Search Results for: denim

Teen Stitchers – Sew Your Own Clothes

This course is aimed at those with an interest in sewing and dressmaking aged 11 – 16. Throughout the 5 week course we’ll take students through the key elements of learning to sew and hopefully fire up their passion for fashion and textiles!

As well as helping with their creativity, learning to sew helps develop coordination and concentration skills, encourages expression through fashion and fabric and complements in-school activities such as textiles classes or Duke of Edinburgh skills activities.

Each course is 5 weeks long and will cover getting comfortable with the sewing machine, understanding how to follow a sewing pattern and sewing either a pair of PJ shorts and simple jersey top, a dungaree dress, a sweatshirt, a hoodie or a pair of tracksuit bottoms! Students who have attended previous terms can choose one of the alternative options and increase their skills and dressmaking knowledge.

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. Students get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and class sizes are capped.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction, use of the machines, tools, threads, elastic, interfacing etc and you’ll keep a copy of the patterns so you can make them again outside the class.

YOU NEED TO BRING

Students choosing to make shorts & t-shirt will need 1.5m of light to medium cotton fabric for their pyjama bottoms. We recommend cotton poplin, cotton lawn and brushed cottons. Students will also need 1.5m medium weight cotton jersey. (Please no viscose or poly jerseys as they’re too stretchy for the children to work with)

Students wanting to make the dungaree dress will need 1.5m of medium weight woven fabric such as cotton canvas, cotton twill or denim.

Students choosing the sweatshirt or hoodie will need 1.5m of ponte roma or sweatshirting fabric.

Students choosing the joggers need 1.5m of cotton jersey.

If you need any help with choosing fabric, please Contact Us. We do sell fabric in our studio and in our online shop.

Everything else, including elastic, interfacing and thread are all provided and students will keep the patterns they have used so they can make them again outside of the class.

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner (1)

TEACHER

Various

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

Sew & Fit Ultimate Trousers Class

We all know how daunting sewing trousers can be, but fear not, we have the perfect class for you!

On our Sew & Fit Ultimate Trousers Class, you will learn how to adjust a trouser pattern to fit you and your shape.

You’ll start by trying on one our studio toiles’ (that’s right, we’ve sewn up a sample in every size for you to try before sewing!) After a fit check with our expert teacher and making any necessary adjustments which can then be transferred back to your pattern pieces, you’ll then sew up your final pair and leave feeling like a sewing ninja!

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. Students get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and class sizes are capped at eight to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

You will learn

  • Measuring yourself and choosing the correct pattern size
  • Understanding a sewing pattern
  • Cutting out your pattern & fabric accurately
  • Adjusting a pattern to fit
  • Sewing and finishing seams, with the option to use an overlocker for a professional finish
  • Inserting an invisible zip

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction, use of the Janome machines, tools, threads etc, a copy of the trouser pattern so you can make them again at home plus tea, coffee and cake! The class is capped at seven to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

YOU NEED TO BRING

  • You’ll need 2m of fabric for your final pair; we would recommend triple crepe, stretch cotton, lightweight stretch denim, stretch corduroy or other medium weight woven fabric with some stretch (If you aren’t sure, please contact us). Your fabric should have approx 3% stretch.
  • 9” Concealed Zip
  • Matching thread – we provide a wide choice of coloured threads to use during the class but if there is a specific colour match or top-stitching colour you would like, we recommend bringing your own

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate (4)

TEACHER

Sheona Ranson

This pattern is sized for a UK 8 – 20. Please check your waist measurement falls between the pattern sizing of 28” – 38” and hip measurement between 34” – 48”. Please contact us prior to booking if your measurements fall outside these, so we can arrange to grade the pattern for you.

Please note, depending on your sewing ability and speed, you may not leave the class with a completely finished pair of trousers, but we will ensure your pattern has been updated with relevant changes and you’ll know exactly how to put the finishing touches to your trousers at home.

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

 

 

Learn to Sew Your Own Jeans – 2 Day Weekend Course

People can often be put off from sewing jeans as the techniques involved can feel daunting. Don’t be scared any longer, our new format Sew Your Own Jeans course will have you feeling like a Sewing Superhero!

