AVID SEAMSTRESS WORKSHOPS
PRIVATE SEWING LESSONS with The Avid Seamstress (2 Hours)
£50.00
Every so often we all get stuck with our current sewing project. Regardless of how long you have been sewing or even if you can’t use a sewing machine at all, sometimes we all would appreciate that expert in the room to show us what to do.
Our 1-2-1 Workshops are designed to cater to what you need.
Your two-hour session will help you get to grips with what’s troubling you, support you in making amazing progress with your project, or the beginning of your journey in learning how to sew AND leave you with the confidence to continue on your own.
Once you have booked your session we will plan and tailor the time together to focus on the areas that you would like to develop.
Recent 1-2-1 workshops have included:
- Learning to use a sewing machine
- Learning how to use an overlocking machine
- Reading and understanding a sewing pattern of your choice
- Tackling a particular part of a pattern/sewing project such as sleeves or zips
- Learning how to create beautiful buttonholes
- Making one of our Avid Seamstress patterns under our expert guidance
Day, evening and weekend times are available.
Adult and children’s lessons available.
Once your workshop is booked we will get in touch to confirm the date and time or this can be pre-agreed before booking.
TEACHER
Lisa teaches the Beginners workshop, The Drop Sleeve Top workshop, The Blazer workshop plus the private sewing lessons whether in person or virtually.
VENUE
Lessons take place at our gorgeous studio in Enfield, North London:
- Free on-site parking
- Tesco & pharmacy
Driving.
Satnav EN3 6GS
Train.
The nearest train station is Enfield Lock, 25 minutes from Liverpool Street.
Bus.
Travel by bus from Enfield Lock station.
Taking the bus is an easy 8 minute journey, just 4 stops from Enfield Lock station.
On leaving the bus stop (labelled B) take the 121 towards Enfield Island Village. Disembark at the fourth stop; Canal Side Walk. Cross the bridge over the canal and come into the units – we are located in the courtyard at number 20.
Any questions email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk or call Lisa 07983 413 929
Virtual Private lesson (price per hour)
£30.00
Every so often we all get stuck with our sewing project and would love to have someone to talk it through. However, with Covid restrictions, locations, or time zones it can be hard to get to an in-person lesson.
Our virtual private lessons are designed to cater to what you need. We'll connect via Zoom or Whatsapp Video to help you get to grips with your project.
Examples of what can be covered:
- Learning to use a sewing machine
- Reading and understanding a sewing pattern
- Tackling a particular part of a pattern/sewing project
- Making one of our Avid Seamstress patterns
Day, evening and weekend times are available. Adult and children’s lessons available.
Each lesson is one hour.
If you are unsure of how long you need or whether we can help you, please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk and we can work together to find a solution.
Once your workshop is booked we will get in touch to confirm the date and time .
TEACHER
Lisa teaches the Beginners workshop, The Drop Sleeve Top workshop, The Blazer workshop plus the private sewing lessons whether in person or virtually.
MAKE A BEAUTIFUL BLOUSE - FULL DAY
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Join us for a fun day making one of our most popular sewing patterns, The Blouse.
Every woman‘s wardrobe needs that go-to top that is stylish and easy to wear. Our sewing pattern, The Blouse, is such a versatile make you‘ll be wearing this all year round. Made using lightweight fabrics, The Blouse offers an alternative option to the traditional shirt.
With an elegant stand collar and three-quarter length sleeves, The Blouse is loosely fitted providing practical ease and comfort for your day-to-day activities while being chic enough to wear in the evening or at the weekend.
The Blouse is made without darts and includes a button placket, collar and elasticated cuffs making it ideal for confident beginners looking to sew their first blouse.
What you’ll learn
Believing strongly in the importance of preparation, Naomi will teach you sewing skills that can use in all your future sewing projects, such as:
- how to lay a pattern correctly
- a great pinning method
- applying interfacing including the garment industry’s method of ‘block fusing’
- the importance of cutting correctly and cutting skills
- seam allowances and how to use your sewing machine for accuracy
- perfect set-in sleeves
- constructing and sewing a mandarin collar
- creating beautiful buttonholes
Naomi will teach you how to fully cut and construct The Blouse showing you lots of tips and skills that you can easily use in all your sewing projects.
You’ll have the opportunity to try on our Blouse toiles to see the fit before you start cutting the sewing pattern. We’ll cut out the pattern, fabric and sew this beautiful garment together under the expert eye of your teacher, Naomi.
