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Dressmaking Classes based in Rothbury, Northumberland (near Alnwick, Alnmouth, Morpeth, Newcastle)
All levels of tuition offered from learning the basics of sewing, setting up your machine, to making your own clothes. I also teach pattern cutting - both flat pattern work and toiling on the tailors dummy. Each session is tailored to the individual and a great amount of the tuition is available on a one to one basis so you can learn fully.
For groups of people wanting to learn together there is a maximum of 4 - 6 people per session (dependant on the class) to ensure everyone gets one to one attention. I do also offer larger workshops but the projects are more suited to a larger class. You can either bring your own design project along, or design your own product with my help and guidance. See below for more details of projects I have done in the past. |
Individual tuition / Small groups (max 4) - These classes can be tailored to a project you would like to do at a time that is convenient to you.
Projects to Design & Make : from Casualwear to Occasionwear
A Tote Bag An Apron A Skirt or Dress A pair of Trousers A Top / Shirt Cushion Covers / Pillowcases / Duvets / Curtains
Make your own Jeans Make your own Coat / Jacket Evening Dress / Ball Dress
Prices range from
£45 per person (tote bag / cushion cover / apron for a 4 hr class ) - Fabrics are included and you get to keep a copy of the Patterns to take away with you for you to make again.
£160 per person for a detailed 3 week intense course (design & make a skirt / day dress / trousers / top / shirt / jeans / coat / jacket / evening dress for a 4hr class run over 3 sessions) . Pattern is included for you to take away and use again. Fabric / Trims are not included - contact me for more details on suitable fabrics.
If you would like to book an individual project, Please contact me for more details and availability.
Make your own Jeans Make your own Coat / Jacket Evening Dress / Ball Dress
Prices range from
£45 per person (tote bag / cushion cover / apron for a 4 hr class ) - Fabrics are included and you get to keep a copy of the Patterns to take away with you for you to make again.
£160 per person for a detailed 3 week intense course (design & make a skirt / day dress / trousers / top / shirt / jeans / coat / jacket / evening dress for a 4hr class run over 3 sessions) . Pattern is included for you to take away and use again. Fabric / Trims are not included - contact me for more details on suitable fabrics.
If you would like to book an individual project, Please contact me for more details and availability.
Workshop Dates These classes are ongoing and can be booked at a date that is convenient to you. Classes are run during the day either over 2 x morning sessions, a full day 10am - 2.30pm or can be run over 2 x evening sessions. Please contact me for more details and dates.
Beginners Sewing Class - Option 1
Learn how to thread a needle and how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to cover a button and how to sew it on. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to create blind hem seams. Learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a cushion cover to take home in a fabric of your choice.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Intermediate Sewing Class - Option 2
Learn how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a tote bag to take home in a fabric of your choice with a contrast fabric pocket & magnetic closure.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Intermediate Sewing Class - Option 3
Learn how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to understand & identify different types of zip & their uses. Learn how to insert a basic zip & a concealed (invisable zip). Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a make-up bag (with zip) to take home in a fabric of your choice with a contrast fabric lining.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Alteration Sewing Class - Option 4
Learn how to thread a needle and how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to cover a button and how to sew it on. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to create blind hem seams. Learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to turn up hems on skirts & trousers. Learn how to repair / patch holes in garments. Learn how to customise clothes.
£65 for a 4 hr session Please bring along a garment that you wish to practice on. Trim fabrics are included.
As spaces are limited, please secure your place by contacting me either by email [email protected] or phone 01669621804 or 07917866523. I will then invoice you for each class and you can pay via online bank transfer / cheque or in person. Last date for booking and payment of a class is 2 weeks prior to the date.
Special Offer : Book all four classes for a discounted price of £235. Please contact me for more details of dates & availability.
Learn how to thread a needle and how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to cover a button and how to sew it on. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to create blind hem seams. Learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a cushion cover to take home in a fabric of your choice.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Intermediate Sewing Class - Option 2
Learn how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a tote bag to take home in a fabric of your choice with a contrast fabric pocket & magnetic closure.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Intermediate Sewing Class - Option 3
Learn how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to understand & identify different types of zip & their uses. Learn how to insert a basic zip & a concealed (invisable zip). Learn how to use a paper pattern and make a make-up bag (with zip) to take home in a fabric of your choice with a contrast fabric lining.
£65 for a 4 hr session Fabric & Trims included. Pattern also included for you to take away and use again.