Spread over 2 full day Friday OR Saturday sessions (we’ve learned after teaching a LOT of jeans classes, that splitting the sessions over 2 weekends allows everyone to take everything in without feeling overwhelmed and gives enough time for any homework). This class will teach you everything you need to know about making your first pair of jeans, from fitting to top-stitching, constructing a fly front, adding all the hardware to make your jeans look seriously professional and of course the all important fitting advice and adjustments. Our in-depth class is taught by Sheona Ranson, owner of Sewisfaction, expert teacher and lover of all things sewing and craft. She’s taught countless people to fit trousers and will help you perfect your perfect pair!

The class includes a choice of 2 popular jeans patterns; Closet Case Ginger Jeans (a slim or skinny fit leg), or the Cashmerette Ames Jeans (Curvy Fit).

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. This class is capped at 6 to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction in a small group, use of the Janome machines, a copy of your chosen jeans pattern plus tea, coffee and biscuits!

YOU NEED TO BRING

  • Matching thread – we provide a wide choice of coloured threads to use during the class but if there is a specific colour match or top-stitching colour you would like, we recommend bringing your own.
  • Jeans hardwear; rivets, buttons, zips etc. These will be dependent on the pattern you choose and the teacher will discuss options with you in the first class. These will be available to buy from our shop or you can source your own.
  • For Ginger & Ames Jeans you will need 2 – 3m of medium to heavy-weight Stretch Denim, with at least 2% Lycra/Elastane/Spandex.  Please check the pattern sizing for exact fabric amounts, or contact us if you’re unsure. We ask you to bring slightly more than the pattern dictates to allow for any fitting changes and recutting.
  • For all versions you’ll also need 0.5m light-medium weight cotton such as Poplin or Lawn for the facings.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate (4)

You must have made a few garments before and be comfortable following a pattern. We work hard to ensure the class timings allow for everyone to fully finish their makes but this is dependent on the speed and experience level of each student. If you don’t completely finish, your teacher will make sure you know exactly what you need to do for the final parts.

TEACHER

Sheona Ranson

More questions? Take a look at our Class FAQs, these also cover our Class Cancellation Policy.

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

Posted on

Tips & Tricks: Sewing with jersey

This week, we’re talking all about the wonderful world of jersey and knit fabrics. They can sometimes seem scary, but here at Sewisfaction HQ, we’re big believers in simple sewing and trust us, with the right hints and tips, jersey and knits fall into that category.

Why jersey? 

Most practical clothing we would by from the store is likely to be made in jersey or knit fabrics, from t-shirts to dresses, there are so many things to choose from. Sewing with jersey means you can make clothing you’re more likely to wear again because it’ll not only fit you well thanks to the forgiving stretch contouring to the body, but it’s more practical to some of our more technical sews.

What is jersey? 

Jersey is a a fabric that is knitted in such a way that it gives a stretch, it has a different make up to woven fabrics such as denim and cotton and we need to treat it in a slightly different way for sewing success.

Cutting

Think about how you’re going to cut your fabric. Stretch fabric can be slippy and move a little more than woven fabrics and so to avoid fabric waste, we recommend a cutting mat paired with pattern weights and a rotary cutter.

Needles and thread

We should always be changing our needles when it comes to using new materials but even more so for stretch. Switch to a jersey or ‘stretch’ needle depending on the fabric and machine you are using.

A good thread is also key to getting the right finish. Using a better quality, cotton thread such as a Gutterman really makes a world of difference – trust us!

Stitching

One of the key factors in sewing stretch fabrics is the stitch you select. A straight stitch doesn’t allow the fabric to do what it needs to once the garment is finished so look for a triple stitch symbol or if your machine doesn’t have this, a zig zag stitch will also work just as well. Try different stitches on some scrap fabric for practise.

Walking foot

A standard food doesn’t feature feed docs and so sometimes this can leave you with wonky stitches thanks to uneven pressure. A walking foot or an even feed foot, is a device that helps to evenly distribute your jersey fabric through the feed dogs on your machine.

DO NOT stretch

It can be so tempting – especially when you’re trying to make a speedy sew, to drag the fabric through the machine. Stretching the fabric in this way can distort your final garment and so resit temptation when it comes to working with this fabric – a walking foot can help with this too.

No finishing – wahoo!

The beautiful thing about jersey fabric is that it doesn’t fray making this the fabric of dreams – no need to finish the insides as it’ll wash just fine and let’s be honest, no on is going to see (we won’t tell don’t worry).