Pattern sizes - UK 6 - UK 22
Skill level - Students must be proficient at using a sewing machine and have some basic sewing skills.
What you need to bring:
- 2m of lightweight woven fabric of your choice (cotton lawn, rayon, crepe etc) – if you need help choosing a fabric please contact us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk. Please don’t choose a fabric that is difficult to work with. Once you have made The Blouse you can always make it again in a more difficult fabric.
- Matching thread
- 8 matching buttons (9mm)
- own set of pins
- pencil and rubber
- fabric chalk
Sewing machines:
Various sewing machines will be provided, however, we promote people bringing their own sewing machine. If you are bringing your own sewing machine, please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk after booking so that we can confirm your machine is suitable. If you bring your own machine, please bring an empty bobbin for the machine and all the parts that came with the machine. Don’t forget the foot pedal and cords.
Suggested Fabrics:
Perfect in cottons and other lightweight fabrics that are soft. Viscose is fine if you are confident sewing with this fabric. We are happy to help you select fabric.
Class size:
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 4. Each person will have their own space to work from and will be provided with a kit (paper & fabric scissors, pencil and measuring tape) to use in the workshop.
Sewing machines are available but we suggest that, if possible, you bring your own sewing machine to this workshop.
Please note that we need a minimum of 4 for this workshop to go ahead.
Workshop Timings:
The day will begin at 10am and finish at 6pm to allow you plenty of time to make the garment and have a break for lunch.
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions.
Teacher Bio:
Naomi Skull is a self-taught seamstress who runs a small bridal dressmaking and alterations business from her home in Guildford. She has been a patron at many a sewing course over the years, so understands what students need and will benefit from. Most recently she studied Bridalwear at London College of Fashion. Naomi currently teaches students of all different levels from basic sewing skills to more advanced dressmaking techniques. She has a real passion for passing on the skills that she has learned over the years and seeing the joy that sewing and creating can bring to anyone, no matter what age or experience they have.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY.
By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
LEARN TO SEW KNICKERS WITH CHARLOTTE NEWLAND - Various Dates Available
£50.00
In this fun class, you'll learn to make a pair of cute and comfy knickers using stretch knit fabric and fold over elastic.
Knickers are an awesome way to bust your stash of knit fabric scraps. You may never buy knickers from a shop again! Plus pick up tips on sewing with knits and using fold over elastic that you can apply to other projects.
You will need:
- 0.5 metres of cotton/spandex blend stretch jersey knit fabric (this will be enough for several pairs, but we will only make one in class)
- 2.5m fold over elastic
- Matching polyester thread
- the pattern (this is a free pdf pattern - we can explain how to obtain the pattern once you are booked onto the workshop)
- Stretch sewing needle
- Sewing machine that can sew zigzag stitches.
We'll send you further info on the measurements before the workshop. If you need help choosing your fabric & haberdashery, we are happy to help. Email us at hello@theavidseamstress once you have booked on the workshop.
About The Pattern - Acacia Underwear
We use the Acacia underwear pattern by Megan Nielsen in this class.
Low rise bikini cut underwear. Pattern features gusset with fully enclosed seams, comfortable fit and ample coverage.
Sizing: 0-20 & 14-30 (see image for sizing)
Sewing machines:
If you have a sewing machine, please bring it to this workshop.
If you are bringing your own sewing machine, please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk after booking so that we can confirm your machine is suitable. If you bring your own machine, please bring an empty bobbin for the machine and all the parts that came with the machine. Don’t forget the foot pedal and cords.
We do have a few machines that can be used if you don't have a machine but they must be pre-booked.
Class size:
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 6.
Please note that we need a minimum of 4 for this workshop to go ahead.
Timings:
This is a three hour workshop. Dates are available in the dropdown menu.
Teacher Bio:
Charlotte Newland is an accomplished dressmaker, quilter and all-round crafter. She is the winner of the Great British Sewing Bee 2016 and her quilts have received awards at QuiltCon and the Blogger's Quilt Festival. She lives in London with her husband, kids, dog, cat and sewing machines. Charlotte can be found online at charlottenewland.com
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY.
By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
OVERLOCKER #1 - INTRODUCTION TO OVERLOCKING - SATURDAY 12 JUNE
£45.00
Join us to learn how to love your overlocker and use it with confidence.
This 3-hour course is aimed at those that have recently purchased an overlocker or those who have one that is still in its box!