Beginners Alteration Sewing Class - Option 4
Learn how to thread a needle and how to use a sewing machine, learn how to wind the bobbin, thread the machine correctly, identify problems with tension. Learn how to cover a button and how to sew it on. Learn how to sew straight lines, curved lines, how to sew round corners. Learn how to stitch simple seams, learn how to create blind hem seams. Learn how to finish products with decorative seams. Learn how to turn up hems on skirts & trousers. Learn how to repair / patch holes in garments. Learn how to customise clothes.
£65 for a 4 hr session Please bring along a garment that you wish to practice on. Trim fabrics are included.
As spaces are limited, please secure your place by contacting me either by email [email protected] or phone 01669621804 or 07917866523. I will then invoice you for each class and you can pay via online bank transfer / cheque or in person. Last date for booking and payment of a class is 2 weeks prior to the date.
Special Offer : Book all four classes for a discounted price of £235. Please contact me for more details of dates & availability.
Design Projects and Design Evenings
Make your own Ball Dress over 6-8 sessions * Dates & times for this workshop to be arranged on a bespoke basis.
This course is available for any ladies wishing to have help and guidance to create their own evening gown over 6 - 8 day or evening sessions convenient to you.
Package includes meeting for a design consultation, designing your dress with my help. I will then create the pattern with you and help you cut out first a toile, then the dress in the real fabric. I'll help guide you as you sew your dress and I will fit the garment to your exact measurements.
Fabric and Trims will be purchased by the client but I will ensure you get the best priced fabric from one of my sources. Copy of your pattern will be given to you for you to use in the future.
Package includes meeting for a design consultation, designing your dress with my help. I will then create the pattern with you and help you cut out first a toile, then the dress in the real fabric. I'll help guide you as you sew your dress and I will fit the garment to your exact measurements.
Fabric and Trims will be purchased by the client but I will ensure you get the best priced fabric from one of my sources. Copy of your pattern will be given to you for you to use in the future.
NEW !! Little Boys Shirt Workshop 2/3 *part course Please contact me for dates Makes a brilliant present for someone
Project : Learn how to make a little boys shirt.
Tutorial + All fabrics & Trims included + copy of pattern included £45. Tea / Coffee & Cake will be provided. Please feel free to bring along any wine.
Patchwork bag. Please Contact me for dates & times of this workshop.
Project : Make a pretty Patchwork bag in a style of your choice.
Tutorial + All Fabric + Trim fabrics & copy of pattern included £45 Please bring along lunch. Tea / Coffee & Cake will be provided.
Toile design Class 2 /3 part course. Please contact me for dates & times of this bespoke workshop..
Project : Learn how to toile / design a product on the tailors dummy. Learn how to sew a toile (test product) in Calico.
Tutorial + Pattern Paper + All Fabric + Trim fabrics & copy of pattern included. Please bring along lunch. Tea / Coffee & Cake will be provided.
Booking Policy
Classes must be paid for in advance by cheque, pay pal or in person. Refunds will not be given unless 2 weeks notice is given, however an alternative date will be offered.
Testimonials
"I had the best time sewing with Claire. I learnt new skills and perfected old ones. I would recommend any of Claire's classes as a great day" Kim Armstrong
"Thank you so much for teaching me how to make a pattern. I couldn't believe how much we covered in one evening - yet I didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed at any point. From having no prior knowledge of pattern making or making a garment from a pattern, I now feel confident about doing both" Rosie Buxton
"As a total novice I was fairly nervous. This however didn't last long. Claire was warm and welcoming on arrival, explained everything we were going to do and helped me understand my sewing machine. I felt so relaxed the evening just melted away and at the end of it I had made a great bag. I learned some new sewing terms and the confidence soared. Thank you Claire for inspiring me. Superb. Highly recommended " Karen Cross
" A massive thank you to Claire for creating a beautiful dress pattern for me, she is very professional yet friendly and welcoming. I also attended one of Claire's design nights were I made a top. I was so impressed to have a pattern created for me, it was ready and waiting for me when I arrived, with all the tools and help I needed to create the beautiful top. Whether you are having a pattern or garment created / designed by Claire you can feel confident that you will be receiving a piece of work that has been created with love, and will be created perfectly for you. I have no hesitation in recommending her, she's a very talented lady "
Hayley Taylor
" I signed up for Claire's 'Make a Retro Dress' course, despite the fact that I haven't done any sewing since I was about 7 years old, and have never touched the sewing machine donated by my mother in law! But with a love for all things retro, and lots of encouragement from Claire, I decided to give it a go. I invested in some ditsy, retro material from EBay (not wanting to spend huge amounts for it all to go wrong!) and was ready to get started. With some very helpful hints (like how to set up the sewing machine!) and steady guidance, I was quickly on my way. Although the dress took a couple of long evenings to complete, and some serious concentration and patience (not my forte!) on my part, I loved every minute! I was so pleased with my efforts, that I've subsequently made the same dress for a friend and am now embarking on a completely new, retro dress pattern 'all on my own'! Claire's steady hand, positive encouragement and enthusiasm for what she does appears to have rubbed off. "You just need to be able to follow instructions!", is what she said! 6 weeks ago I hand a slightly rusty, unloved sewing machine in the garage; now I have three retro dresses to my name! Thanks, Claire." x
Sara Smalley
I want to thank you very much for a really great experience yesterday in drafting a skirt pattern. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the time simply flew by. I have learnt so much and can't wait to have a go at pattern drafting skirts for my daughters, it will be a good way of consolidating my knowledge. You have an amazing skill not just in pattern drafting but in your ability to explain it to others.
