LEARN TO USE (AND LOVE) YOUR OVERLOCKER - 2024 - Various Dates Available
£85.00
If you are looking for a workshop that will teach you the ins and outs of your overlocker, you are in the right place. Spend the day at our gorgeous studio with Amanda from Cotton Onto Sewing demystifying these incredible machines.
Amanda has created an incredible workshop and with her wealth of experience, seamstresses all over the country are falling in love with their overlockers and feeling super confident threading and understanding how they work.
All you need is your overlocker (and lunch), even if it's still in the box and untouched. We'll provide everything else you need on the day and you will leave with a folder full of samples and knowledge.
What we'll cover in the day:
Morning Session
- Introduction
- Amanda's overlocker samples and how an overlocker works
- Threads, needles and knives
- Looking at the overlocker
- Changing a thread colour
- 4-Thread
- 3-Thread
- Stitch finger
- Rolled hem
- Width adjuster
- Turning corners
- Circular sewing
- Tieing off ends
- Unpicking an overlocked stitch
Lunch and then Afternoon Session
- Sewing with stretch
- Guides on your machine
- Differential feed
- Decorative hemming
- Flat locking
- Pressure dial
- Cleaning your machine
- Changing back to your thread
- Presser feet
WOW, yes we fit this all into one day. Amanda has rave reviews for her workshops and we are super excited to host these overlocker workshops with Amanda.
Overlocker machines:
We have one machine that can be borrowed at a first come first served basis. If you do not have an overlocker, please email us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk to see if our one is available. Otherwise, please let us know the make and model of your machine once booked.
Skills needed: This class is designed for absolute beginners or those that need a refresher.
Teacher: Amanda - Cotton Onto Sewing
Amanda is on a quest to become the Queen of Overlocking and, with the incredible reviews we have heard about her workshops, we believe she already owns the title. Amanda spent 13 years working at a clothing alteration shop and learned incredible sewing skills. She then branched out to become self-employed and launched Cotton Onto Sewing. Amanda has an incredible energy and passion.
Timings:
10am - 430pm
Tea, coffee & water plus biscuits/fruit will be provided. Please bring lunch as there are no shops nearby to purchase lunch. You are welcome to keep your food in our fridge and use our microwave.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. First Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Policies
By booking a workshop you are agreeing to our Workshop Policy, Covid Policy and T&Cs
If you have any questions please send us an email at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk or use our handy contact form here
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PRIVATE SEWING LESSONS with The Avid Seamstress (2 Hours)
£55.00
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
Our founder, Lisa Falconer, has been an avid sewist since childhood. She loves to spend time in her studio developing sewing patterns and teaching the incredible art of sewing.
Lisa’s mantra is “enjoy the whole journey; she will teach you how to enjoy each stage of creating a garment, from preparing the fabric, pinning and cutting to finally sewing. Each of these are integral parts of the process, and she loves to inspire an appreciation for each of these stages. She’ll teach you essential skills, tips and tricks, and you’ll have a great time along the way.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. First Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Policies
By booking 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
The Sewing Workshop Event - 2, 3 or 4 day options - October 2024
Sold Out
Oh boy, do we have something fun planned for you. We know that your lovely sewing hobby sometimes just doesn't get enough time does it? You're often pulled away from your sewing machine by the day to day chores and to do list.
We're opening our studio so that you can leave your cares behind and come and sew to your hearts content with us in our beautiful studio.
Perhaps you are a beginner and would love to create something taking your time and picking up lots of tips along the way. Perhaps you are making your first fully lined coat or blazer and really want to slow down and enjoy each step without having to set it aside till your next opportunity to sew.
Over the course of four days Thursday 10, Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October our studio is open for you to enjoy. Both Lisa, our founder, and Amanda from Cotton Onto Sewing, will be there guiding you along the way.
Choose from two days, three days or join the whole four day experience.
We're including a light lunch, endless tea & coffee, fruit and treats so that all you need to think about is what you are going to make.
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION available - email hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk. Payment Plan info here.
The Workshop options:
- 2 Day Workshop - Thursday 10 & Friday 11 October
- 2 Day Weekend Workshop - Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October
- 3 Day Workshop - Thursday 10, Friday 11 & Saturday 12 October (includes a 10% discount)
- 4 Day Workshop - Thursday 10, Friday 11, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October (includes a 15% discount)
The Workshop Details
We're including an Avid Seamstress sewing pattern for you to create at the workshop. This workshop covers all levels of sewing - we have students making their first garment to seasoned sewists making coats and blazers.
You can choose one of the following sewing patterns:
Beginner
✂ The Pyjama Bottoms (these are great day/evening trousers too)
✂ The Sheath Dress
Confident Beginner - Intermediate (perfect for those that have made a few garments and are ready to try something new (buttonholes/concealed zips).
