Author Archive | Alison Warner

Blouses

By Alison Warner on March 24, 2019 in Dressmaking Courses & Sewing Cafe, Dressmaking Projects, Uncategorized

Blouse making can be extremely fun, at the same time the fabrics that give the best results are a bit daunting and seem to have a mind of their own. Over two days you will practise making your own beautiful blouse. We will demonstrate each stage as you progress through the workshop. and give you plenty of encouragement and lots of tips and tricks along the way.

Skill level- Intermediate +

The topics we aim to cover

Choosing the correct pattern size
Cutting out techniques
Setting up your machine
Interfacings- Where and which ones to use
Seams and Seam finishes
Collar stand
Plackets
Button holes and finishing

We can supply a standard pattern for this class with an average size range if you would prefer to bring your own pattern for this class please feel free to do so

What to bring to the class

2m x 140cm wide blouse weight fabric and thread to match

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class -4

Tutor Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Shirt Making

By Alison Warner on February 10, 2019 in Dressmaking Courses & Sewing Cafe, Dressmaking Projects, Uncategorized

Shirt making can be extremely fulfilling when you know a few tips and tricks to getting a smart finish, because it really is all in the finish. Over four classes you will practise making your own or a significant others shirt. We will demonstrate each stage as you progress through the weeks and give you plenty of encouragement along the way.

Skill level- Intermediate +

The topics we aim to cover

Choosing the correct pattern size
Cutting out techniques
Interfacings- Where and which ones to use
Burrito method of yoke creation
Two piece collar
Sleeve plackets and cuffs
Button holes and finishing

We Provide a standard pattern for this class with an average size range if you would prefer to bring your own pattern for this class please feel free to do so

What to bring to the class

2m x 140cm wide cotton or cotton mix shirt weight fabric and thread to match

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class -4

Tutor Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Cutting techniques

Patchwork Block and Quilt as you Go

By Alison Warner on December 14, 2018 in Patchwork & Quilting

Enjoy a Saturday morning creating a patchwork block or two. Each session we will offer you two different block designs to choose from for you to put together, suitable for novice and seasoned patchworkers. Either of these blocks can be used individually for cushions and smaller projects or you could save them up to make a larger quilt. We will also practise the technique of straight line quilting using a walking foot.

Skill level- Any

The topics we aim to cover

Cutting using rotary cutters

Using traditional and modern techniques for patchwork

Using 1/4″ seams on the sewing machine

Straight line Quilting

What to bring to the class

3 or 4 different craft weight cotton ‘fat Quarters’

One reel of thread to blend with your fabrics, we recommend either a grey or beige if you are not sure what’s best

40cm square cotton or wool mix batting for the quilting (we have an 80/20 cotton/poly mix batting available in the workshop for a small charge of £1.50 per square)

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class -5

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Leather Journal Workshop

By Alison Warner on June 13, 2018 in Accessories

This is fun and friendly workshop,suitable for complete beginners. Using up-cycled leather we start in the morning making a small (15 x 11cm) 96 page book with an elastic closure. This will introduce you to all the basic bookbinding and leather working techniques. In the afternoon make a larger 120 page journal with a wraparound leather cover which can be designed to take pens or pencils. This book could be closed using a leather tie or incorporating a vintage button. You’ll go home with two stunning and unique up-cycled leather journals and the skills to make more.

In this session we’ll cover

Finding the grain of paper
Folding the paper to make sections using a bone folder
Making templates for the stitching holes
Using an awl to make the paper holes
Choosing your leather (it will be pre cut)
Using a Japanese Screw Punch to cut holes in the leather
Choosing and waxing your thread
Mastering the ‘Long Stitch’ technique for sewing the sections to the leather
Getting the tension right
Sewing buttons onto leather
Incorporating the features of the recycled leather into your design

What you need to bring

Nothing, everything is provided. However if you have favourite paper (max A4) or buttons you would like to use please bring them along. There will be plenty of upcycled leather and 140gm recycled cartridge paper for you to use, and a large quantity of vintage buttons to rummage through. Please bring a packed lunch or you will have time to pop out to a local cafe. Tea, coffee and homemade cake are provided.

Tutor Lynne Friel

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Jolly Deer Wall hanging

By Alison Warner on November 19, 2017 in Accessories, Home Furnishings, Seasonal Sewing, Uncategorized

This cheery Deer is bound to make you smile, make one for your home in your own chosen fabric, use a lightweight furnishing, craft cotton corduroy or light wool he could look great in tweed. Make him with a red nose for the festive season. This is the perfect class if you enjoy or want to have ago at toy making. We provide a pattern and instructions for you to use again and again.