You will learn:
- threading a 4 thread overlocker
- change needles
- enable/disable the knife
- adjust the tension
- use the differential feed for different stitches
- clean and maintain your overlocker
- use your overlocker accessories and different feet
You will leave with a number of samples on woven and stretch fabric and the knowledge with which to use your overlocker with confidence. You can then join our follow up workshop to make your first garment using your overlocker or do both courses in one day.
You'll need to bring:
You will need to bring with you your overlocker and power cable, a printed copy of your overlocker manual, and your overlocker accessories.
Overlocker sewing machines:
We suggest that you bring your overlocker machine so that you can learn how to use it. There is free parking and it's a short walk to the unit so don't worry about carrying it. We have one machine that can be used should you not have an overlocker machine and joining the workshop to try one out before you buy. This machine is on a first come first serve basis so it's important that you email us before booking to see if it is available - hello@theavidsemtress.co.uk
Venue: Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
What will be next after attending this workshop?
Once you have joined this workshop you can attend our follow-up workshop making your first garment with your overlocker in our MAKE A TILLY & THE BUTTONS AGNES TOP workshop.
Fancy a fun day learning how to use your overlocker and making the top? We have both of these courses running on the same day on these dates. Should you wish to book both courses on either of these dates, email us and we'll provide you with a 15% discount for the day:
- Sat 12 Jun Overlocking #1 10am-1pm / Overlocking #2 2-5pm
About your teacher:
Penny Follows has been teaching for a number of years at John Lewis, RayStitch and from her studio in Chesham. Penny was fortunate to be taught to sew at school by two enthusiastic teachers and also at home by her mother and two grandmothers. She started to make her own clothes at aged eight. Penny now makes bespoke clothing for her clients when she isn't teaching.
Workshop policies:
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY. By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
OVERLOCKER #2 - MAKE A TILLY & THE BUTTONS TOP USING YOUR OVERLOCKER (includes pattern) - SATURDAY 12 JUNE
£60.00
- choose the right size to to make
- pin and cut out jersey fabric
- how to sew a seam on your overlocker
- how to apply a neck band to your top
- use a twin needle to for a professional finish
You'll need to bring:
You will need to bring with you your overlocker and power cable, a printed copy of your overlocker manual, and your overlocker accessories, plus:
-
Fabric:
115cm wide fabric - you'll need 1.5m for sizes 1-5 or 2.3m for sizes 6-8
147cm wide fabric - you'll need 1.5m for all sizes - Matching thread
- 25cm x 6-8mm wide clear elastic, ribbon or stay tape to stabilise the shoulders
- Ballpoint or stretch needle for your sewing machine
Fabric suggestions - Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics, such as cotton jersey, viscose jersey or wool jersey. Check that the fabric can be stretched crosswise at least 25% wider than its original width.
Don't worry, we'll confirm everything you need to bring and will help you if you are unsure of what to bring and which fabric to choose. If you have any questions on which size to make, please contact us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk.
SUPPLIES
- Fabric – 1.5m (1 5/8 yards) x 147cm (58in) wide for all sizes
OR 1.5m (1 5/8 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide for sizes 1-5
OR 2.3m (2½ yards) x 115cm (45in) wide for sizes 6-8 - Matching thread
- 25cm (10in) x 6-8mm wide clear elastic, ribbon or stay tape to stabilise the shoulders
- Optional: 0.5m (20in) x 5mm wide woven or braided elastic for the ruched sleeves and neckline
- Ballpoint or stretch needle for your sewing machine
Overlocker sewing machines:
We suggest that you bring your overlocker machine so that you can learn how to use it. There is free parking and it's a short walk to the unit so don't worry about carrying it.
Both courses in one day!
Fancy a fun day learning how to use your overlocker and making the Agnes top? We have both of these courses running on the same day on these dates. Should you wish to book both courses on either of these dates, email us and we'll provide you with a 15% discount for the day:
- Sat 12 Jun Overlocking #1 10am-1pm / Overlocking #2 2-5pm
About your teacher:
Penny Follows has been teaching for a number of years at John Lewis, RayStitch and from her studio in Chesham. Penny was fortunate to be taught to sew at school by two enthusiastic teachers and also at home by her mother and two grandmothers. She started to make her own clothes at aged eight. Penny now makes bespoke clothing for her clients when she isn't teaching.
Workshop policies:
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY. By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL SMALL RAFFIA BAG - June 25
£75.00
Get ready for the sun in 2021 or those essential travels that we are all in need of by making your own small raffia bag to add to your sun-wardrobe. The styles are simple and will complement every evening summer outfit you have, and they are easily personalised with your own finishes to brighten them even further.
