Beginner Sewing Weekend Workshop

From $240.00

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Total Beginner Workshop Class

Learn how to use your sewing machine, from setting up to cleaning and maintenance. Printing and assembling pdf patterns, how to choose fabric for a project, reading pattern marking, cutting fabric, quick fitting tips, sewing skills for building confience with your machine and learn the language of sewing!

By the end of the weekend you will be well on your way to sewing your first me-made garments.

A simple boxy top pattern is included in this class but you are welcome to bring your own simple beginner friendly top pattern if you have one you would prefer to sew.

BYO fabric (preferably a soft flowy cotton, linen or rayon or a blend of any of these fibers) Contact me for a specific list of ideal fabrics and where to find them. There are options below if you would like me to choose fabric for you &/or to supply the basic sewing tool kit you'll need to start sewing.

I recommend bringing your own sewing machine so you can learn the skills specific to your machine but I do have spare machines in my studio which are suitable for beginners to learn on.

When: Saturday & Sunday Oct 26th & 27th** 2024 // Upper Orara 10am - 2pm

**If these dates do not suit, Contact me with a few dates that might suit you best. If I have enough students ready to book before the end of July the date that suits a group of 3-4 students will go ahead. If anyone would like to book this workshop as a one-on-one lesson, it can be arranged. Contact me with your requests!

Cost: $240 covers my time & tuition, use of studio tools & electricity, plus light refreshments for morning tea (tea, coffee, cordials and homemade biscuits or cake are provided). You are welcome to bring your own food/drink for lunch and use the kitchen, microwave and fridge.

Where: Ginger Kelly Studio, South Island Loop Rd, Upper Orara NSW

What you will learn

How to use your sewing machine. Learn how the machine works, what you need to double check before sewing (for a smooth sewing experience) and how to maintain your machine.

You will be threading the machine, changing needles and machine feet, learning about the different types of stitches, how to sew straight and curved seams, finish a neckline with a facing, and hem a top with short sleeves.

Lauren will guide you through the basic steps for downloading, printing and assembling a pdf pattern (as well as working with commercial tissue patterns) measuring your body for the best fit, tips for choosing a size and checking your fit before cutting your fabric, making simple pattern adjustments for a boxy top, choosing fabrics, cutting and marking fabric, how to work with pins and sewing clips, sewing with confidence, precision and ease.

You will build your confidence in taking the next steps towards sewing your own clothes and will be ready to practice your skills towards working with more difficult fabrics and techniques.

What you will get

Skilled tuition from Lauren
The skills and creative confidence to create your own simple well fitting garment
A roadmap for working with your specific machine (learn its quirks and how to tame them)
Workbook and printed materials to assist you with revising what you've learned and continuing your sewing journey.
A fun weekend spent with like minded creative people
A delicious morning tea with tasty treats and refreshments on offer

* You will have the opportunity to order fabric supplies & other sewing tools on the day if you would like to continue to create projects at home.

The boxy top pattern you use for the workshop is yours to take home and create more versions for your own personal use.

Please note: Workshops are non refundable, in the event that you are unable to attend, feel free to send along a lucky someone in your place.

It may be possible to transfer your fee to another workshop date within a 3 month period so please reach out if you are ill or need to make a last minute change to the booking.

Limited spaces available to ensure everyone gets plenty of help and guidance to begin their creative journey into sewing!

***At checkout please choose 'Local Pickup - Coffs Harbour' as the shipping option so you don't pay an additional shipping fee!

I will contact you via email within 24hrs of checkout to confirm the details of your workshop booking and provide the list of materials you will need to bring.
I am encouraging locals to choose a date, gather a group of friends who would love to do this workshop together, then contact me so this booking can be arranged.

For a group of 5, there is a discount of $30 per person.

You will need to arrange the booking and pay for the workshop 2 weeks ahead of the workshop date so I have time to organize the class and supplies required.

Thankyou, I look forward to hearing from you!

Contact me here
What does this mean?

These are options for how you would like to begin this class.

If you have your own machine, have chosen your fabric and have a basic sewing kit you are good to go. >>> Select the BYO machine option and checkout.

