We are inviting budding dressmakers to join us to sew a Tilly and the Buttons Stevie top or dress that has a modern, boxy fit and short sleeves.
This is a wonderful summer holiday activity and that will teach them the fundamental skills required for dressmaking.
The Tilly and the Buttons patterns are designed especially for beginners and with our guidance your child or teenager will be able to sew themselves either a top or dress.
Please note that this workshop is suitable for children age 10+ that have already attended our Beginner Basics sewing workshop OR already know how to use a sewing machine.
This is the perfect experience for sharing and we welcome parent/child bookings.
The children/teens will learn how to:
Understand the pattern;
Measure themselves correctly;
Select the right size to sew;
Trace out their pattern;
Cut out their fabric;
Sew accurate seams;
Add a neck facing;
Sew simple sleeve cuffs (optional);
Add a button or tie closure at the back;
Sew hems.
Skill Level:
Suitable for children aged 10+ (they must have attended our Beginner Basics workshop OR already know how to use a sewing machine)
What is included:
Tilly and the Buttons Stevie pattern;
Use of our tools and equipment;
Expert instruction;
Maximum of class size of 6 people;
Your own desk with a storage cupboard underneath;
Squash and biscuits (sewing essentials!);
10% discount on purchases made whilst attending the workshop.
Materials required:
(these are all available to purchase from our shop)
Fabric and notions (please see photo of pattern envelope) – we are very happy to advise
Dressmakers tracing paper
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.
Packed lunch.
Tutor:
Fiona Wafaa – Fiona is DBS checked and here is her story in her own words: “My Mum taught me to sew when I was a little girl. However, I didn’t really do much as a young adult but picked it up again when I had an event to go to and found the dresses that I liked to be so expensive. I also found it a mission to get one to fit correctly. When I joined the Instagram sewing community, it spurred me on to sew more and more. I have 3 children who I used to sew for when they were younger and I taught my daughter to sew when she had a keen interest. I enjoy teaching children to sew and love seeing the satisfaction on their faces when they finish a make. You can check out my makes on Instagram @sew.waffles.” 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.