BEGINNERS INTRODUCTION TO SEWING & GARMENT ALTERATIONS: Sat 24th May

Would you love to learn how to use a sewing machine and start altering your clothes for a better fit?

Maybe you want to make clothes or lovely things for your home?

This is the perfect course for you, as you will learn to sew on a machine from scratch in a beautiful fashion design studio in Conway Mill, Belfast. You will also learn how to start altering your clothes - save money on seamstress costs and do it yourself!

This all- day class is taught by studio owner MaryRose McGrath - a womenswear designer with over twenty five years of experience in the fashion industry. During her career, she has designed for many fashion brands, including Oasis, M&S, Debenhams, Arcadia, House Of Fraser and more.

She teaches key sewing techniques which are used in the industry - also included are many nifty tips and tricks of the trade, which guarantee superb sewing results every time.

As you learn, you'll be surrounded by inspiration galore in the studio - sketches & swatches, designs in work, mood boards & mannequins.

One-to-one tuition is guaranteed for each student in class, and the course has been specifically designed to fast-track your sewing success in a concentrated period of time. All this means you will advance from a nervous novice to a confident sewer by the end of the day.

For past student feedback, see our fantastic course reviews below...

LEARN HOW TO:

• UNDERSTAND ALL ABOUT THE SEWING MACHINE:

* An easy-to-understand, thorough explanation of the sewing machines: the confusing dials & knobs and what each one does

• SEW LIKE A PRO:

* How to thread the machine correctly - learn about threads and why your choice matters

* How to wind the bobbin properly

* How to sew with milimetre precision and how to achieve perfect seams each time

*Understand thread tension and how to fix problems with stitches

* Seam allowances & why they matter in sewing & alterations

• BEGINNER GARMENT ALTERATIONS TECHNIQUES:

* Fitting garments- a full explanation of beginner fitting techniques and why ease matters when altering garments.

*Learn the techniques used by professional seamstresses

* How to measure and sew hems

* How to take in or let out seams for a fantastic fit

* How to sew darts to shape your garments

A FULL DAY OF IN-DEPTH SEWING TUITION, PLUS THE USE OF A BROTHER SEWING MACHINE & ALL OUR PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT. ALL FABRICS AND THREADS ARE INCLUDED.

Where is the course held?

The course is held in MaryRose's fashion design studio in Conway Mill, Belfast.

The address is Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast BT13 2DE.

Who is the course suitable for?

This course is perfect for absolute beginners age 18+ who have never used a sewing machine before and haven't a clue where to start - it is also ideal for those who have not sewn in years and need a refresher course to get back on track.

Garment alterations are covered, so the course is suited for those who want to tailor their clothes for a great personalised fit.

What age do you have to be to take part in the class?

Classes are for ages 18+. Young sewers aged 12+ are also welcome if they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also booked on the course.

Do I need to bring a sewing machine with me?

No need - all students learn on the excellent Brother sewing machines supplied in class.

What do I need to bring with me on the day?

We supply your sewing machine, fabrics, threads and tools - however, you will need to bring the following:

* Reading glasses if you need them for close-up work

* A notebook and pen for all the notes and important info you will be taught in class.

How much does the course cost?

The course includes 6 hours of intensive sewing tuition, the use of the design studio, practice fabrics & threads and a Brother sewing machine to learn on.

The course cost is £99.

How do I book the course?

You can book this course here through Eventbrite using PayPal. Eventbrite charges a booking fee.

OR

You can book the course through the studio, for no booking fee.

Please e-mail your mobile number to: info@maryrosemcgrath.com to book through the studio. We will be in touch to book your space in class.

Where can I park at the mill?

You can park in Conway Mill car park, or on the streets beside the mill.

Where can I have lunch in the mill?

The studio closes at lunchtime in order to prepare for the afternoon session. Students can have lunch in the Little Mill Cafe, which is in Conway Mill.

Want to get in touch?

If you would like to get in touch, email info@maryrosemcgrath.com and we will get back to you.

WHERE TO MEET BEFORE CLASS STARTS:

The studio is closed before class, and doors open at 9:30 a.m. MaryRose will collect all students from Conway Mill reception on the ground floor at 9.25 a.m. and take you to the studio on the second floor.

Is there any other important information I should know before booking a space on the course?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING:

1. Late arrivals: There is a huge amount to learn in the all-day class - late arrivals disrupt students, the tutor and the teaching schedule. Late arrivals of 15 minutes or more are not accepted into class as it is impossible to recap after this time.

2. Non-attendance: Due to the small number of students in class & the niche nature of this course, a new beginners course on another date / refunds / class credit notes / class vouchers are not provided if the student has not attended the course for any reason including : covid / covid isolation/ illness / unexpected or personal circumstances / transport issues / weather conditions / other.

3: Transfer the booking to another person if you can not attend: If you can not make the course for any reason - you can transfer the name so someone else attends the course in your place.

To transfer a name, please email or call the studio at least two days before the course starts to inform us of the name change. Please ensure your email is sent during office hours from Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 5.00 pm. The studio phone number is 02895 215683.

Please note - social media mesages are not accepted to transfer a name to another person.

4. Course cancellation: On rare occasions, classes may have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We will inform students immediately by e-mailing & calling. You will be offered a refund, a transfer to another date, or a credit note. Please note we are not liable for any costs incurred.

5. Speed of learning: Progress and speed of learning depends on each student's natural abilities during class.

6. A minimum number of students are required for this course to take place.

7.Bookings made in error are non refundable.