Cushions, skirts & customising

Here’s some of the work produced by students at my recent classes………

Christina with a cushion cover, complete with zip and piping that she made herself…….

Misa ready for summer with her skirt from the skirt-making workshop…………

And Nicky with some favourite old clothes that she gave a new lease of life at the customising workshop.

I’m sure lots more creative projects await them all now that they’ve started!

See the classes section of my website for details of all classes and workshops and how to book.

New class!!!!

My Drop-in Sewing and Dressmaking classes are proving popular.  I don’t like to turn people away or collect names on waiting lists so I’m starting another class time on Thursday mornings from 10-12, beginning on Thursday 17th March.  I’m glad there are so many people out there who want to be creative and want to make beautiful handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing for themselves, family, friends and kids.

Making your own has got to make you feel better than shopping on the high street.  I don’t know if it’s my age or what, but shopping rarely gives me that buzz anymore.  Also, I want to know where my clothes come from, under what conditions they’re made and like to think that I’m not going to bump into dozens of different versions of me all wearing the same thing!

I’ve currently got people in these classes at all different levels from absolute beginner sewing machine-phobes to more experienced people and they’re making all sorts of stuff from cushion covers to lined coats.  They’re learning all kinds of techniques from making their own piping to making patterns from existing garments and I’m determined to make them all see the benefits of a good bit of tacking!

I think there are lots of happily busy sewing machines now in Brighton.  If yours is still abandoned and lonely in its box in a cupboard, shame on you.  You need to come and join us at a class soon.

To book a class or course email me at post[at]wendyward.co.uk or ring me on 01273 775951.  Single classes are £15, a block of 4 with 6 weeks in which to use them is £50.

Have a read of the Made By section for more information and student reviews of previous classes.

 

Your friend the sewing machine

Another productive day of sewing skirts with a lovely bunch of people.  It was a birthday present for one of the participants – what a great idea.  The day was full of achievements including getting a long neglected sewing machine up and running.  Sewing machines should be sewing up skirts, not abandoned and lonely in cupboards.  Sewing machines need love too you know.

My favourite quote from today was this:

What did you enjoy most about the day?  “Realising my sewing machine is my friend and saying goodbye to Wonderweb.”

Even the word Wonderweb makes my ears bleed.  Throw it in the bin and get your sewing machine out!!!!

No rest for the wicked

Yesterday’s pattern cutting workshop was a great success again – 3 skirts and 1 pair of trousers later! Well done to 4 hardworking students.

The latest pattern cutting course also came to an end last week – a very busy and creative 6 weeks resulting in; a perfectly fitting skirt, a lovely tunic which I can’t wait to see finished, a festival dress and another dress and possible jacket.

No rest for the wicked though, I’m hoping to confirm more workshops for March this week and (due to being almost at maximum capacity and eager potential students forming an orderly waiting list) another Drop-in Sewing & Dressmaking class.

New classes and workshops

Blimey, the year has started at a gallop, but I’m trying to get ahead of myself.  Details of new classes and workshops starting in February below.  I’m getting March dates booked and have Easter in mind……..

As always, if you need more info or would like to discuss in more detail, email me at thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com or give me a ring on 01273 775951.  Look forward to hearing from you.

REGULAR CLASSES & COURSES:

PATTERN-CUTTING – TROUSERS
A 6 week course for beginners and students who have previously drafted skirt patterns.  On this course students who have done some pattern cutting before will draft a trouser block and design and make your own trouser pattern.  Beginners will draft a skirt block and design and make your own skirt pattern.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Thursday 10th March and finishing on 14th April.
• 10am to midday.
• £95 payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).

DROP-IN SEWING – NEW FRIDAY MORNING CLASS!!!
If you’ve bought a sewing machine that’s now gathering dust in a cupboard, or are a more experienced sewer in  need of a bit of help with a new project, a few classes can help set you off in the right direction and boost your confidence.  Come along and make clothes, cushions, curtains, toys, do your own alterations, or whatever takes your fancy!
These classes can either be booked in blocks of 4, or paid per class, giving you the freedom to come to as many or as few as you feel you need.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 5 people.
• Every Friday 10am-12pm.
• Option 1 – £50 for 4 classes payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).   You don’t have to come on 4 consecutive weeks, however, your 4 sessions must be used within 6 weeks of your first class.
• Option 2 – pay per class at £15 each (must be booked and paid for in advance).

WORKSHOPS:

SUNDAY 20TH FEBRUARY – PATTERN-CUTTING WORKSHOP

If you missed the last one, it’s on again – this one-day workshop will teach you how to draft a basic skirt to your own measurements using flat pattern cutting techniques.  Previous students and those who have already drafted a skirt block are also welcome and will work on trousers.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• 11am to 4pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

SUNDAY 27TH FEBRUARY – SKIRT-MAKING WORKSHOP

If you want a focused day of learning to sew, with a lovely end result to show for it, this is the workshop for you.  At this one day intensive workshop you will learn the basics of reading a pattern and using a sewing machine whilst making an a-line skirt.  Pattern provided, just bring some fabric and a zip.  See the impressive results of last month’s workshop at Purl in this post.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 5 people.
• 11am to 4.30pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

Sunday skirt making

What a productive day I had yesterday – a skirt making workshop at Purl with 7 very motivated and hard-working students.

