Are you confident using your sewing machine and would like to learn some new techniques? Or maybe you would like to brush up on your sewing skills? If so, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Join us to sew one of the following:
Pocket tote bag -our useful pocket tote bag that we have nicknamed ‘Poppin’ is a useful everyday bag with plenty of easy to access pockets. Pop your essentials in any of the front or back pockets and valuable items can be stowed away in the internal pockets. There is a small zip up pocket at the back and the bag is securely closed with a zip. It is lightweight but can stand up on its own and the straps allow it to be worn over the shoulder or carried. ‘Poppin’ would also work well as a craft or knitting bag.
Slouch bag – sew a casual drawstring slouch bag suitable for everyday use, holidays, picnics, shopping and lots more. This useful bag has a contrasting band around the top and is fully lined. It has a foam base that helps the bag to keep it’s shape. The drawstring is threaded through metal eyelets and the strap is adjustable. Cotton interfacing gives the bag structure but allows it to keep it’s softness. Once you have made one for yourself, it will be hard not make plenty more as gifts for your friends and family.
Please let us know your chosen project in the ‘Notes’ section at the checkout.
You will be able to take your pattern and instructions home so you may sew many more (they make great gifts!).
PLEASE NOTE: in order to maximise sewing time, we will ask you to cut out your fabrics at home.
At the workshop you will learn the following techniques:
Pocket tote bag:
Sew a pocket tote bag measuring – Height 30cm (12”) x Width at Top 45cm (18″) x Depth at Base 13cm (5”).
Create pockets with a fabric bound edge.
Sew an invisible outer pocket with zip closure.
Attach strong straps made from webbing.
Create corners to make the base of the bag sit flat.
Insert a zip to close bag.
Line the bag.
Add a large internal pocket.
Slouch bag:
Apply interfacing to stabilise the fabric;
Insert a square base into the bag;
Sew an adjustable strap;
Apply eyelets; and
Sew a drawstring tie cord.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Suitable for anyone who can sew simple bags, but who would like to go to the next level. You must be able to cut out your fabric without assistance.
What is included:
Detailed notes for future reference;
Use of our tools and equipment;
Expert instruction;
Maximum of class size of 6 people;
Your own desk with a storage cupboard underneath;
Tea/coffee and biscuits (sewing essentials!);
10% discount on further workshop bookings made whilst attending the workshop (excludes Social Sewing and Sip ‘n’ Sew);
Free parking (Burghley Street carpark is the nearest).
You will need to bring (all materials are available to purchase from our studio online or by appointment beforehand):
Thread (we recommend a good quality thread such as Gutermann Sew-All)
Your sewing machine (including the pedal!!). All machines must be in good working order and should we deem a sewing machine unsafe, you will not be allowed to use it. However, please let us know in advance if you need to use one of ours at a cost of £5 per workshop.
For pocket tote bag:
Fabric A (main bag and zip panels) – 0.5m x 112cm/42” wide
Fabric B (outer pocket and inner pocket trim) – 0.6m x 112cm/42” wide
Fabric C (lining, outer pocket trim, zip pocket trim and zip end) – 0.55m x 112cm/42” wide
Fabric D (inner pocket) – fat quarter (50cm/20” x 55cm/22”)
Vlieseline Style-Vil Wadding – 80cm x 72cm wide
15cm/6” zip for pocket
46cm/18” zip for bag
2.6m webbing for straps
25cm x 50cm light weight iron-on interfacing
4 x bag feet (optional)
Zipper foot for sewing machine
You could also purchase one of our kits.
For slouch bag:
Fabric A (outer bag) – 50cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton fabric
Fabric B (upper band and lining) – 60cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton fabric
Cotton interfacing – 50cm x 90cm wide
Style-Vil Fix foam wadding – 18cm x 26cm
25mm adjusting buckle
25mm rectangle loops for bags (pack of 2)
8 x 14mm eyelets
Tutor:
Leanne de Lima Araujo – Leanne is the owner of Gather ‘N’ Sew and has been teaching popular sewing workshops for 10 years. She loves to share her passion for sewing and believes that everyone can sew. Her sewing adventures began over 40 years ago when she was allowed to turn the handle on her Mum’s Singer sewing machine and since then when she is not at work, she is busy making garments, quilts, soft furnishings, bags and gifts. Most of the bags, quilts and other items taught in our workshops have been designed by Leanne. Find out more.
Booking information:
How to book:
All workshops must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Bookings may be made online, over the phone or in the shop and can be made up to 24 hours before the start of the workshop provided there are spaces available.
Due to the limited availability of places and the costs incurred in running a workshop, payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable unless someone can be found to take your place. So, please check your diary carefully before making a booking.
By booking a workshop you agree to all of our terms and conditions.
Cancellations:
In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel a booking, please contact us as soon as possible. Sometimes we have a waiting list and may be able to find someone to replace you.
In the unlikely event that we will need to cancel a workshop due to not having enough attendees to make the workshop viable, staff illness or exceptional circumstances, we will give you at least 24 hours notice via e-mail and offer you a transfer, full refund, or voucher.
If you are running late for a workshop, please ring us to let us know. Unfortunately, if you are more than half an hour late, you will be unable to attend as there won’t be enough time to catch up and it will be disruptive to the other attendees.
Attending the workshop:
Within one week of booking, we will send you a confirmation e-mail. If you don’t receive one, please check your spam/junk folder.
The e-mail will include a full list of materials required, all of which are available to purchase in the shop or from our website. Please contact us ASAP with any queries.
All materials required must be purchased prior to attending the workshop.
A reminder e-mail will be sent one week before the workshop date.
For all workshops (apart from Know Your Machine) you will need to know how to use a sewing machine.
To save time we highly recommend that you wind your bobbin and thread your machine at home.
Please arrive a little before the start of the workshop so you can get set up and there is no delay or disruption to other workshop attendees. Admittance to the classroom will be permitted 15 minutes before the start of the class.
During each workshop you will make the item we have designed and to the dimensions we have specified.
Details of nearby parking facilities are listed on our Visit Us page.