So there you have it, jersey really doesn’t have to be scary and we really do believe that it’s a far more practical, fun way to make your own me-made garment – no overlocker required! And for more inspiration, check out our vlog on Sheona’s top jersey sewing patterns here.

 

Sewing Next Steps Course

This fun and friendly class is designed for those of you who now know how to sew but want to build on your skills and take the next steps on your sewing journey.

Perhaps you’ve attended our Introduction to Sewing or Improver Sewing courses, or you’ve learned to sew elsewhere and really want to cement your skills. Maybe you enjoy the weekly class format, sewing with likeminded people and want to work on some new projects? Either way, we’ll cement the skills you’ve already learnt and teach you a few new ones at the same time!

“What a fabulous class.  Confidence boosting and life long skills achieved with the added bonus of tea and cakes.  100% recommend”.

“The classes at Sewisfaction are fantastic, great tutors and a lovely modern sewing room to work in.  I just can’t wait for Thursday evenings  for my sewing class, I never knew sewing could be so much fun!”

Each course is 5 weeks long and covers the following:

Week 1: Buttonholes 

In the first week you’ll be refamiliarising yourself with the sewing machine and sewing up a cushion cover with multiple buttonhole closures. We’ll use the buttonhole feet on the machine and also look at how to make manual buttonholes, as well as finishing your buttonholes neatly and sewing buttons on with the sewing machine.

Week 2: Quilting & Bias Binding

During your second class you’ll learn how to use the walking foot on your machine to accurately quilt with wadding, whilst sewing up a padded phone or kindle case. You’ll also learn how to attach and sew bias binding.

Week 3: Zips

This week will reinforce all the skills you’ve learnt so far, plus you’ll learn how to insert a zip – a very valuable skill! You’ll sew up a handy tote bag with an internal zip pocket, with the option to add 2 if you’re a speedy sewer!

Week 4: Sewing Curves

By your forth week you’re ready to move onto a project with more curves than straight lines! You’ll also learn how to make a casing and work with waterproof fabrics, sewing up a handy round toiletries pouch.

Week 5: Freemotion Machine Embroidery

On your final week we will introduce you to the wonderful world of Freemotion Machine Embroidery. On this session you will have fun drawing and creating several designs using fabrics and templates provided. The focus will be on creating multiple small pieces of work, whilst getting familiar with the various techniques.

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. Students get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and class sizes are capped to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

If you’d prefer to use your own machine you are very welcome to bring it with you. Please see the notes below for full information.*

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction, use of the Janome machines, tools, threads etc, your pattern so that you can make again at home, plus tea, coffee and biscuits!

YOU NEED TO BRING

On your first session for your cushion cover, please could you bring with you:

  • 0.5m of Medium Weight Cotton or Cotton Canvas (minimum width of 140cm)
  • 3 x Buttons

On Week 2 for the quilted pouch, you will need:

  • Cotton fabric, 2.5m x length of your tablet and the width of your tablet PLUS 7cm
  • 1m of 25mm bias tape.

On Week 3 for the Tote bag, you will need:

  • Cotton Canvas or Denim, 0.5m of 150cm width OR 1m of 112cm width
  • 7.5″ Metal Zip OR 23cm + plastic zip
  • 1.5m heavier 4cm webbing for the handles

On Week 4 for the Round Drawstring bag you will need:

  • 0.5m of woven fabric for the outer and 0.5m woven fabric for the lining OR 2.5 Fat Quarters
  • 1 x Button
  • 1.5m 25mm Bias Tape

On the course we will discuss again what you need each week for the following sessions. We provide everything else; sewing machines, notions, cushion pads etc.

SKILL LEVEL

Improver – This class is not suitable for beginners or those who haven’t used a sewing machine recently. If you are new to sewing or returning after some time, please look at our Introduction to Sewing and Improver Sewing classes.

TEACHER

Various

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

*Bringing Your Own Machine: You will need to ensure it is good working order, with a working foot cable, power pedal and a copy of your instructions (if you don’t have the original instructions, you can usually Google the make & model and download a copy). You will need to carry your machine from the car park and up one flight of stairs to our studio. Please note we may not have accessories to fit your own machine, such as a buttonhole foot, but we can work with what you do have and show you the options on the studio machines. If your machine is not deemed electrically safe, we’re sorry but you will not be able to use it.

