independently in my studio. You get the use of the facilities and some of my specialist equipment. Bring your own sewing machine (or book a studio machine), your sewing pattern, kit and fabric.
You will be working on your own and will have the use of my large cutting tables, pressing station, and (if you have the relevant experience) overlocker & embellisher machines, as well as unlimited hot drinks. Bring a friend and have a “sewcial” morning or afternoon.
£8 per hour
Soft furnishings – machine sewn lined curtains
Half day workshop. Learn how to measure up for, calculate your fabric requirements and make lined machine sewn curtains with tape headings.
Experience level – competent sewists
3 hours – £80 per person. Cost includes materials for a finished sample sized lined curtain.
Soft furnishings – machine made roman blinds
Full day / 2 x half day workshop. Learn how to measure up, calculate fabric requirements and pleats, and then make a lined roman blind using your sewing machine.
Experience level – competent sewists
6 hours total – £190 per person. Cost includes all materials to make a finished sample sized roman blind.
Soft furnishings – zipped and piped cushion cover
4 hour workshop. Learn how to create your own piping and make a square cushion cover with an in-seam zip fastening.
Experience level – competent to experienced sewists
£60 per person. Includes cushion pad and piping cord.
You must purchase your own fabric and co-ordinating zip.
Crafting – embellished keepsake box
Full day / 2 x half day workshop.
Make a small fabric keepsake box. Discover hand and machine embroidery, applique and unleash your inner artist.
Experience level – competent sewists
6 hours – £120 per person. All materials included.
Crafting – japanese knot bag
Morning or afternoon 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.
Experience level – competent sewists
2 hours – £40.
You will need to bring fabric and lining.
Pattern cutting – SKIRT drafting
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.
Full cost of 2 day workshop – £400
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