Skill level- Confident Beginner

The topics we aim to cover

Shaping and sewing in 3D

Hand finishing

What to bring to the class

50cm of your chosen fabric at least 115cm wide, thread to match

40cm x 40cm of contrast fabric for the antlers ( we have a box of fabrics you are welcome to sort through and use) or twigs look great as an alternative

Two buttons approx size of 20p for eyes and two for nose (we have jars of buttons you can look through)

We supply stuffing and felt for noses

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class -5

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

Coco Dress or Top

By Alison Warner on October 19, 2017 in Dressmaking Essentials, Dressmaking Projects

Never sewn Knits before? then this is the perfect starter – Make your own Coco, the perfect Breton top or knit dress with multiple variations. Coco is easy fitting, with no zips, buttons or other fiddly bits. The perfect introduction to sewing knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine, We supply you with the pattern which includes user-friendly instructions so you can go away and make lots more

A year-round staple that’s so easy to wear, Coco makes a great spring marinière top, summer tunic, autumn funnel neck or cosy winter dress. Designed for low-stretch knit fabrics, the classic style features a boat neckline, choice of top or dress lengths, three quarter length or long sleeves, with side splits at the hips on the top version. Make it your own with optional sixties funnel roll neck, rolled cuffs and patch pockets.

Skill level- Confident Beginner /Intermediate

The topics we aim to cover

To teach you the skills you need when dealing with stretch knit and Jersey Fabrics
Learn what measurements you need to take
Cut out a commercial pattern
Read a pattern
Understand terms used
Cut your fabric correctly
Methods of putting your garment together
Tips on which seams to use and where
Correct pressing techniques
Professional finishing hints and tips

What to bring to the class

Fabric:
– Dress with funnel neck + cuffs – 2.3m x 150cm wide (2 1/2 yards x 60in) OR 3m x 115cm wide (3 1/4 yards x 45in)
– Plain dress – 2m (2¼ yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 2.7m (3 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide
– Top with funnel neck + cuffs – 1.8m (2 yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 2.7m (3 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide
– Plain top – 1.5m (1¾in yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 2.2m (2½ yards) x 115cm (45in) wide

If you prefer your Dress knee length please add 20cm to the total for wide fabric and 50cm for narrower fabric

Matching thread
Ribbon (30cm x 6-8mm wide) or stay tape
Stretch or ballpoint needle for your sewing machine

Matching thread
Ribbon (30cm x 6-8mm wide) or stay tape
Stretch or ballpoint needle for your sewing machine

Matching thread
Stretch or ballpoint needle for your sewing machine

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class -4

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

How to Use your Overlocker

By Alison Warner on September 13, 2016 in Beginners, Dressmaking Essentials, Dressmaking Projects, How To Use A Sewing Machine

The ever scary overlocker, if you own one and feel its missing its potential, bring it along to this class and we will spend some time discussing and practicing the different stitches and techniques available on your machine and then we will put them into practice and make a simple T shirt.

Class level – Intermediate, you will have sewn other easy to make garments and have good basic sewing knowledge. Have access to and be able to bring your own overlocker to the class along with the manual for the machine.

The topics we aim to cover are:

We aim to cover the points on the list below. Depending on how many questions you have, we may not get a chance to cover everything – please let us know if there is something specific you really want help with before you leave if we don’t cover it in the class.

We aim to teach you the skills you will need to improve your overlocker use. You will make an easy to wear Tshirt using your overlocker and samples that can be referred to in the future All fabrics are included for the class

Specifically you will learn;

Overlocker techniques
Stitches and how to change them
Using stitch and tear interfacing
Attaching a continuous neck band
Working with different fabrics
The Overlocker rolled hem

What you need to bring to the class:

An Overlocker and any accessories you have
Your overlocker manual (important)

Maximum class size 4

Tutor

Aly Warner

Date/Time	Class	Cost	Spaces
05/10/2019 10:00 am - 3:30 pm	How To Use an Overlocker Stable 2, The Vine, Stockbridge Hampshire	£70.00	2

Soft Tailoring Jacket Making

By Alison Warner on September 13, 2016 in Dressmaking Courses & Sewing Cafe, Dressmaking Projects, Seasonal Sewing

Make yourself something to be proud of and a timeless classic. I love soft tailoring its my favourite pastime. You are welcome to make a jacket of your choice from a commercial pattern or the jacket jacket pictured for which I will draft a pattern for you. I have made this design repeatedly over the past 6 years for many people in many fabrics from wool to linens. If you would like to move on in your skill set then this is your class

Skill level-Intermediate +/ Advanced.

