Description
This four week introduction to dressmaking is perfect if you’re already comfortable using a sewing machine and are ready to take the next step into making your own clothes.
Led by experienced sewing teacher Emma Smith the course is designed to build confidence and skills at a steady supportive pace. Emma has been teaching for many years and is known for her patient attentive approach. There’s plenty of guidance and time to ask questions along the way.
In this workshop you will be sewing the Wardrobe By Me “Unisex Pajama Pants” - a simple unisex design that’s ideal for building confidence and learning essential garment making skills. The price of the workshop includes an original printed copy of the pattern.
The “pajama pants” are loose fitting, comfortable and straightforward to sew, featuring an elasticated waistband with a drawstring. While they’re designed as pyjamas, this style has become hugely popular as every day wear, and for good reason. With the right fabric choice, they work beautifully as relaxed, drawstring trousers - a trend that shows no sign of disappearing.
Choose a classic night wear fabric and you’ll have cosy pyjamas; opt for something a little more structured or stylish and you create a pair of trousers you’ll happily wear out and about. We’ve chosen this pattern because it’s simple, versatile and genuinely achievable for everyone - making it the perfect first step into dressmaking!
The course is split over four weeks -
- week one - Thursday 5th February 6.30 - 8.30pm.
In the first session you’ll get to grips with dressmaking patterns - how to measure yourself accurately, how to choose the correct size and how to understand all the important pattern details, such as markings, notches and lines.
- week two - Thursday 12th February 6.30 - 8.30pm.
The second session focuses on fabric preparation, including choosing the right fabric for your pattern, understanding nap and pattern direction and cutting your fabric correctly.
- week three - Thursday 19th February 6.30 - 8.30pm.
- week four - Thursday 26th February 6.30 - 8.30pm.
The final two weeks are all about sewing your garment together with Emma on hand to guide you through each and every stage and help you achieve a finish you can be proud of*. Emma will also ensure that you have the correct fit for your garment.
NB, this class is not suitable for complete beginners. You must be familiar with a sewing machine and have used one before. If for a complete beginner and are looking embark on your sewing journey, we suggest you start with the “Complete Beginner - learn how to use a sewing machine” workshop.
*most participants do complete their projects during the workshop. However, as everyone works at their own pace, completion can vary. Any remaining steps will be clearly explained so you can confidently finish your piece at home.
What do I need to bring?
- A sewing kit with the essentials - small scissors, large scissors, pins/clips, hand sewing needles, fabric marking implement, a seam ripper. Should you require any notions or haberdashery, you can purchase from The Fabric Boutique shop. Attendees of sewing classes receive 10% off shop purchases if spending over £25 on the day of the class.
- Materials for your garment (week 2).
You can bring your own as listed below, or you can buy from the shop - if you are feeling a little overwhelmed by what you require, please don’t worry we will help you in the class/shop! Don’t forget, you get 10% off if you spend over £25. If you wish to purchase your supplies from us, please arrive at least 1/2 hour before the class so that you can start on time You will require the following…
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- Up to 2.3 Metres of woven fabric, such as cotton, cotton blends, linen, linen blends. Nice and easy to sew for a beginner
- Thread – Gutermann please, as this is what I use in our Sewing Studio machines
- 4 cm wide elastic - 1 metre of elastic for women up to 46 inch hip.
1.05 metres of elastic for women up to 48 inch hip.
1 m of elastic for men up to 44 inch hip.
1.10 metres of elastic for men up to 48 inch hip.
- We recommend that you bring a notebook. It’s handy to make notes on various aspects of the class that you can refer to once you’re in the comfort of your own home.
- You may also wish to bring a water bottle.
Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake is supplied – sewing is so much smoother with refreshments!
The sewing studio has Janome 5060QDC sewing machines, over lockers, ironing boards and irons.
There will be 5 to 6 people in each class so that each person can get the attention they require.
The studio is located within The Fabric Boutique at 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, so should you choose to purchase any haberdashery, fabric, notions etc, you can easily pop into the shop. Please be advised that the studio is up a flight of stairs. Parking is available next to The Fabric Boutique in Rushtons Yard Carpark. Please be advised there is a maximum of 3 hours parking and there is a charge. There is a long stay carpark a short walk from the shop on South Street – also subject to charges.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class so that we can start on time.
Pre booking is essential as places are limited. You can book via my website or please call into the shop. I’m afraid places can’t be reserved without payment.
Terms and conditions
Please note that by reserving a place on a Sewing Studio class/workshop, you will be agreeing to the following terms and conditions.
- Places on classes are reserved once payment has been made
- Payment is required in full at the time of booking
- The Fabric Boutique gift cards are redeemable, with payment in part or full for classes
- Bookings will be subject to the cancellation policy
- Classes will only run if there are sufficient numbers. A minimum of 3 places must be booked in order for the class to take place
- Classes are for individuals aged 18 and over
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Should unforeseen circumstances arise or if minimum numbers of three have not been reached, The Fabric Boutique may need to cancel the class. In such circumstances, a full refund will be given
Should you require to cancel for any reason the following applies;
- If you cancel up to 14 days before the date of the class, a full refund will be given. Alternatively, you may wish to transfer payment to another date (subject to availability)
- Unfortunately, if you cancel with less than 14 days before the date of the class, a refund will not be given
- Should a refund be eligible, it will be issued immediately. Please allow up to a week for the money to appear back in your bank account