We have several courses in sewing and dressmaking, making the most of your sewing machine (learning how to use all the functions!). So you can make something for your home, for a gift or maybe a unique item of clothing perfectly designed, just for you! These courses are the chance to build skills, create something really special and unique and really enjoy using and creating with textiles
Some courses will run as online courses and some will start at Stoke Lodge. You can see the starting venue/format for each course listed below. We reserve the right to change the format of the course, in term, should safety advice change.
NEW Creative Fabric Scraps
Upcycling and recycling have never been so important and fashionable. You will learn how to use every bit of fabric you have left over from your projects or even use old clothing to make sustainable and useful items. The tutor will discuss a range of items you could make for example reusable make-up remover pads, small gifts for Christmas, etc. Sewing machines are available to use but you may wish to bring your own
Saturday 10am to 4pm Ann Huntley
One day on 27 November £48/£32 C21A Stoke Lodge
NEW Creative Fabric Scraps
Upcycling and recycling have never been so important and fashionable. You will learn how to use every bit of fabric you have left over from your projects or even use old clothing to make sustainable and useful items. The tutor will discuss a range of items you could make for example reusable make-up remover pads, IPhone case and other small items. Sewing machines are available to use but you may wish to bring your own.
This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Saturday 10am to 4pm Ann Huntley
One day on 5 February £48/£32 C21B Stoke Lodge
NEW Wish You Were Here? Creative Stitch Postcards Inspired By Textiles Around The Globe.
A chance to experiment with different techniques and be inspired. Each week you will create a postcard-sized sample that will build into a beautiful collection. Fee includes some materials. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Mondays 1pm to 4pm Debby Bird
6 sessions from 10 January £134/£84 C12E Stoke Lodge
And
Mondays 1pm to 4pm Debby Bird
6 sessions from 28 February £134/£84 C12F Stoke Lodge
NEW Freemotion Stitch Foliage And Flowers
Learn how to sew ‘freestyle’ – drawing with a sewing machine. You will be shown how to set up your machine, how to doodle shapes freehand and how to mark up fabric to make more controlled flower and leaf shapes. You will be shown how to use dissolvable fabric. You will create a small bowl with leaves and petals that will be three dimensional on the surface. Fee includes some specialist materials. This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
You need to bring your own sewing machine and a special embroidery/darning foot for your machine.
Saturday 10am to 4pm Debby Bird
One day on 22 January £55/£40 C12G Stoke Lodge
NEW Dressmaking And Textiles- Intermediates
The tutor will guide learners through all the necessary steps to make a simple garment of their choice. This includes cutting out fabrics, understanding the pattern instructions and constructing the garment. The course will include demonstration, handouts and practical exercises. This course is designed for those with previous experience of sewing.
This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Mondays 6.30pm to 9pm Lorraine Joseph
6 sessions from 10 January £108/£66 C19C Stoke Lodge
And
Mondays 6.30pm to 9pm Lorraine Joseph
6 sessions from 28 February £108/£66 C19D Stoke Lodge
NEW Getting To Know Your Sewing Machine
Don’t know where to start or want to get more out of your sewing machine? This is for you! This workshop aims to help you get to know your sewing machine. You will use the various stitches, sewing feet and accessories that come with your machine. Fee includes fabric for a mini project.
This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Bring your own sewing machine.
Friday 10am to 3.45pm Ann Huntley
1 session on 11 March £47/£35 C30C Stoke Lodge
Learning To Sew-And More!
You will learn basic sewing machine skills and techniques to help you make clothes and furnishings. You will also learn to read a pattern and discover some of the essential hand stitches needed to finish off your project. All abilities welcome. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Fridays 10am to 12.30pm Marilyn Mitchelmore
6 sessions from 14 January £108/£66 C50C Stoke Lodge
And
Fridays 10am to 12.30pm Marilyn Mitchelmore
6 sessions from 4 March £108/£66 C50D Stoke Lodge
OR
Fridays 1pm to 3.30pm Marilyn Mitchelmore
6 sessions from 14 January £108/£66 C51B Stoke Lodge
And
Fridays 1pm to 3.30pm Marilyn Mitchelmore
6 sessions from 4 March £108/£66 C51C Stoke Lodge
Sewing For Complete Beginners
This beginners’ sewing course will give you the confidence to use a sewing machine on your own. By the end of the course you will have learnt how to make a cushion cover, a zipped toiletry bag and a pair of pyjama shorts or pyjama bottoms. Material for cushion cover and zipped bag are included in the fee- the tutor will advise you on material you need to purchase for the pyjama shorts. Sewing machines are available to use but you may wish to bring your own. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Thursdays 6pm to 9pm Ann Huntley
6 sessions from 13 January £145/£94 C29B Stoke Lodge
Upholstery
Bring a treasured heirloom back to life! You will learn traditional upholstery skills and methods using traditional materials. If your project requires it, you can also learn how to use a sewing machine. This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Due to limited storage, please bring smaller, lighter pieces. All pieces of furniture MUST be taken home at the end of the course unless you have enrolled on the next course.
Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 10 January £148/£90 C13C Stoke Lodge
Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 10 January £124/£75 C14C Stoke Lodge
Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 11 January £124/£75 C15C Stoke Lodge
Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 13 January £124/£75 C16C Stoke Lodge
Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 28 February £148/£90 C13D Stoke Lodge
Mondays 1pm to 3.30pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 28 February £124/£75 C14D Stoke Lodge
Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 1 March £124/£75 C15D Stoke Lodge
Thursdays 6.30pm to 9pm Nicola Hamilton
6 sessions from 3 March£124/£75 C16D Stoke Lodge
Upholstery On Saturdays
These one-day workshops can be used as a “taster” or as an opportunity to complete an unfinished project. If you intend to finish a project in a day, please bring fabric and braid (if appropriate). Please choose a small, manageable piece. No previous experience necessary.
This workshop will be delivered at Stoke Lodge.
Pieces of furniture cannot be stored at Stoke Lodge due to limited storage space.
Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
One day on 22 January £55/£40 C17C Stoke Lodge
And
Saturday 10am to 4pm Nicola Hamilton
One day on 2 April £55/£40 C17D Stoke Lodge