✂✂ The Blouse
✂✂ The Jumpset
✂✂ The Raglan Dress or Top
✂✂ The Gathered Dress
✂✂ The Culottes
✂✂ The Day Dress
✂✂ The City Trousers
✂✂ The Sun Dress
✂✂ The A-Line Dress
✂✂ The Wimborne Coat (this is such a super coat for beginners and those more advanced too)
Strong Intermediate (perfect for those that are confident following a sewing pattern and just need support at the tricky parts)
✂✂✂ The Everyday Shirt
✂✂✂ The Coat
✂✂✂ The Blazer
If you would like to chat through which sewing pattern would be suitable please contact us at hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
You'll receive your own printed sewing pattern in advance and, in some cases, be able to try on the sample before the workshop.
With two teachers supporting you along every step of the way, the max will be 7 for each day.
Workshop timings
All days will start at 10am and finish at 5pm.
We’ll have a break for lunch and will serve a selection of sandwiches (veggie options) & fruit plus a lovely selection of cakes will be offered in the afternoon. If you have a specific dietary requirement please do let us know.
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions.
What you need to bring:
Depending on the date options picked, we'll liaise with you on any pre-workshop pre required. We can help you with fabric choice and fitting guides.
- Sewing machine (we have two machines that can be borrowed)
- Overlocker (we do have two overlockers that will be set up and available to use)
- Fabric - prewashed (if required)
- Haberdashery for your project (zip / button)
- Matching thread
- Your own set of pins
-
Fabric chalk
The Avid Seamstress. Ground Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Plenty of free parking available.
Policies
By booking 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
Trouser Fitting Masterclass - 2024 - Sat 12 July - One Day
£225.00
Got the technical skills pinned down, but perfecting that fit causing you issues? This trouser masterclass is dedicated to perfecting your fitting technique, giving you the skills to apply to all your trouser projects hereon. Taught by our Avid Seamstress pattern cutter, Tamara, this course will give you the skills to adapt your trouser patterns to fit YOU. Only 4 spaces available.
Common trouser fitting issues:
- Lengthening/shortening crotch
- Lengthening/shortening rise
- Full tummy adjustment
- Swayback
- Full/flat seat adjustment
- Waistband adjustments
- Calf / thigh adjustment
- Leg adjustments
Each person will receive a printed trouser fitting guide to keep.
We'll use The City Trousers as our base as we already have the garment made up in all the sizes UK6-22 so you can try on the different sizes.
You'll learn how to:
✂ Take accurate measurements
✂ Make a muslin/toile
✂ Evaluate Fit
✂ Learn about fitting adjustments
You’ll make a muslin/toile and then Tamara will work with you to look at the fitting adjustments you need. We are keeping the numbers to 4 for these workshops so that you receive 1:1 time with Tamara and Lisa to obtain the perfect fit.
Please note that this is a fitting workshop and you will only be making the garment out of toile fabric. The focus for this weekend is fit. You’ll take home a pattern that has been adjusted to fit you perfectly.
If you wish to sew the trousers with you us you can join a Sewing Weekend and we'll provide you with a 15% discount voucher to redeem against the Sewing Weekend cost.
We are pleased to offer a payment plan for this workshop. Please contact hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk if you would like to set up a payment plan.
Class size
The class size for this workshop will be a maximum of 4. Each person will have their own space to work from.
About your teacher - Tamara Green
Coming from a fashion family its was inevitable that Tamara would follow in their footsteps. Growing up in the 80’s, Tamara would accompany her father to delivery his patterns to all the factories in the East End of London, igniting her love for pattern cutting.
Having worked in the industry for over 20 years and for both high street and designer brands, Tamara's excellent pattern cutting has formed the foundation for The Avid Seamstress sewing patterns that you have love.
Working with our founder, Lisa, turning her designs into patterns, Tamara's passion for clothes and fit is evident in our great fitting garments.
Workshop timings
This workshop will start at 10am and finish at 530/6pm.
We’ll have a break for lunch and a lovely selection of cakes will be offered in the afternoon.
Should you be travelling far and need suggestions for local hotels, please contact us for suggestions. We suggest that hotels are held on a fully refundable basis through Booking.com This avoids any disappointment if the workshop is cancelled out of our control.
What you need to bring:
- Sewing machine (or borrow one of ours)
- Haberdashery - sewing pins, fabric marker or chalk, unpicker, 250m reel of thread
Sewing machines:
Various sewing machines will be provided, however, we promote people bringing their own sewing machines. 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.
Venue:
The Avid Seamstress. First Floor, High Lea Business Centre, Witchampton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AA. For more info on our venue click here
Policies
By booking 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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