Sewing is back...

...whether you’re making new garments, up-cycling clothes or making repairs and alterations.
Come and learn the skills - whatever your age or ability.
Guided by Ginn Downes (BA/PGCE) with over 40 years experience in sewing.

Choose your workshop

Most workshops include materials and run from 10 - 4

3 and 1/2 hour BEGINNERS SEWING TASTER - £60

If you want to start sewing and need some gentle guidance, then this is the course for you. Through a simple bag making project, I will show you how to set up a sewing machine, give you confidence to problem solve, experiment with stitches and seams and get to grips with some basic terminology. This is a great way of gaining confidence on the machine.
Even people who have sewn before are often surprised by some simple methods that can make sewing more successful.
Bring your own machine or use one of mine. Materials included
 

SEWING SESSIONS DAYTIME  10 to 4 - £80   

Sessions are tailor made to suit your experience and abilities. You will be shown how to master the basics up to more advanced techniques. Build upon each session and gain confidence to create your own garments or projects. You will discover how to alter basic patterns and fit a garment, which is key to a successful outcome. Bring your own machine or use one of mine.
 

FREE MACHINE / MOTION EMBROIDERY - £80 creative use of the sewing machine

An exciting and alternative way to use a sewing machine which can become addictive!  You literally create pattern, colour and texture with the sewing machine. Greatly enjoyed by beginners and experienced sewers alike. Bring your own machine or use one of mine. If you want to know more about this exciting technique, please feel free to call me.

HAND EMBROIDERY - £80 Hand Embroidery is a centuries old skill and is embedded into the history and way of life of so many cultures.

This course introduces you to this beautiful art of painting with stitches. You will learn about the equipment and materials needed, practice basic stitches and learn how to transfer your own designs onto fabric. You will be shown some historic and vintage embroideries and be able to embroider your own simple design to take away.
All Materials and kit are provided, but please feel free to bring along your own if you prefer.


 

UP-CYCLING AND ALTERING CLOTHES - £80

Bring along a few old favourite items of clothing that you’d like to rejuvenate. During the workshop, I’ll help you transform one of them into something new and exciting – you’ll be amazed at what you can produce! I’ll give you plenty of fresh ideas, a good selection of materials and notions, and help you carry out the alterations. You can use sewing, embroidery, printing, and other techniques to breathe new life into garments. Bring your own machine or use one of mine.
“Thank you Ginn for a very enjoyable day. I will have an updated wardrobe with no need
to feel guilty about what I am doing to the environment and sweat shop workers...”
- recent upcycler!
 

ALSO AVAILABLE

⭐ Private tuition to Art and Textile students at all levels ⭐ Creative Workshops in schools and community centres ⭐ Lectures and talks
Feel free to contact me for dates and details.
 
Book your place now