If you’ve already made a few simple items and are ready to take your sewing skills to the next level—or if you’re looking to refresh your techniques—this workshop is the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Join us and choose from one of the following exciting projects:
Matilda Tote Bag – Sew a stylish, fully lined tote bag that’s perfect for everyday use, holidays, shopping, and more. With internal pockets for your essentials like phones, keys, and makeup, and a secure magnetic closure, this tote offers plenty of room for all your goodies. We’ll teach you how to stabilise the bag with lightweight Style-Vil foam wadding so it stands up even when empty. For a softer feel, you can use a standard wadding instead. It’s a versatile project that will become your go-to bag!
Storage Basket – These adorable storage baskets are both practical and lightweight, thanks to the foam wadding. They stand up on their own and are perfect for storing knitting, craft supplies, toys, bathroom items, and more. Plus, you’ll leave the workshop with the pattern for two smaller versions, making this a great project to gift to friends and family!
Piped Cushion with Zip – Want to add a little flair to your home decor? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make a cushion with piping detail and a zip closure. It’s a great way to level up your cushion-making skills and create something truly beautiful for your space.
Oven Gloves – These insulated, quilted oven gloves make fantastic gifts (or a perfect treat for yourself!). With bias binding and quilted wadding for extra protection, you’ll leave this workshop with a stylish and useful set of gloves.
Doorstop – Add a personal touch to any room with a custom doorstop! We’ll guide you through sewing a sturdy doorstop with a carry handle, and you can choose to add machine applique for a creative twist.
Sewing Machine Cover – Keep your machine safe in style with a beautiful sewing machine cover! You’ll learn techniques like piping and bias binding while making a cute and functional cover that includes a handy storage pocket.
Sewing Machine Mat – Protect your table and keep your sewing essentials right at your fingertips with our charming and functional sewing machine mat! Not only does it offer a padded surface with fusible fleece for extra protection, but it also includes a handy pocket to keep your tools within easy reach. The attached pin cushion, secured with hook and loop tape, is removable for convenience, while the thread and scrap bin makes cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or try something new, this workshop is designed to be fun and supportive, with plenty of guidance along the way. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and join us for a creative, rewarding day of sewing!
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:
Matilda tote bag:
Add webbing handles to a bag;
Sew a simple internal pocket;
Apply a magnetic bag clasp;
Insert a gusset panel;
Add lining to your bag;
Sew with wadding.
Storage basket:
Sew a storage basket measuring – Height 29cm (11.5”) x Depth 24cm (9.5”)
Cut out fabric according to a pattern;
Sew simple seams with correct seam allowance;
Fuse wadding to fabric;
Insert a circular base into a tube
Add handles; and
Top stitch.
Piped cushion with zip:
Sew a cushion cover measuring 16″ (40cm) square;
Use bias binding and piping cord to make your own piping;
Attach piping to your cushion cover;
Insert a standard zip into the base of your cushion cover.
Oven gloves:
Sew a set of oven gloves measuring – measuring Length 94cm (37”) x Width 19cm (7.5”)
Use simple lines to quilt layers together;
Add round shaping to your oven gloves;
Sew a loop for hanging;
Stitch bias binding to create a neat finish.
Doorstop:
Sew a doorstop measuring – Height 23cm (9”) x Diameter 13cm (5”)
Cut out fabric according to a pattern;
Sew a simple applique design (optional);
Sew simple seams with correct seam allowance;
Insert a circular base into a tube
Add a handles; and
Fill doorstop and sew gap closed.
Sewing Machine Cover:
Sew a sewing machine cover measuring Height 33cm (13”) x Width 41cm (16″) Depth 17cm (6.75”)
Apply wadding to fabric panels.
Create a pocket.
Make your piping.
Attach piping to fabric panels.
Insert a lining.
Sew bias binding to finish pocket and lower edge of cover.
Sewing Machine Mat:
Sew a sewing machine mat measuring H 53cm x W 44cm.
Create a self binding using the backing fabric.
Add a pocket.
Add buttons to both sides of pin cushion.
Create a square shaped thread bin.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Suitable for anyone who can sew basic items such as cushion covers and tote 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 Matilda tote bag:
Fabric A (upper bag) – 30cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton or linen fabric
Fabric B (lower bag and gusset) – 35cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton or linen fabric
Fabric C (lining and inner pocket) – 80cm x 112cm/44″ wide cotton fabric
Style-Vil Fix foam or standard wadding – 1m x 72cm wide
Webbing – 2.6m
Magnetic bag clasp
For storage basket:
Outer fabric – 40cm x 112cm/44″ wide
Lining fabric – 40cm x 112cm/44″ wide
Style-Vil Fix foam wadding – 80cm x 72cm wide
Ribbon/webbing for handles – 60cm x maximum 25mm wide
For piped cushion with zip:
50cm fabric cut into 2 squares measuring 43cm (17″) x 43cm (17″)
20″ (51cm) dress zip
2m x size 2 (5mm) piping cord
2m x 25mm (1″) bias binding
Thread (we recommend Gutermann Sew-All thread);
Standard zipper foot for your sewing machine
Oven gloves:
Fabric A (outer) – 0.5m x 112cm/42” wide cotton fabric
Fabric B (lining) – 0.5m x 112cm/42” wide cotton fabric
Warm Company Warm & Natural cotton wadding – 0.25m x 230cm/90” wide
Insul-Bright insulated wadding – 0.75m x 53cm/21” wide
Bias binding (minimum 25mm/1” wide) – 3m
Doorstop:
Outer fabric – 40cm x 112cm/44″ wide
Lining fabric – 40cm x 112cm/44″ wide
Style-Vil Fix foam wadding – 80cm x 72cm wide
Ribbon/webbing for handles – 60cm x maximum 25mm wide
Sewing Machine Cover:
Fabric A (front and back panels) – 50cm of 112cm/44” wide fabric
Fabric B (gusset panel and pocket) – 50cm of 112cm/44” wide fabric
Lining fabric – 75cm of 112cm/44” wide fabric
Bias binding – 4.5m
Piping cord – 2.5m
Wadding/fusible fleece – 75cm of 100cm wide wadding
Zipper foot for sewing machine
Sewing Machine Mat:
Fabric A (front) – 0.6m x 112cm/42” wide
Fabric B (back and edges) – 0.6m x 112cm/42” wide
Fusible Fleece – 0.75m x 72cm wide
Sew on hook and loop tape – 20cm
Buttons – 2
Soft toy filling
Thread
Sewing machine and general sewing tools
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.
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.
Please let us know your chosen project in the ‘Notes’ section at the checkout.
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.