Posted on

Sew the trends: Summer staples

Do you ever find yourself walking through the high-street shop, saying to yourself, “I could make that”? Us too and as makers, we’re lucky that we can take stylish shapes from the high-street and turn them into a garment perfect for our body shape.

No more confusing ready to wear sizing or scrambling around the shops for the ‘latest piece’, here we give you a round up of some of our favourite fashion from the high-street, paired with the perfect fabric and pattern combination – enjoy!

Dungarees – Monki

Dungarees really aren’t going anywhere are they? We love this stonewash style from Monki and we can already see the most perfect me-made pair when we combine our 8 oz Soft Washed Denim and the Tilly and the Buttons ‘Mila’ Dugarees. Simply layer up with a basic tee and trainers to achieve a super-casual look.

Short Sleeve Blazer – In The Style

Hot tip, short sleeve blazers are big news for this season – tapping into the seventies trend we all love. This boxy, oversize silhouette is perfect for any body type and using the Nina Lee ‘Richmond’ blazer as a base, combined with our beautiful, ‘new in’ Sevenberry Duckegg Cotton, we think this look will be a nice easy one to recreate.

Leopard print dress – All Saints 

This leopard print dress from All Saints is just beautiful – perfect for pairing with Chunky boots in the day time and heels in the evening – plus leopard print is a neutral too, so you’ll wear it forever right? Save yourself some serious pennies by pairing our Untamed leopard print cotton with the Nina Lee Kew Dress.

Linen stripe sun dress – & Other Stories

Even though the sun is a little..intermittent at the moment, we can still dream of holidays and summer dresses. This one from & Other Stories is dreamy and we particularly love the way the pockets are slightly contrasting. To recreate this one, pair our super soft Lilac Stripe Cotton Linen with the Tilly and The Buttons ‘Seren’ Dress.

Printed shirt dress – ASOS

Midi shirt dresses are big news at the moment and we are fans – worn with trainers now and with tights and boots in the winter, this might be one of the most versatile garments in your wardrobe. This bold and beautiful Ava Peachskin paired with The Sew Over It ‘Vintage Shirt Dress’ is the perfect way to recreate this on-trend style.

Linen Shirt dress – H&M 

Last but not least, a plain white shirt is always a wardrobe classic and this season it’s all about linen so it’s time to get sewing. To recreate this versatile style, pair the Closet Case Patterns ‘Kalle’ Shirt Dress with our Washed Rayon Linen. Not a fan of white, or cant be trusted to wear such a light shade like us? This stunning fabric comes in a whole host of colourful shades too – we think we’ll have one of each please!

Learn to Sew Your Own Jeans – 5 week course

People can often be put off from sewing jeans as the techniques involved can feel daunting. Don’t be scared any longer, our new format Sew Your Own Jeans course will have you feeling like a Sewing Superhero!

Spread over 5 weekly sessions, this class will teach you everything you need to know about making your first pair of jeans, from fitting to top-stitching, constructing a fly front, adding all the hardware to make your jeans look seriously professional and of course the all important fitting advice and adjustments. Our in-depth class is taught by Clare Blackmore-Davies aka Miss Maker, expert teacher and lover of all things sewing and craft. She’s taught countless people to fit and sew their own jeans and will help you perfect your pair.

The class includes a choice of 2 popular jeans patterns; Closet Case Ginger Jeans (a slim or skinny fit leg), or the Cashmerette Ames Jeans (Curvy Fit).

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. This class is capped at 7 to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction in a small group, use of the Janome machines, a copy of your chosen jeans pattern plus tea, coffee and biscuits!

YOU NEED TO BRING

  • Matching thread – we provide a wide choice of coloured threads to use during the class but if there is a specific colour match or top-stitching colour you would like, we recommend bringing your own.
  • Jeans hardwear; rivets, buttons, zips etc. These will be dependent on the pattern you choose and the teacher will discuss options with you in the first class. These will be available to buy from our shop or you can source your own.
  • For Ginger & Ames Jeans you will need 2 – 3m of medium to heavy-weight Stretch Denim, with at least 2% Lycra/Elastane/Spandex.  Please check the pattern sizing for exact fabric amounts, or contact us if you’re unsure. We ask you to bring slightly more than the pattern dictates to allow for any fitting changes and recutting.
  • For all versions you’ll also need 0.5m light-medium weight cotton such as Poplin or Lawn for the facings.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate (4)

TEACHER

Clare Blackmore-Davies

More questions? Take a look at our Class FAQs, these also cover our Class Cancellation Policy.