Here they all are beavering away…………………………………………………………

And here’s the fruits of their labours.  Pretty impressive don’t you think?!

3 of them even went home in their new skirts.  Everyone seemed to have come dressed to co-ordinate nicely with their new skirts, so maybe that was the plan!

Thanks to Debbie at Purl for being such a good host.

January classes & courses now booking……

Here are my courses and workshops starting in January.  Contact me for more info, if you have any questions and to book your place on 01273 775951 or email thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com

PATTERN-CUTTING – THE BODICE

A 6 week course for students who have drafted skirt patterns.  On this course you will draft a bodice and sleeve blocks and design and make your own pattern for a simple top or loose jacket.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Thursday 13th January and finishing on 17th February.
• 10am to midday.
• £95 payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).

NEW EVENING CLASS!!  – DROP-IN DRESSMAKING

If you got a sewing machine for Christmas or are a more experienced sewer in need of a bit of help with a new project, a few classes can help set you off in the right direction and boost your confidence.  These classes can either be booked in blocks of 4, or paid per class, giving you the freedom to come to as many or as few as you feel you need.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Starting on Wednesday 12th January.
• 6.30-8.30pm.
• Option 1 – £55 for 4 classes payable before the course starts (can be paid in installments, but must be paid in full by the start of the course).   You don’t have to come on 4 consecutive weeks, however, your 4 sessions must be used within 6 weeks of your first class.
• Option 2 – pay per class at £15 each (must be booked and paid for in advance).

SUNDAY PATTERN-CUTTING WORKSHOP

If you missed the last one, it’s on again – this one-day workshop will teach you how to draft a basic skirt to your own measurements using flat pattern cutting techniques.

• Held at Just Sew in Brighton (33 North Road, in the North Laine).
• Class size limited to 4 people.
• Sunday 23rd January.
• 11am to 4pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

SUNDAY SKIRT-MAKING WORKSHOP

If you want a focussed day of learning to sew, with a lovely end result to show for it, this is the workshop for you.  At this one day intensive workshop you will learn the basics of reading a pattern and using a sewing machine whilst making an a-line skirt.  There’s the option to bring your own sewing machine to this workshop – perfect if you got one for Christmas and haven’t got it threaded up yet…..!

• Held at Purl in Seven Dials in Brighton (16 Upper Hamilton Road).
• Class size limited to 6 people.
• Sunday 30th January.
• 10.30am to 4.30pm.
• £40 payable before the day.

Success in a skirt

Look at these bobby dazzlers.

Impressive what you can do in 6 weeks.  These students:

drafted their own personal skirt blocks, made samples of them to check they fitted (which they did!), learned how to add pleats,  turned a basic skirt into an a-line shape and tulip shape, added pockets, made a waistband, designed their own skirts and made samples of their own skirt designs.

Good job!

Here’s what they thought of it in their own words:

“I have loved it!  Can’t wait until the next course.”

What did you enjoy most about the course?

“All of it!”

“The actual ‘putting it all together’ and seeing that it did fit!”

What did you enjoy least?

“Nothing.”

If you fancy having a go, I’ll be announcing dates for January courses here next week…..and remember, Made by gift vouchers are available in any amount for any last minute presents you need to get and to add to your own Santa list…..

Beginners Skirt-making Workshop

Want to learn to sew? Need a new party skirt? Want to make a present for a friend?

Come to this one day intensive workshop and learn some sewing basics whilst making an a-line skirt.

This workshop will teach you the basics of reading a pattern and using a sewing machine in a relaxed studio environment. The class size is limited to 4 people so you will have plenty of support and help.

WHO IS THE WORKSHOP FOR?
Anyone who wants to learn to use a sewing machine and start making their own clothes. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO BY THE END OF THE WORKSHOP?
* confidently use a sewing machine!
* understand a basic sewing pattern
* make an a-line skirt
* I’ll also show you some easy ways to customise and decorate a simple skirt.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
* yourself!
* if you plan to make a skirt for someone else – bring their waist & hip measurements
* 2m of woven fabric of your choice
* matching colour thread
* 20cm long zip
I will provide you with a pattern and instructions – you don’t need to buy one.

WHERE & WHEN: Sunday 12th December 2010, 10am-4pm, Just Sew on North Rd in the North Laine, Brighton.

PRICE: £45 payable before the course starts.

WHAT SOME OF WENDY’S PREVIOUS STUDENTS HAVE SAID:
“Clear instructions from a patient teacher!”
“Fantastic experience, great teacher, useful skills learnt.”
“I loved the fact that we were taken through each thing step-by-step which made it easy to understand.”

CONTACT: Wendy on 01273 775951 or email thiswasmadeby[at]gmail.com to book your place or ask any questions.

Christmas shopping for the person who has everything

Treat them to a Made by gift voucher.  Or stick one on your own Christmas list!

Available in any amount you want, redeemable against any of my classes.   Contact me for full details.