In this online course you can work through the modules and lessons at your own pace. Re-watch modules as needed and dip in and out of whenever you need a little reminder.
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Author Archive | Alison Warner
Lampshades for everyone
Make yourself a stunning no sew laminate lampshade, these are great for updating and changing your décor quickly and easily and once you’ve made one you will want to go home and make more! In this class we will show you how to achieve a professional finish using a laminate lampshade kit. you will get to make a 30cm round drum lampshade.
Skill level- Beginner
Topics we aim to cover
- Measuring correctly
- Cutting Accurately
- Achieving a professional finish
What you will need to bring
Included in the cost of the class is the 30cm Drum lampshade kit
You will need 50cm of 140cm wide fabric, a lightweight craft cotton works best for your first attempt. Please don’t bring any heavy weight upholstery fabrics. We don’t sell fabrics in our workshop but we do have a limited amount of remnants if you don’t have time to find anything.
Tutor
Aly Warner or Jenny Frazer
Stitch a House Portrait

Using Free Motion Machine embroidery during this workshop you’ll learn all the different stages of making a house portrait and will walk away with your very own framed stitched portrait of your own house or favourite building. Why not make one as a special gift such as a wedding present a new home or special Birthday or indeed just for yourself. This course would be most suited to people who have done machine embroidery before (like our beginners workshop!)
All materials are included
We will require an image of your building to be e mailed to us one week prior to the class to allow initial preparation for the class, please send this to hello@bobbinsewingschool.com
Tutor Meg Harris
Denim Skirt Making

Join us in making this wardrobe classic. Learn about Denim, creating and sewing jeans style pockets, sewing mock fell seams and inserting a fly zip. We will also be top stitching giving the classic look associated with this style of skirt, you may even want to finish your skirt with optional rivets. Every stage will be demonstrated along the way.
We will be using the Tilly and the Buttons Ness skirt pattern, you each receive your own pattern to keep, allowing you to make further skirts at home.
What do I need to bring ?
The pattern is included in the cost
Denim or another heavy skirt cloth
Haberdashery items
Below are details of what you will need, we do have a small selection of supplies if you are unable to source anything
This class takes place over 3 days, so please do check the dates on the timetable
Blouses
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
Shirt Making
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
Cutting techniques
Patchwork Block and Quilt as you Go
Enjoy a morning creating a patchwork block or two. Each session we will offer you two different block designs to choose from , 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, using the ‘Quilt as you go’ method. We will also practise the technique of straight line quilting using a walking foot, or free motion quilting according to your choice.
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
Quilting methods
What to bring to the class
3 or 4 different craft weight cotton ‘fat Quarters’
A square of cotton 40cm x 40cm for the back if the block
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
Leather Journal Workshop
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
Jolly Deer Wall hanging
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
Coco Dress or Top
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