MAKE A SHIFT DRESS - SEWING WORKSHOP


Image credit: Sew Over It

1-1 WORKSHOP PRICE: £180

SESSIONS: 1

TIME: 9-4 with 1 hour lunch break (lunch not provided)

LEVEL: Complete Beginner

PATTERN SIZE: UK: 6-30 - Please let us know when booking if you require the 6-20 or 18-30 size band.

DATES: We can run this workshop on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Send me an email if you require a different day and we’ll see what we can do.

HOW TO BOOK:

Click book now to open up our booking form. We will then contact you to arrange payment and discuss your preferred dates.

Buying this class as a gift? Make sure you click the gift voucher tick box on our booking form.

Workshops are held at my home studio in central Falmouth. Address and parking information will be provided upon booking.


TELL ME MORE


In this workshop you will learn how to make a beginner friendly shift dress, using ‘The Ultimate Shift Dress’ pattern by Sew Over It. This dress has a loose cut, bust darts for a better fit, and closes with a hook & eye at the back neck (so no tricky zips or button holes). It is a great pattern to try if you are a complete beginner, and there is room for customization, including sleeves or sleeveless, adding sleeve frills, altering the length, or even making it into a top. We will be there every step of the way to teach you how fun it is to make your own clothes.


TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN

  • Learn how to use a pattern

  • Check which size to make

  • How to prepare and lay the fabric

  • How to cut correctly

  • Sewing techniques following the seam allowance

  • Learn to finish seam allowance with zig zag

  • Learn how to sew a set in a sleeve

  • Apply a neck facing


WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

  • The pattern, which you can take home and use again.

  • Use of all our equipment including Pfaff sewing machines.

  • Tea, coffee and biscuits!


WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

  • Fabrics and notions are not included in the price. Feel free to call or email me if you want to check a certain fabric will be suitable once you’ve booked.

  • Matching thread

  • Hook & eye

Fabric suggestions:

Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, we recommend using cotton or cotton lawn if this is the first garment you have made. If you are a bit more experienced, you could also use linen, chambray, rayon or crepe.

Fabric quantities:

Fabric 45”/115cm wide or wider

  • Size UK 8-10 = 2.5m

  • Size UK 12-20 = 2.8m

  • Size UK 22-28 = 3m

Fabric 60”/150cm wide or wider:

  • Size UK 8-16 = 1.8m

  • Size UK 18-20 = 2.4m

  • Size UK 22-24 = 2.7m

  • Size UK 26-30 = 2.9m

It’s a good idea to have pre-washed your fabric so that you know the shrinking is done before you sew a garment. Wash the fabric on the temperature you normally wash your clothes, or a bit higher. If you are buying the fabric on the day of the class, you can use our steam iron to pre-shrink the fabric before cutting.


WHO IS THIS workshop SUITABLE FOR?

This class is a complete beginner level. Ideally you will have done our ‘Introduction to Machine Sewing’ workshop (click link below), but this is not essential. We will be going through how to use a sewing pattern, and the basics of dress making, such as how to sew following a seam allowance and how to finish off seams. It is also suitable for those who have tackled a few sewing projects at home, but want to improve their dressmaking skills and start to understand dress making patterns.


ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Helen Shine is a pattern cutter and seamstress who has worked in the fashion industry in London for 10 years. She has cut patterns for several high-end designer brands, including Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou and Karen Millen. She loves sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years with others, to help them on their sewing journey.


TESTIMONIALS


HOW TO BOOK

Click book now to open up our booking form. We will then contact you to arrange payment and discuss your preferred dates.

Buying this class as a gift? Make sure you click the gift voucher tick box on our booking form.

Workshops are held at my home studio in central Falmouth. Address and parking information will be provided upon booking.


CANCELLATIONS

Please click here to view our cancellations policy before booking any classes with us.


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