MIY Workshop takes shape

So, here’s the sign, logo, name for my new shop and here’s some of the progress being made over the last few weeks….

Amazing what a lick of paint expertly applied by Nicky (one of my students who also happens to be a decorating demon) can do!

Here’s the front room – now the “Sewing Room” complete with new screens, new lights, freshly painted, new cupboard doors and on site labourer (aka my dad!).

Labourer number 2 looking like he’s sawn off his thumb (luckily he didn’t)…..

….and the fruits of his labours in progress – some lockers in the “Cutting Room”.

And the view from the street.

So, MIY Workshop is on track for being open on Tuesday 10th January.  The first class will be Tuesday evening at 6.30pm.

There’s going to be classes and workshops as before, but more of them.  You will also be able to hire sewing machines and use of the 2.4m long cutting  table by the hour – I have 5 brand new Janome Sewist sewing machines, 2 brand new Bernina 1008 sewing machines and a Babylock embellisher.

You will also be able to become a member of MIY Workshop.

I’m working on a comprehensive timetable and price list as we speak.  Exciting isn’t it?!!

I hope to see some of you working on your creations soon.

 

MIY Workshop

If you live in Brighton you might have walked past what used to be Just Sew (33 North Road) in the last few days and noticed it starting to look a bit like everyone had moved out.

Don’t panic!  Everyone has moved out temporarily and I’m taking it over and running it myself.  From January it will be reincarnated as MIY Workshop (Make It Yourself Workshop).

I’m having tomorrow and Boxing Day off but then will be in there with rubber gloves, paint brush and hammer in hand (along with some willing glamorous assistants) getting everything ship shape for the 2nd week of January.

2012 will see plenty of new developments for MIY Workshop and Wendy Ward.

I can’t wait!

More industrious students

December has proved a very productive month for my students, here’s a few more creations from recent classes and workshops:

First up my Alterations students at the Friends Centre.  Here we’ve got skirts made from trousers, customising with appliqué, dresses and skirts altered to fit better and shortened jeans.  And that’s only a small selection of what they achieved in 10 weeks.

Two students from my Drop-in Sewing & Dressmaking classes; Joy in a beautiful cashmere wool coat that was a labour of love with bound buttonholes, handmade shoulder pads and fully lined in silk, and Brenda in another silk frock made from a pattern taken from a favourite dress.

Productive results of the “Make your own Christmas Gifts” Sunday workshop; an apron, 2 cushion covers and a make-up bag.  Pretty good for a day’s sewing.

And students from Varndean in their perfectly fitting skirt toiles after my pattern cutting workshop.  Why they were so surprised that the skirts fitted so well, I don’t know!

Creations from recent Drop-in Sewing and Dressmaking classes

I keep meaning to upload more photographs of my students’ work as the variety and quality of what they produce always impresses me.  So, here’s a few to impress you.

Brenda in a silk frock that she made by taking a pattern from an old favourite dress.

Ela in a sunny skirt made from a bought pattern.

Kate in her winter skirt made from a bought pattern.

Jen’s creative use for her old band t-shirts!  Better than keeping them in a bag under the bed.

Good aren’t they?!

Very Impressed

That’s what I was after today’s “Sewing with Knits Winter Workshop”.  I had five very industrious students and we spent a lovely cosy day in the workshop while town was full of Christmas shopping madness in the gloom.

With a choice of 5 different styles of garment to make, here’s what today’s students produced:

A sparkly cowl neck top, a stripey cardi, a cosy shrug, a Bloomsbury inspired cardi and a bold dogstooth check cardi.

Feeling festive

It never normally happens to me but, it’s true, the festive feelings got their hooks into me a couple of weeks ago.  I’ve bought mini Christmas trees, been caught admiring festive mugs and made this…

I decided to add a stocking to the list of things to make at my “Make your own Christmas Gifts” workshop in December.  I don’t normally do such “kitsch” stuff, but have to admit I quite enjoyed making this one!

Stuck for Christmas presents?

For the past week I’ve had the dreaded lurgy that always seems to get me at this time of year, so have had to endure a bit of enforced quiet downtime.  Watching TV on my laptop in bed curled up with Gypsy dog made it a bit more bearable, but I find it hard to do and annoying that it only ever happens when I’m busy!

Anyway enough of me moaning, although I wasn’t able to teach as I had hardly any voice left, I was able to catch up with a few jobs at home so I’m hoping to upload a flurry of information and news in the next few days.

First up, I’ve already had enquiries and purchases of my gift vouchers this year.  I think they’d make a great present (but I would wouldn’t I?!).  A present that could last a lifetime.

To purchase a voucher or find out more information contact me here.

First birthday

I missed it!  I wrote my first post on this website last year on the 17th of October.  A year ago on the 4th of November the first “Made By” class was taught.  I’m shocked that a year has gone by!

Well, it’s been a busy year and my classes are proving successful.  I’ve learned a lot, I’ve made a lot and I’ve enjoyed it, with only a few hair-pulling moments…

So, what next?

There are lots of exciting developments going on, most of which are still under wraps for a teeny bit longer.

Happy birthday to me!

And thanks to all of you x

Another evening class…

…due to not enjoying putting people on waiting lists when they’re keen to get creating I’ve added another evening slot for my weekly Drop-in Sewing & Dressmaking classes.

You can now join lovely like-minded people and create something out of nothing on Tuesday evenings 6.30pm-8.30pm.  Same venue; Just Sew, 33 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YB.  Suitable for all levels of sewing ability, numbers limited to just five people.  Full details here scroll down the page to “Current Classes”.

Sunday Workshop Dates

Four dates for Sunday workshops to plan before Christmas, not so difficult you might think.  Well, I’ve been ummming and ahhhing and talking to students and friends and here’s the end result; an assortment of popular workshops which have run before and some new ones.  I’m sure I won’t please everyone with this selection but hey, there’s always 2012!

Sunday 30th October – Pattern Cutting Workshop

Suitable for beginners and students who have previously drafted skirt or trouser patterns.  At this workshop beginners will draft a skirt block and pattern and make a skirt toile (sample).  Students who have done some pattern cutting before will draft a trouser block and make a trouser toile.  Students who have previously drafted a trouser block with me will draft a one-piece dress block.
•    Class size limited to 4 people.
•    11am to 4pm.
•    £40 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 20th November – How to use your Sewing Machine Workshop

Another date for this popular workshop.  The day is aimed at beginners to find your way around a sewing machine including; different stitches, changing the tension, the different settings, cleaning, changing needles, changing feet, threads, using different fabrics and of course threading and sewing!
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    11am to 3pm.
•    £35 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 4th December – Sewing with Knits Winter Workshop

A winter version of the workshop I ran for the first time in August.  Sewing with stretchy jersey fabrics can be tricky on a domestic sewing machine, so at this workshop I’ll show you the best ways to cut and sew knitted fabrics.  I’ll provide you with a choice of long sleeved winter patterns specifically designed for jersey fabrics for you to whip up something to wear by the end of the day. All you need to bring is some jersey fabric of your choice and matching thread.  This workshop is not suitable for complete beginners.
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    10.30am to 4.30pm.
•    £45 payable in advance to confirm your space.

Sunday 11th December – Make your own Christmas Gifts Workshop

Everyone loves a handmade gift.  At this workshop you will be able to make a choice of gifts and stocking fillers ranging from soft toys to make-up bags and aprons.  I’ll provide all the patterns, you just need to bring the fabric.  Suitable for all levels of ability, but you need to be able to use a sewing machine to get the most out of the day.
•    Class size limited to 5 people.
•    10.30am to 4.30pm.
•    £45 payable in advance to confirm your space.

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.