this course is for adults aged 16+. Children aged 13+ are welcome to attend with their parent to learn together. a ticket must be purcased for both parent and child.
this course is suitable for those who can thread a sewing machine, and know some basic sewing skills already. if you are a complete beginner, the COMPLETE beginners QUICK course ONE WEEK BEFORE THIS COURSE WILL GET YOU PREPARED FOR THIS ONE! You can book that by clicking here.
MAIN DETAILS
Weekly sessions running on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm starting on Wednesday 17th April. All Crafty Birds courses are held at Redborne Upper School, in Ampthill.
You will use the high quality sewing machines and overlockers in the studio during the course, but if you would like to bring your own machine to use, you are very welcome to. Scissors, pins, and other tools are all also available in the studio, but again, you may wish to bring your own kit.
On this course you will develop your current sewing skills to be able to produce more complex outcomes, including:
An understanding of pattern markings
Darts
Sleeve insertion
Neatly curved seams (for example-necklines)
Gathered seams for ruffles
Invisible zip insertion
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
In sessions 1 and 2, you will be taught how to produce samples of a dart, sleeve, curved seam, gathered seam, and invisible zip insertion, in a structured manner with demonstrations from your tutor, Katie. In the following 4 sessions, you will complete your own personal project using all or some of these skills. These 4 sessions will be less structured; you will work independently on your outcome with the guidance of your tutor as and when you need it. In a small class size of just 10, you will be able to receive one to one help from Katie when required. You can choose how many sessions to attend:
Book for the full 6 week course to benefit from the one to one help from your tutor when you need it, and enjoy a social sew-together every week!
Book for the first 2 weeks only to make samples to learn new techniques, which you can then apply at home on your own project.
Aims and outcomes
The purpose of this course is to develop your sewing skills with more techniques, as well as answer any questions about your existing or self taught skills. The skills included in this course are mainly applicable to dressmaking projects, but you will also find some are useful for any other projects such as soft furnishings.
Your tutor for this course is Katie Lang. Katie has worked in West End theatres designing and making the extravagant costumes we see on stage. She now teaches at Redborne Upper School to students aged up to 18 years old, as well as running her evening courses. Combining her extensive dressmaking knowledge and teaching skills, Katie will provide an excellent learning environment to help you progress through your next sewing project.
your project
If you choose to book for the full 6 weeks, you will need to decide what to make in sessions 3-6. You will need to bring fabric and notions (bias binding, thread, fastenings, etc) with you, which you can ask for advice on from Katie in sessions 1 or 2.
For sewists who are new to sewing or dressmaking, it is recommended that you start with a simple project, such as pyjama bottoms or dog coats (for example). For sewists who have done some dressmaking before, please choose an appropriate project after reading the advice below.
please read below before deciding what to make:
OPTION 1
You can buy a pattern from Crafty Birds if you are unsure what to make to develop your skills. Choose one of the outcomes from the images below. You can select the pattern at the checkout when you book your place.
OPTION 2
Alternatively, you can bring your own pattern for a project of your choice. If you do this, please ensure it is something that can be made on this particular course:
Can include sleeves, bias binding, invisible zip, darts, gathered seams, simple in seam pockets, basic waistbands.
Must be an outcome for woven, non stretch fabrics
Appropriate projects would be things like shift dresses, pencil skirts, pyjama trousers/shorts, lightly tailored shorts and trousers with side seam zips or elastic waistbands, basic tops with sleeves, sleeveless tops, or dog coats, all in woven, non stretch fabrics.
Should not include collars, cuffs, lapped zips, fly front zips, button holes, complex seams on difficult fabrics, complex pockets such as curved inset or suit welt pockets.
Inappropriate projects on this course would be things like suit jackets, jeans, shirts, tailored trousers, shirt dresses, or anything made with stretch knit and jersey fabrics.