Boost your confidence by sewing a garment that actually fits!
We are excited to give you the opportunity to learn what fitting adjustments need to be made and how to do them. The skills learned can be transferred onto other dressmaking projects, helping you create a wardrobe filled with garments that you love to wear and make you feel good.
Like many of you, we are embracing the concept of conscious sewing and by sewing garments that fit well and are worn often, less fabric and fewer garments are likely to end up in landfill.
We really want to help! So, bring along a pattern and some fabric and we will show you how to measure yourself correctly, cut out the best size(s) and and make any other fitting adjustments to your paper pattern. Then you will sew a toile to check the fit and if necessary we will show you how to make further adjustments. (If you have tried sewing that pattern before, it will be helpful to bring the garment along too.)
Once you are happy with the fit we will show you how to transfer the adjustments to your paper pattern. And after that you will be ready to sew a fabulous new garment.
Your newfound skills will transform the way you sew and wear your clothes.
You will:
Measure yourself and work out which size(s) to cut out.
Cut out and sew a toile.
Adjust the toile to get a better fit.
Learn how to make those adjustments.
Transfer any adjustments to your paper pattern pieces.
Cut out and sew another toile to check garment fit (if needed).
Skill Level:
Confident beginner: Suitable for anyone with some dressmaking experience.
What is included:
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;
Free parking (Burghley Street carpark is the nearest).
You will need to bring:
Garment paper pattern.
Fabric for making a toile (an old sheet, calico or curtain lining are perfect).
Tracing paper.
Sewing thread – we recommend a good quality thread such as Gutermann Sew-All or rPet.
Sewing machine (with pedal – this frequently gets forgotten!) Please let us know if you need to use one of ours at an extra cost of £5.
You may wish to wear a camisole for trying on toiles.
Tutor:
Leanne de Lima Araujo – Leanne is the owner of Gather ‘N’ Sew and has been teaching popular sewing workshops for over 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 without assistance.
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.
Details of nearby parking facilities are listed on our Visit Us page.
