Summer Fashion & Making (16+) - Shorts (2 Days)

Join us this summer at The Avid Seamstress Summer Fashion School and create your own pair of stylish shorts while learning the sewing skills and techniques to confidently make your own clothes.

Perfect for holidays, relaxing at home or sunny summer days, these comfortable shorts are a wardrobe staple you'll enjoy wearing again and again.

Over two relaxed, creative days, you'll build confidence using your sewing machine, learn how to use an overlocker for a beautiful professional finish, and leave with a handmade garment you'll be proud to wear.

With a maximum of just six makers, you'll enjoy plenty of individual guidance in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Our workshops are designed to be enjoyable as well as educational, giving you the time and space to slow down, learn new skills and enjoy the process of making.

At a Glance

Age: 16+

Duration: 2 days

Time: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm each day

Group Size: Maximum 6 makers

Skill Level: Some sewing experience. You should already feel comfortable using a sewing machine, including threading the machine and sewing basic stitches, or have attended one of our Learn to Sew workshops. We'll teach you lots of new skills during the workshop.

What's Included

• Expert tuition throughout both days

• Plenty of individual support

• Use of studio machines or bring your own sewing machine

• Water, biscuits and cake plus a range of tea's / herbal tea's

• Beautiful countryside studio

• Free parking

Sew with Janome

We're delighted to partner with Janome, one of the world's leading sewing machine manufacturers, for our studio workshops.

Our studio is fully equipped with Janome 230DC sewing machines and Janome MyLock 454D overlockers, allowing every maker to learn and sew on high-quality machines throughout the workshop.

Whether you're completely new to sewing or looking to build your confidence, using the same machines means demonstrations are easy to follow and you'll spend more time sewing and less time troubleshooting.

There's no need to bring your own sewing machine unless you would prefer to. Simply arrive ready to create - we'll provide everything you need.

Fabric & Materials

We'll be in touch before the workshop with a carefully chosen selection of fabrics and matching threads that are perfect for these shorts. We have a gorgeous range of fabrics that is perfect for this top.

You'll be able to purchase your chosen fabric and thread directly from us before the workshop, so everything is ready for your arrival. We'll also send the body measurement chart to help you choose the correct size before you begin.

The Pattern

For this workshop, we'll be making a pair of shorts using The Avid Seamstress Pyjama Bottoms pattern, adapted into comfortable summer shorts.

This versatile pattern is a fantastic introduction to garment making and includes techniques that you'll use time and time again in future sewing projects.

The pattern is available in an inclusive size range from UK 6–22 (or amend if different). Before the workshop, we'll send you the body measurement chart so you can choose the size you'd like to make and prepare your pattern with confidence.

During the workshop, you'll work from a full-size pattern. You'll also receive your own copy of The Avid Seamstress Pyjama Bottoms pattern to keep, so you can make full-length pyjama bottoms, shorts and experiment with different fabrics long after the workshop has finished.

What You'll Bring

• Use your sewing machine or use one of ours.

• Lunch & a drink, or enjoy a visit to nearby Chettle Farm Shop, where you can pick up lunch, coffee or a sweet treat during the day.

Good to Know

Our workshops are designed to be relaxed, welcoming and supportive.

Many people arrive on their own and worry they'll be the least experienced in the room -but that couldn't be further from the truth. Every workshop brings together a mix of abilities, and that's part of what makes them so special. You'll be encouraged to sew at your own pace, ask questions, share ideas and celebrate each other's progress.

If you're bringing your own sewing machine, please ensure it is clean, well-maintained and safe to use. 

Make It a Set

Why not pair your handmade shorts with our Tie Front Top workshop?

Book both workshops to create a beautiful handmade co-ord set that's perfect for holidays, summer days or relaxing at home. You'll continue building your garment-making skills while leaving with a complete handmade outfit you'll be proud to wear.

👉 View the Tie Front Top workshop here.

Location

The Avid Seamstress Studio
Chettle, Dorset, DT11 8DB

Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside, our purpose-built studio is a peaceful place to step away from everyday life and spend two inspiring days creating something you'll enjoy wearing for years to come.