There are three style options available at the workshop and depends if you travel uber-light with just your lippy and phone…..or perhaps you always want a scarf and paperback with you….. either way you can decide on the day and there will be finished items for you to view and make your best choice.
In this one day workshop, you'll enjoy how relaxing and flexible raffia is to work with. Besides the bags for the workshop, you will see how adaptable raffia can be for larger bags and beautiful hats (to complement your bag perhaps?). Absolutely no previous raffia skills are necessary, this is a workshop which is great for complete beginners. Only basic sewing skills are necessary too.
You will learn:
- How the raffia can be dyed (you work only with natural raffia on the workshop);
- How to sort the raffia, and prepare it for plaiting;
- Plaiting the raffia – right- and left-hand methods shown;
- Trimming and preparing the raffia for sewing;
- Sewing the raffia to your bag shape;
- Finishing the item.
Claire will provide written instructions for all students and will also advise on some further finishes that you might like to consider, e.g. lining your bag.
Skill level:
Complete beginners to raffia craft are very welcome, suitable for all.
What you need to bring with you:
- All raffia and handles will be provided for the course.
- A pair of comfortable sharp scissors that are probably your ‘go-to’ scissors, probably need to be smaller rather than large.
- A thimble if you like to use when you are sewing
Class Size
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 5. Each student will then have sufficient space to work. Please note that we need a minimum of 5 for this workshop to run.
Workshop Timings:
The day will begin at 10am and finish at 4pm, this will allow time for students to work at a comfortable pace. There will be time to take a break for lunch too, and coffee and tea will be ‘on tap’.
About Your Teacher:
Claire has been teaching raffia craft for over 25 years. She learned her craft from a visiting Australian in 1993 and since then has been hooked. Claire exhibits at a number of major and regional events where her focus is on passing on her enthusiasm for raffia. Claire’s work can be found on Facebook and Instagram ‘allthingsraffia’ She lives in Christchurch, Dorset.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY.
By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
GET CREATIVE WITH COTTON CORD; Coasters & Bowls - Various Dates Available
£45.00
Get creative with cotton cord and make a rug for your mug – or a classic coaster for your cocktail glass plus you'll use your new skills to defy gravity turning cord into a small bowl.
What you'll make:
- 2 Coasters
- 1 Bowl
Cotton cord and fabric is supplied.
What you’ll learn:
To complete your first project, you'll use your sewing machine to stitch cotton cord to form a flat coaster finished with a stylish loop. You'll then create a small bowl adding form and function. You’ll also have the opportunity to add decoration with fabric strips wrapped around the cord as you sew.
Skill level/skills required:
This workshop is for people who know how to use straight and zig-zag stitches on their sewing machine, are confident in threading their machine, and winding/changing a bobbin.
Sewing machines:
If you have a sewing machine, please bring it to this workshop. If you are bringing your own sewing machine, please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk after booking so that we can confirm your machine is suitable. If you bring your own machine, please bring an empty bobbin for the machine and all the parts that came with the machine. Don’t forget the foot pedal and cords.
We do have a few machines that can be used if you don't have a machine.
What you’ll need to bring:
This is close work with lots of concentration. Do bring your specs if you wear glasses for sewing/reading.
We will coach you on making the coasters and then build up your skills to form a stitched bowl.
You will make two coasters and a small bowl in this three-hour workshop. You can choose from four coloured cords, or natural coloured cotton cord (as pictured). Neutral thread and a range of fabric strips for wrapping the cord will also be provided.
If you have fabric you would like to use in your project (woven fabrics like cotton and linen work best, stretch fabrics are not suitable) or a specific colour thread, you are welcome to bring these with you.
Each person will have their own space to work from and will be provided with a kit (fabric scissors, pencil and measuring tape) to use in the workshop.
Class size:
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 6.
Please note that we need a minimum of 4 for this workshop to go ahead.
Timings:
10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm depending on dates
Teacher Bio:
Tess just loves to sew and create. She makes great baskets and bowls in cotton cord as well as having an extensive back catalogue of clothes, bags and furnishings. Enthusiastic about the therapeutic nature of sewing, Tess has organised several ‘afterwork clubs’ to teach sewing and other crafts to friends and colleagues. She recently worked in a London fabric and haberdashery store with sewing school where she would fill any teaching gaps and is a pattern tester for The Avid Seamstress.
Take a look at Tessa’s online shop to see more of her cord creations MRS BERRY MAKES
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
Please read our WORKSHOP POLICY and COVID POLICY.
By booking on a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs.
If you have any questions please email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
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