Have you made a few simple items and would like to take the next step? Or maybe you would like to brush up on your sewing skills? If so, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
And why not get into the sewing spirit whilst you do it. So, join us to sew one of the following Christmas projects:
Christmas stocking – sew a Christmas stocking suitable for all ages and will look amazing hanging in front of your fireplace.
The stocking is fully lined, padded with wadding and has attractive appliqued heel and toe accents. It also features a ribbon loop for hanging.
The length of the stocking measures 45cm (18″) and the width across the top is 20cm (8″).
Once you have made one for yourself, it will be hard not make plenty more for your friends and family.
Stag free motion applique cushion – sew a stag cushion this isn’t necessarily just for Christmas!
The cushion has a simple stag applique on the front that is sewn using free motion stitching. It is also piped with the same fabric that has been used for the stag. A simple envelope bag completes the cushion.
The cushion measures 40cm (16″) square.
Once you have made one for yourself, it will be hard not make plenty more for your friends and family.
Christmas tree skirt – sew a reversible Christmas tree skirt.
The front of the skirt has a unique Christmas tree design with twisted fabric panels that look like tinsel draped around the tree. The back is plain and can be made from a patterned or plain cotton fabric.
Simple quilting adds further texture to the design and the edges of the skirt are finished with bias binding.
The tree skirt is a full circle and measures 41cm (16cm) from the centre to the outer edge.
You will look forward to getting this decoration out year after year.
Robin free motion applique cushion – celebrate Christmas this year by sewing a traditional cushion cover with a modern twist.
Create this gorgeous free motion embroidery robin design, then frame it with patchwork squares and finally turn it into a festive cushion.
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!).
At the workshop you will learn the following techniques:
Christmas stocking (confident beginner):
Sew applique to create the toe and heel;
Use wadding to pad the stocking;
Attach a ribbon loop; and
Add a lining.
Stag free motion applique cushion (confident beginner):
Use Steam-A-Seam to create the applique stag;
Sew the stag using free-motion stitching;
Make piping and attach it to the cushion; and
Create a simple envelope cushion back.
Christmas tree skirt (confident beginner):
Peace together fabric strips;
Create the twisted design;
Stitch panels together;
Machine quilt the layers together; and
Apply bias binding.
Robin free motion applique cushion (confident beginner):
Sew a cushion cover measuring – 40cm (20”) square
Trace applique design.
Use Steam-A-Seam to fuse applique design to fabric.
Sew applique using free motion stitching.
Use patchwork techniques to create border.
Sew cushion cover with button closure on the back.
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 Christmas stocking:
Outer fabric – 50cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton fabric
Lining fabric – 50cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton fabric
Contrast fabric (toe, heel and band at top) – fat quarter (50cm x 50cm) cotton fabric
Steam-A-Seam – 30cm x 25cm
Vlieseline H640 fusible wadding/fleece – 50cm x 90cm wide
Ribbon for loop – 20cm
For stag free motion applique cushion:
Fabric for cushion cover – 50cm x 112cm/44″ wide linen or cotton fabric
Stag and piping fabric – fat quarter (50cm x 50cm) cotton fabric
Light-weight fusible interfacing – 40cm x 40cm
Steam-A-Seam/Bondaweb – 30cm x 30cm
Size 2 piping cord – 2m
Zipper foot for machine
Free motion foot for machine
For Christmas tree skirt:
Fabric A (tree twists) – 50cm x 112cm/42″ wide cotton
Fabric B (tree twists) – 50cm x 112cm/42″ wide cotton
Fabric C (tree background) – fat quarter (50cm x 55cm / 20″ x 22″)
Fabric D (tree background) – fat quarter (50cm x 55cm / 20″ x 22″)
Fabric E (sashing) – 50cm x 112cm/42″ wide cotton
Fabric F (backing) – 1m x 112cm/42″ wide cotton
Wadding – 1m x 1m (polyester or cotton)
Bias binding – 4m (minimum 18mm wide)
¼” foot for machine
Robin free motion applique cushion:
5 x fabric fat quarters (50cm x 55cm) – including 1 red, 1 green and 1 plain background
50cm x 112cm/45″ wide fabric for cushion back and patchwork on front
30cm square of Stitch-N-Tear interfacing
25cm x 30cm Steam-A-Seam
2 x threads – 1 black and 1 to co-ordinate with fabric
4 x buttons
1/4″ foot for sewing machine
free motion foot for sewing machine
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.
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.