You are such a lovely person to know and also you make superb carrot cake!
I look forward to our next session.
Jean-Anne
I loved my two days creating patterns with you! You have taught me more in 2 days than I have learnt on a 6 week course. Thank you ! I'd love to book in at least once a month and create my capsule wardrobe.
Laura
Thank you so much for my lesson I enjoyed it so much, I can't wait to start making. You are a fantastic teacher :) Looking forward to another lesson very soon :)
Annette
"I had the best time sewing with Claire. I learnt new skills and perfected old ones. I would recommend any of Claire's classes as a great day" Kim Armstrong
"Thank you so much for teaching me how to make a pattern. I couldn't believe how much we covered in one evening - yet I didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed at any point. From having no prior knowledge of pattern making or making a garment from a pattern, I now feel confident about doing both" Rosie Buxton
"As a total novice I was fairly nervous. This however didn't last long. Claire was warm and welcoming on arrival, explained everything we were going to do and helped me understand my sewing machine. I felt so relaxed the evening just melted away and at the end of it I had made a great bag. I learned some new sewing terms and the confidence soared. Thank you Claire for inspiring me. Superb. Highly recommended " Karen Cross
" A massive thank you to Claire for creating a beautiful dress pattern for me, she is very professional yet friendly and welcoming. I also attended one of Claire's design nights were I made a top. I was so impressed to have a pattern created for me, it was ready and waiting for me when I arrived, with all the tools and help I needed to create the beautiful top. Whether you are having a pattern or garment created / designed by Claire you can feel confident that you will be receiving a piece of work that has been created with love, and will be created perfectly for you. I have no hesitation in recommending her, she's a very talented lady "
Hayley Taylor
" I signed up for Claire's 'Make a Retro Dress' course, despite the fact that I haven't done any sewing since I was about 7 years old, and have never touched the sewing machine donated by my mother in law! But with a love for all things retro, and lots of encouragement from Claire, I decided to give it a go. I invested in some ditsy, retro material from EBay (not wanting to spend huge amounts for it all to go wrong!) and was ready to get started. With some very helpful hints (like how to set up the sewing machine!) and steady guidance, I was quickly on my way. Although the dress took a couple of long evenings to complete, and some serious concentration and patience (not my forte!) on my part, I loved every minute! I was so pleased with my efforts, that I've subsequently made the same dress for a friend and am now embarking on a completely new, retro dress pattern 'all on my own'! Claire's steady hand, positive encouragement and enthusiasm for what she does appears to have rubbed off. "You just need to be able to follow instructions!", is what she said! 6 weeks ago I hand a slightly rusty, unloved sewing machine in the garage; now I have three retro dresses to my name! Thanks, Claire." x
Sara Smalley
I want to thank you very much for a really great experience yesterday in drafting a skirt pattern. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the time simply flew by. I have learnt so much and can't wait to have a go at pattern drafting skirts for my daughters, it will be a good way of consolidating my knowledge. You have an amazing skill not just in pattern drafting but in your ability to explain it to others.
You are such a lovely person to know and also you make superb carrot cake!
I look forward to our next session.
Jean-Anne
I loved my two days creating patterns with you! You have taught me more in 2 days than I have learnt on a 6 week course. Thank you ! I'd love to book in at least once a month and create my capsule wardrobe.
Laura
Thank you so much for my lesson I enjoyed it so much, I can't wait to start making. You are a fantastic teacher :) Looking forward to another lesson very soon :)
Annette
Equipment
Ideally you will have your own fabric scissors, paper pattern scissors, pins, chalk, pattern and fabric. You should also bring your own sewing machine as it is best to learn on your machine, however we do have machines available for use if you need one. Please let me know if you require this in advance - sewing machine hire will be an extra £1.50 per evening.
