OVERLOCKER #1 - INTRODUCTION TO OVERLOCKING (Beginner) - Various Dates
£89.00
Join us to learn how to love your overlocker (or one of ours) 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! If you are thinking about buying an overlocker but don't have one yet, you are welcome to use on of ours to try it out.
What will you 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 of overlocking on woven and stretch fabric and the knowledge with which to use your overlocker with confidence. You can then join our follow up workshop Overlocker #2 - Make A Garment With Your Overlocker to make your first garment using your overlocker or do both courses in one day. We'll provide a discount should you wish to join both workshops.
What you 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 studio so don't worry about carrying it (we can help too). We have two machines 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 they are available - hello@theavidseamstress.co.uk
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 OVERLOCKER #2 Make A Garment With Your Overlocker workshop.
Both courses in one day!
We have both of these courses running on the same day. Should you wish to join both courses, you'll receive a 15% discount (new price for both £89.25) and can also use our payment plan for workshops priced more than £65. Please see here for the details and how to book the double workshop with a payment plan.
How to book
Choose the date from the dropdown menu. Select this course on its own or join the full-day course (discount already allocated in the price).
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.
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)
£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
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
SOCIAL SEWING SATURDAYS - Various Dates Available
£30.00
Let’s sew together! We’re opening our doors for Social Sewing Saturdays - an opportunity to bring your projects and sew along with like-minded crafters.
Unlike a class or workshop, this is the perfect chance to work on a project of your choice and sew in a relaxed, social setting in the company of others. There will be sewing chat, tea, and of course, cake! Our sewing patterns, haberdashery and small range of fabric will be available to purchase and you can chat with our founder, Lisa about the other fun workshops we have.
What’s included?
- Full use of the studio and equipment including large tables, irons, scissors, pins etc
- Sewing machines are available, but you are more than welcome to bring your own
- Use of our two overlockers - please note that one will be set with black thread and the other cream thread.
- Tea and coffee on tap
- CAKE
With a maximum of 6 people, this will be a relaxed and joyful way to spend your Saturday.
Please note this is not a class, this is an opportunity to bring a project you are working on. If cutting out your project is likely to take a lot of time, you may want to cut it beforehand so you can just have a wonderful Saturday of sewing! Lisa will be there and will be able to offer sewing tips and advice along the way.
Time
The studio will be open from 10am - 5pm
How to book
Choose the date from the dropdown menu.
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
LEARN HOW TO USE A SEWING MACHINE & SEW A CUSHION - KIT INCLUDED (Beginner or Refresher) - Various Dates
£45.00
This class will introduce aspiring stitchers or those who need a refresher on 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 for you to keep.
Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Please click the dropdown menu for available dates.
What will I learn?
- 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
- Machine safety
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.
Skills needed: This class is designed for absolute beginners or those that need a refresher.
Teacher: Lisa Falconer
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.
How to book
Choose the date from the dropdown menu.
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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WHOLESALE & STOCKISTS
THE DROP SLEEVE TOP
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