If you are not sure about how to choose a fabric or would like help to do this before the class. I can guide you in your selection of materials and source some great fabric for your first sewing project. I estimate we will be using between 1.5-2m and I can have the fabric ordered and delivered to my studio in time for the workshop (There is a fabric + postage budget of $50 for this project)

Leave me a note about your colour and fiber preferences and I'll do my best to choose a fabric you will love within the budget limitations. Email confirmation will be sent with a picture of the fabric for you to confirm your choice before it is ordered. >>> Select the 'Choose Fabric For Me' option & Checkout.

If you have a machine & have chosen your fabric but don't have a clue where to begin gathering together the tools you need for a basic sewing kit then let me do the hard work for you! >>> Select the 'I Need a Basic Kit' option & Checkout.

You can order the Basic Sewing Kit +/- optional upgrades HERE

Need both fabric & sewing kit sorted out for you? >>> Select this option & checkout. I'll take care of the supplies, you just bring your machine.

Any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch
What to bring

Your enthusiasm!

A sewing machine suitable for learning on. It simply needs to work. It can be second hand or brand new still in it's packaging - I generally recommend that the machine should have the ability to straight stitch and zig zag as a bare minimum and it needs to be portable (industrial machines or super heavy vintage beasts won't be practical)

A basic sewing kit: dressmaking shears/scissors &/or rotary cutter, a small pair of scissors or snips, paper/craft scissors, flexible tape measure, pins or sewing clips, thread* to match your fabric, machine needles for your machine - size 80/12 (universal, medium size) seam ripper, a fabric marker (washable marker or tailors chalk is best but will depend on colour of your fabric)

Optional: Self healing cutting mat. If you intend to use a rotary cutter you will need to bring a cutting mat too. I have a spare mat, but for a larger class we may be taking turns using the cutting areas. Other surfaces will need the spare mat to make them suitable for cutting on.

You are welcome to bring along a blouse/top sewing pattern of your own if you wish to create a garment to better suit your style. This should be a beginner or 'easy' pattern and preferably not have button closures as these take longer to sew and you may not get your project finished over the weekend workshop.

What to wear

Something comfortable and easy for you to take your measurements around (close fitting sleeveless top with loose long sleeve shirt over the top is ideal)

Bringing or wearing a top that you feel fits you well will help with guiding your fitting and measuring lessons.

If the weather is nice we may spend break time out in the garden or make use of the outdoor areas so consider bringing a hat/wearing sunscreen too

This class is designed for beginners but if you have some experience and just want to refresh your skills before getting back into sewing you are most welcome!

Please get in touch if you have any questions not covered here.
There is alot to learn when it comes to sewing, from the new sewing related words to how to read pattern markings and instructions. It's like learning a new language and the best way to do this is to get stuck in and use this language as often as you can.

I've designed this intensive 2 day workshop to be a fairly quick course, paired back to basics with some of the simple tips and tricks I've learned to make learning to sew easier and to help build your confidence in using your own sewing machine.

If it takes more time for you to practice and learn each step, that's absolutely OK!

Every step is written down, and there are ongoing learning resources for you to join in on so you can get the most out of what you'll see demonstrated in the class.

I believe in a hands on practical approach to learning so I'll show you a step and help you with practicing it until you understand it.

Every skill we learn in sewing a basic top from start to finish covers a broad range of beginner sewing skills to give you a foundation you can build on in future...and at the end of the workshop: rather than just a handful of stitch samplers, you'll have a garment you can wear or give to someone you love!

If sewing a wearable top seems too intimidating, I'm happy to start you off on a more basic project: sewing a pillowcase or tea towel are also possible options.

At the end of the workshop you can choose to book ongoing individual lessons or join another group class for regular sewing meet ups where we would cover various skills and sewing challenges.

There's also the option to join our Sewing Social Club where we regularly meet up for casual group sewing afternoon, chat about what we're making and help each other with tricky steps we might be stuck on.

Thistle and Fox

illustrations by Lauren Kelly on fabrics, wallpapers & handmade

Beginner Sewing Weekend Workshop

Before Booking

Group Bookings

Choose Your Sewing Adventure

What to Bring

Learning at Your Own Pace

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Basic Sewing Kit

Sewing Lessons, Per Class