Sewing Class - 4 weeks covering key skills

Have you got a sewing machine still sitting in it's box because you are not sure where to start?

Or maybe you haven't used it for a while and need some support to get back on it?

This series of skills sessions will build your confidence to have a go at any sewing project.

There will be a simple project that you can do as you go along so you also have a make at the end of it.

1 November is the first week, they then run 2.30 - 4.30pm:

8 November

15 November

22 November

You are booking for all 4 sessions

Toni is here to support you to gain confidence to start your sewing journey.

Week 1 - Machine Basics:

• Threading - do it and repeat until it becomes second nature - both top and bobbin
• Using an 'automatic threader' if you have one on your machine
• Other tools that can help to thread the needle
• What do the dials mean? From different stitches and where you would use them to adjusting length and width. Most of these are common on machines, you just need to identify them on yours
• DON'T TOUCH THE TENSION - people always go to this first, it should be the last thing you adjust and only because you are sewing a different fabric to usual. Learn when is the right time
• Hints and tips - little things that make a huge difference in your day to day sewing. They are not in books, they come from experience or someone telling you!
• Machine maintenance - look after your machine and it will last for years
• What's gone wrong? - Identifying common issues and how to fix them
• Get started with a simple make so you are ready to jump straight in when you get home

Week2 - Fitting zips:

Zips are used for lots of different types of makes so it's handy to know how to sew them.

Whether you are making bags, skirts or trousers, zips are included regularly in your sewing projects.

It's also useful to know how they are sewn as you may have alterations and repairs to do too.

Toni is here to support you to gain confidence in your sewing journey.

-What types of zips are there and when do you use each

-Do you want to see it?

-What if you've got lining?

-Practise sewing them in different scenarios

Week 3 - Pockets

Pockets come in many forms, what are they and how do you sew them?

Is your pockets load and proud or hidden in a seam?

Depending on this they can be very different animals.-DIfferent types of pockets and where they would be used-Visable pockets and how to get them even-Fitting a pocket in a seam-Jacket pockets-Have a go at each or spend a bit more time on the ones you use mostYou can bring your own machine along or use ours - we have a selection of machines here so one should be similar to the one you use.

Week 4 - Buttonholes

Come and learn how you use that thingamejig that came with your machine

You know you should try and figure out the white buttonhole foot that came with your machine and how it corresponds to the images on the dial.

This class will make you a master.

Toni is here to support you to gain confidence in your sewing journey.

-Go through how the foot works and how to attach it

-How to line things up

-Practice

-Practice

-Practice

-It takes a bit to get consistent with this so we will have different fabrics and button sizes to get a real feel for how to sew perfect buttonholes every time

Venue: The Parochial Church Hall, Selby Lane, Keyworth NG12 2AN

Cost of this series of 4 classes - £130 including booking fees

You will get use of our sewing machines, materials and haberdashery included in the cost as well as refreshments.

Read more about the sewing expert below:

Toni Jarvis has been sewing since she can remember. Always wanting to be a ‘Fashion Designer’ when she grew up, she started her first business at 21 - The Shirt Workshop - designing and manufacturing menswear with a focus on bespoke shirts. Joining other designers to represent Nottingham at London Fashion Week in 1986. Family, working with young people, teaching sewing classes and launching Tiger Green Textiles has honed her skills further. She is passionate about teaching people what she considers to be a life skill and seeing their 'I made that moments', fostering a love of sewing and making.