Description
Ready to take the next step with your sewing?
Perhaps you’ve recently learnt how to use a sewing machine, you’ve been inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee, or you already know the basics but would love to build your confidence and learn some new skills.
This friendly workshop is designed to do exactly that.
And this isn’t just a basic tote bag! You’ll sew a fully lined, quilted tote with an internal pocket, gentle structure and sturdy handles – a really useful bag that you’ll be proud to say you made yourself.
Choose fabrics that make it completely your own and use it for shopping, sewing projects, days out or everyday essentials. It also makes a wonderful handmade gift.
More importantly, while sewing your bag you’ll learn a whole collection of techniques that you can take with you into future projects.
What You’ll Learn
Anne will guide you step by step through:
• Accurately measuring and cutting fabric
• Applying iron-on fleece to add structure and softness
• Binding the edge of your internal pocket
• Pinning and sewing neat, accurate seams
• Creating box corners to give your bag shape
• Using a walking foot to sew through layers
• Using a quilting guide
• Quilting your fabric to add texture and structure
• Adding a full lining and useful internal pocket
• Making and attaching handles
• Adding a label to personalise your bag, if you wish
Time permitting, you may also have the opportunity to make a little bag charm to add the finishing touch.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have tackled far more than you would with a simple beginner tote. You’ll have learnt a range of useful techniques, built your sewing confidence and created a practical bag that you can use every day.
Your Tutor
The workshop is led by Anne Acosta, who has worked in TV and theatre as a costume maker and spent much of her career as a Fashion & Textiles Technical Tutor at Loughborough University.
Anne is a calm, warm and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge. She’ll guide you throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask questions and work at a comfortable pace.
A More Relaxed Sewing Day
Saturday 7th November
11.00am–4.00pm
The workshop includes four hours of tuition with a one-hour lunch break.
We’ve deliberately built a proper break into the day. Learning lots of new sewing techniques requires concentration, and we want the workshop to feel relaxed and enjoyable rather than rushed.
It gives you time to put the sewing down, clear your head, have a chat with the other people in the workshop and come back refreshed for the second half of the day.
You’re welcome to bring a packed lunch and keep it in our studio fridge, or head out and enjoy one of the many cafés, bakeries and places to eat in Ashby. There is also a café directly opposite us in Rushtons Yard.
And, of course, there will be tea, coffee and biscuits/cake during the day!
Is This Workshop For Me?
This is a perfect next step for a beginner who already knows how to use a sewing machine.
You don’t need lots of sewing experience, but you should be able to thread a sewing machine and sew basic lines of stitching independently.
If you have recently completed our Complete Beginner – Learn How to Use a Sewing Machine workshop, this is an ideal workshop to continue your sewing journey and start putting those new skills into practice.
If you have never used a sewing machine before, we recommend completing our beginner workshop first.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Please bring a basic sewing kit:
• Small scissors and large fabric scissors
• Pins and/or clips
• Hand-sewing needles
• Fabric marking pen, pencil or chalk
• Seam ripper
• Notebook and pen – useful for making notes to refer back to at home
• Water bottle, if you wish
• Packed lunch, if required
Materials for Your Bag
You will need:
• ½ metre or 2 fat quarters of quilting-quality cotton (approximately 150gsm) for the outside
• ½ metre or 2 fat quarters for the lining – quilting cotton or calico
• ½ metre of iron-on fleece
• Gutermann thread, please, as this is what we use in our Sewing Studio machines
• An optional label if you would like to personalise your bag
You’re welcome to bring your own materials or purchase everything you need from The Fabric Boutique.
If you would like to choose your supplies from us on the day, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the workshop so that you have plenty of time to choose without delaying the start.
Workshop attendees receive 10% off shop purchases over £25 made on the day.
What’s Included?
• Four hours of friendly, expert tuition with Anne
• Use of our Janome 5060QDC sewing machines
• Use of our studio equipment, including ironing stations and Oliso irons
• Tea, coffee and biscuits/cake
• Small workshop size of just 5–6 people, allowing plenty of individual attention
Most people should complete their bag during the workshop. However, everyone works at a different pace and we don’t want anyone to feel rushed. If you do have anything left to finish at home, Anne will make sure you know exactly what to do next.
Location & Access
The Sewing Studio is located within The Fabric Boutique, 5 Rushtons Yard, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AL and is accessed via a flight of stairs.
There is a toilet, handwashing sink and fridge within the studio.
Rushtons Yard Car Park is adjacent to the shop but has a maximum stay of three hours and charges apply. For this workshop, we recommend the long-stay car park on South Street, which is a short walk away. Charges also apply.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the workshop so that we can begin promptly.
Booking Information
Pre-booking is essential as places are limited and full payment is required to secure your place.
• Gift cards can be used towards workshop fees
• A minimum of 3 participants is required for the workshop to run
• Workshops are for adults aged 18+
Cancellation & Refund Policy
We completely understand that sometimes plans change and unexpected things happen. However, as a small independent business, considerable time and preparation goes into organising our workshops. Places are limited, tutors are booked in advance and costs are committed based on the number attending.
For this reason, we have the following cancellation policy:
• Cancellations made 14 days or more before the workshop can receive a full refund or transfer to another available workshop.
• Cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop cannot be refunded or transferred. At this stage, costs have already been committed and it can be very difficult to fill a place at short notice.
• If The Fabric Boutique needs to cancel due to insufficient numbers or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.
Where a refund is due, we will process it promptly. Please allow 7–10 working days for the funds to appear back in your account.
Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our small independent business.