Sewing Lessons, Per Class

$65.00

What is the best way to contact you? Please leave an email or phone number

Do you have any sewing experience? or what are your sewing goals?

Quantity

Sewing Lessons for Beginners

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!

These are variable 2hr-2.5hr sewing lessons in small groups of 2-4 students of a similar level. You will be learning at your own pace with tuition and guidance to sew a project of your choosing.

After 3 lessons, you will be well on your way to sewing your first me-made garments with confidence.

Bring your own machine, basic toolkit, fabric and your own beginner friendly pattern/s.

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.

I highly 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 if you are temporarily without a machine.

When: Every Friday, starting Aug 30th 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 start 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: $65/ 2hr lesson covers my time & tuition, venue/use of studio tools & electricity. 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.

For larger groups we may have the option to use a larger venue in Coramba with access to shared overlockers and plenty of working space.

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 necklines, hems, facings, buttonholes, installing elastic waistbands and elastic casings... and many more valuable practical skills

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 better fit, 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 garments
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 relaxed class and creative time spent with like minded creative people

Please note: Sewing lessons are non refundable but the lesson fee covers any beginner lesson within a 6 month teaching season. Perhaps you cannot attend 3 lessons in a row but you can attend every 2nd lesson over a few months.

I only need to know when you intend to be attending a lesson date so I can ensure there is enough space and resources for all students.

Please RSVP at least a week before the lesson date and reach out immediately if you are ill or unable to attend a lesson.

Limited spaces available in each class 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 lesson 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?

Are you a total beginner? (never touched a sewing machine) or do you have a little experience (perhaps years ago) and would like to continue developing your skills?

What are your sewing goals (at the moment)? Perhaps you would love to sew a button up shirt.... or a jumpsuit? Or you want to learn as many technical skills as you can, one project at a time.

Answering these question helps me to gauge where to focus my lessons to give you the most personalized experience I possibly can.

If you have your own machine, have chosen your fabric and have a basic sewing kit you are good to go. >>> Select the number of lessons you would like to get started with 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. Leave me a note about your colour and fiber preferences and I'll do my best to choose a range of fabrics you will love. I have a huge database of fabric sources and can recommend materials I have worked with before from a number of trusted local (Australian) fabric stores online.

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! >>> Order a Basic Sewing Kit here.

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.

Fabric for your project/s - prewashed & dried in the same way you intend to wash your finished project.

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 clothing 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 tutorials and classes to be flexible, 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

Sewing Lessons, Per Class

Before Booking

Group Bookings

Sewing Experience & Goals

What to Bring

Learning at Your Own Pace

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Basic Sewing Kit