PRIVATE SEWING LESSONS with The Avid Seamstress
£60.00
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.
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
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LEARN HOW TO USE A SEWING MACHINE & SEW A CUSHION - Various Dates Available
£50.00
This class will introduce aspiring stitchers or those who need a refresher how to use a sewing machine.
In this comprehensive workshop, you'll get sewing machine-savvy and leave with a gorgeous sewn cushion, plus enough knowledge and confidence to start making your own projects at home.
A kit worth £15 will be provided in the workshop which includes the fabric, cushion pad & cushion pattern.
AM and PM dates are available. Please click the dropdown menu for available dates.
What will I learn?
- Machine safety
- Learn the different functions of the sewing machine
- Threading the machine
- Winding a bobbin
- Tension
- Changing a needle, needle position, needle size
- Mastering sewing machine speed control
- Sewing straight lines, curves and corners
- Sewing seams (understanding seam allowance)
- Finishing seams and reverse stitching
- Using a seam ripper
- How to use the overlocking (serging) stitch on a sewing machine
- Top-stitching
- Care of your machine and troubleshooting
Venue: Avid Seamstress Studio. 20 Island Centre Way, Enfield, EN3 6GS. For directions and venue information please click here.
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.
About your teacher:
Lisa Falconer is a sewing teacher and the seamstress behind The Avid Seamstress pattern company. You can find Lisa online at The Avid Seamstress.
Skills needed: This class is designed for absolute beginners or those that need a refresher.
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 - Various Dates Available
£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:
- Sat 28 November 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 23 January 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 20 February 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Tues 9 March 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 20 March 10am-1pm / 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) - Various Dates Available
£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.
Overlocking courses:
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:
- Sat 28 November 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 23 January 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 20 February 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Tues 9 March 10am-1pm / 2-5pm
- Sat 20 March 10am-1pm / 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.
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