22nd March: Project completion Day
A day to focus on finishing a garment you have started
Learn and practise new skills
Get help to understand tricky instructions
No excuses, no distractions!
Project: Your choice! Bring one or more items to complete
5th April: Sew pull-on trousers or pyjama bottoms
Select a pattern and fabric for your skill level
Check your measurements and select your size
Lay out and cut your pattern
Stitch and adjust
Choose a flattering and practical length
Project: Trousers / Shorts
– elasticated or drawstring waist and optional pockets
3rd May: Use a sewing machine with confidence*
Thread up your machine in seconds
Choose the right needle for your fabric
Operate your machine safely
Use straight and zigzag stitches in straight or curved lines
Start and finish your stitching securely
Learn to machine-hem trousers or a skirt
Project: Tote bag or pattern-free skirt
* Bring a machine or reserve one for the day
17th May: Summer Travel Special: Easy Kimono Wrap
Sew patch pockets, a tie belt and belt-loops
Stitch longer straight seams
Use an easy-to fit multi-size pattern
Project: Kimono beach-wrap or bathrobe in lightweight fabric
24th May: Using an “Easy” sewing pattern
Demystifying patterns and instructions
Measuring and simple adjustments
Laying out and cutting a pattern, and marking your fabric
Perfect seams, hems and fastenings
Project: Summer skirt, trousers or shorts.
June 21st: Transformation challenge
Bring a garment to alter, transform or upcycle
Develop your machine and hand sewing skills: seams, hems, pockets, embellishments
Project: Work on garments you have brought with you or that you have swapped with someone else in the group!
5th July: Hand-sewn harmony
Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of hand-sewing
Create beautifully hand-stitched hems and joins
Learn tips and skills for visible and invisible mending
Try out simple embroidery
Project: Make stitch samples to take home, or bring a garment to hem, finish, mend or embellish
19th July: New! Learn to crochet
Learn three stitches which all the others are based on
Select colours to blend or contrast beautifully
Master the granny square: basic version + variations
Join one square to the next one, and the next, and…
Project: Make a series of squares which can be joined to create a scarf or bag, or start a blanket.
26th July: Simple pattern fitting for tops
Understand commercial pattern measurements
Get help to take accurate measurements for yourself
Make simple fitting adjustments at shoulder, bust and waist
Project: Make a fitting toile or finished sleeveless top
2nd August: Fastenings for function and fashion
Learn three different zip insertions for skirt, dress or trousers
Buttonholes: handsewn, 4-step machined or fully automatic
Make covered buttons to match your garment
Discover easy alternative fastenings
Project: Make reference samples or get help with a garment
23rd August: Create your own skirt pattern
Measure yourself accurately
Create a cardboard template which you can adapt to make almost any skirt pattern, and stitch a “toile” to check fit
Project: When your block is complete you will design your own easy skirt pattern, personalised to your own measurements and style preferences.
30th August: Project completion Day
A day to focus on finishing a garment you have started
Learn and practise new skills
Get help to understand tricky instructions
No excuses, no distractions!
Project: Your choice! Bring one item or more to complete