The topics we aim to cover

To teach you all the skills you need to become confident with soft tailoring
Learn what measurements you need to take
Cut out a commercial pattern and make adjustments if necessary
Read an advanced pattern
Understand terms used
Cut your fabric correctly
Methods of putting your garment together
Tips on which seams to use and where
Correct pressing techniques
Professional finishing hints and tips

What to bring to the class

Should you wish to make one of My Jackets (as pictured and displayed in our workshop) please email us at the time of booking so that we can prepare a pattern for you otherwise you are welcome to bring a pattern of your choice, if possible please choose a multi size pattern. Commercial pattern sizing tends to work out smaller than sizes of ready made clothing so please check to ensure your basic measurements fall within the size range on the pattern. (When measuring yourself for this, bring a tape measure around your waist, hips and bust and pull tightly enough to get an accurate measurement don’t add anything for ease.)

Fabric amounts for my jacket will be advised when I receive your measurements but they are approximately 2m of main fabric 150cm wide and 1.5 m of lining

Thread

Interfacing which I can provide at £6 metre if requested

For your own pattern please choose the fabric quantities as advised on your pattern envelope according to your size, please bring everything listed on the pattern envelope.

We have sewing machines for you to use but if you would like to bring your own that’s fine

Maximum number on class – 4

Tutor

Aly Warner

Date/Time	Class	Cost	Spaces
26/10/2019 - 16/11/2019 10:00 am - 4:00 pm	Soft Tailoring Jacket Making Stable 2, The Vine, Stockbridge Hampshire	£220.00	4

Free Motion Machine Embroidery Lampshade

By Alison Warner on January 26, 2016 in Free Motion Machine Embroidery

Create a conversation piece for your home. Say goodbye to sewing rules and try your hand at rule-free doodling and sketching – in thread! You will spend the first part of the morning practicing Free Motion Machine Embroidery before working on your design and in the afternoon make up your final piece into a 30cm drum lampshade that can be used as either a pendant lampshade or added to a lamp base.

Skill level -We do recommend that you have done some previous Free Motion Machine Embroidery at beginners level before undertaking this class.

The topics we aim to cover in this lesson are:

Setting up your machine for FME
Tools required for FME
Thread sketching
FME & Applique
Stabilizing / hooping
Fabric choice and preparing your fabric
Thread choice
Needle choice
Transferring designs
Where to ﬁnd inspiration
Applications for FME
Great practice ideas
Resolving issues
Learning good FME habits

Making a lampshade from a laminate kit

All materials to practice and make up the lampshade will be provided by us for this class including a 30cm drum lampshade kit, please bring along any pictures for inspiration if you wish.

We have sewing machines you can use but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer

Date/Time	Class	Cost	Spaces
12/11/2019 10:00 am - 4:30 pm	Improvers Free Motion Embroidery Lampshade Stable 2, The Vine, Stockbridge Hampshire	£80.00	5

2 day Dressmaking

By Alison Warner on June 23, 2015 in Dressmaking Courses & Sewing Cafe, Dressmaking Projects

Two days of dressmaking suitable for anyone that can use a sewing machine and wants to add to their wardrobe. Many commercial patterns have tricky to follow instructions and the best way to improve is to keep adding to and practising your sewing techniques. The class is small and allows your tutor plenty of time to give advice and show techniques that will help you gain a successful result. Choose a pattern according to your previous abilities, bare in mind this is a short course of only 12 hours so simple dresses, tops and bottoms would be best .

Skill level- If you know how to use a sewing machine and have completed small craft projects and simple dressmaking you will be at a skill level to partake in this course. Please bare in mind your ability when choosing your pattern. As with all projects some take longer than others so you may wish to finish off at home.

AIMS OF THE COURSE

Read a pattern

Learn how alter a commercial pattern to your requirements

Understand terms used

Methods of putting your garment together

Tips on which seams to use and where

Correct pressing techniques

Professional finishing hints and tips

What to Bring to the class

You will need to bring a pattern of your choice, if possible please choose a multi size pattern. Commercial pattern sizing tends to work out smaller than dress sizes of ready made clothing so please check to ensure your basic measurements fall within the size range on the pattern. (When measuring yourself for this, bring a tape measure around your waist, hips and bust and pull tightly enough to get an accurate measurement don’t add anything for ease.)

Fabrics – Please choose the fabric quantities as advised on your pattern envelope according to your size

All notions requested on your pattern

Tutor

Aly Warner

Sorry, we don't have any classes planned currently. To register your interest please email us at hello@bobbinsewingschool.com.

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