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

Sew the Indigo Dress in a Day

The Indigo Dress by Tilly and the Buttons is a year-round staple that’s so easy to wear and a great introduction to Dressmaking. Wear Indigo in the Winter with tights and boots, dress her up for a night out or wear her in Summer with flip-flops. The throw over your head, on-trend smock style is so easy to wear you’ll reach for it time and time again.

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. You’ll get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and class sizes are capped at six to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

Please note we are a Covid-19 Secure Further Education venue and have implemented all government guidelines. Please see our FAQ’s page for further information.

You will learn

  • Measuring yourself and choosing the correct pattern size
  • Understanding a sewing pattern
  • Cutting out your pattern & fabric accurately
  • Sewing darts
  • Adding in seam pockets
  • Adding a facing
  • Using interfacing
  • Gathering
  • Hemming

Please note we won’t have time to do the exposed frill seam option in this class, but you’ll have the pattern and full instructions to use for another version.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction, use of our Janome machines, tools, threads etc, a copy of the Indigo dress pattern so you can make again at home plus tea, coffee and cake!

YOU NEED TO BRING

  • 2.5m of 150cm wide, or 3m of 115cm wide light to medium weight drapey fabric. We suggest cotton lawn, chambray or soft washed denim especially if this is your first dressmaking project. If you have sewn a couple of dressmaking projects before you could use a viscose or crepe with more drape. (If you’re not sure please contact us)
  • Matching thread – we provide a wide choice of coloured threads to use during the class but if there is a specific colour match or top-stitching colour you would like, we recommend bringing your own

SKILL LEVEL

Improver (3)

You need to be comfortable know how to use a sewing machine but don’t need to have done any dressmaking. You can complete our Introduction to Sewing for complete beginners class or be of an equivalent experience level.

Please note the complexity of your pattern, and your level of sewing experience may mean you might not entirely complete your dress in the one day class, but you will be given lots of tips and help to ensure you are comfortable completing your project at home. 

TEACHER

Various

Pattern Sizing

The Indigo pattern is UK 8 – 24, you can see the body measurements in the photo gallery. If you fall outside of these measurements please contact us prior to booking as we may be able to grade the pattern for you.

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.

 

 

Young Stitchers – Sew a Dungaree Dress

This course is aimed at those with an interest in sewing and dressmaking aged 11 – 16. Throughout the 6 week course we’ll take students through the key elements of learning to sew and hopefully fire up their passion for fashion and textiles!

As well as helping with their creativity, learning to sew helps develop coordination and concentration skills, encourages expression through fashion and fabric and complements in-school activities such as textiles classes or Duke of Edinburgh skills activities.

Each course is 6 weeks long and will cover getting comfortable with the sewing machine, understanding how to follow a sewing pattern and sewing an on-trend dungaree/pinafore dress with either buckles or buttons on the straps and two length options.

Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. Students get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and class sizes are capped.

Please note we are a Covid-19 Secure Further Education venue and have implemented all government guidelines. Please see our FAQ’s page for further information.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The class includes expert instruction, use of the machines, tools, threads, interfacing etc and you’ll keep a copy of the dungaree pattern so you can make it again outside the class.

YOU NEED TO BRING

1.5m of medium to heavy weight fabric (min 145cm wide). We suggest 10oz denim, corduroy, canvas or even furnishing weight fabric – you want something that will hold its shape.  If you aren’t sure, please contact us.

Matching thread – we provide a wide choice of coloured threads to use during the class but if there is a specific colour match or top-stitching colour you would like, we recommend bringing your own

Dungaree buckles & jean buttons (you can purchase these on the day or online) OR 2 buttons of your choice.

SKILL LEVEL

Beginner (1)

This course is aimed at those with an interest in sewing and dressmaking aged 11 – 16. Throughout the 6 week course we’ll take student through the key elements of learning to sew and hopefully fire up their passion for fashion and textiles.

TEACHER

Various

Our classes are non-refundable so please make sure you’ve checked your diary carefully and read our Class FAQs before booking. These also cover lots of other questions so please do read them!

Please note you’ll receive a confirmation email upon booking and you’ll also receive a reminder email the week before your class. If you don’t receive these, please check your junk/spam folder.