Courses

Calendar

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September 

9, 16, 23, 30 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

11 & 12 : Weekend Sewing Workshop for Beginners

27 : Sewing for beginners: Starting 10 week evening course. 

29 : Dressmaking for beginners:  Starting 10 week evening course.

October

7, 14, 21 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

4, 11, 18 : Sewing for beginners: 10 week course.

6, 13, 20 :  Dressmaking for beginners. 10 week course

November

4, 11, 18, 25 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

8, 15, 22, 29 : Sewing for beginners: 10 week course

10, 17, 24 :  Dressmaking for beginners: 10 week course

December

2, 9, 16 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

6, 13 :  Sewing for beginners: 10 week course

1, 8, 15 : Dressmaking for beginners: 10 week course

January

13, 20, 27 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

17, 24, 31 : Sewing for beginners: 10 week cours

22 : Get to know your overlocker Workshop

February

3, 10, 17 :  SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

7, 14, 28: Sewing for beginners: 10 week course

March

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

7, 14, 21, 28 : Sewing for beginners: 10 week course

April

7, 28 : SEW-In sessions; get tuition on any project of your choice. Thursday am and pm sessions.

Sewing course for beginners: Learn practical skills and creative techniques

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freehand machine embroidery art and learn to 'draw' with the machine., Stroud, Gloucestershire, creative, textiles, courses, workshop. Stroud international Textiles Festival, SIT. Sewing courses, Pattern drafting, Sewing Bee, Sewing Shed Stroud, making clothes, kids sewing, teen sewing, creative sewing, sewing classes Stroud, sewing in Gloucestershire, weekly classes, ongoing group, private sewing classes, textiles, making clothes, pattern cutting,

A 10 week Sewing course suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to brush up on their existing skills. We will cover a wide range of techniques and methods that are usable for dressmaking, interior design and more creative handmade projects. These skills are taught through a variety of hands-on projects, demonstrations and guided supervision.

 
The knowledge and expertise you gain will be:
- Getting total control of the sewing machine.
- Mastering a variety of seams, stitches and finishings.
- Experiment with colours, pattern and fabric properties.
- How to sew zips, buttonholes, corners, curves and darts.
- Have a go at applique or patchwork to give projects a whole different twist.
- Mastering hems on all sorts of garments so shortening or lengthening becomes a doddle.
- Making your own samples useful for future references.
 
When: 27 September untill 13 December (break at half term 25 October & 1 November)
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: Monday evenings 7pm - 9pm
Fee: 205
SOLD OUT
 
 
When: 17 January until 28 March  (break at half term 21 February)
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: Monday evenings 7pm - 9pm
Fee: 205
 
 
Interested...for any questions please get in touch by email.

Private 1-2-1 session.

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Here at the Sewing Shed we offer private lessons covering all the that we offer on our courses and workshops.

Please get in contact to ask for more details.

We also offer vouchers for courses, workshops and individual sessions.

A Beautiful space to learn and Martha is a knowledgeable and patient teacher. The lesson was fun! I hope to return. Sally W.

If you LOVE to sew. You will love to visit the Sewing Shed in Stroud. I have just had a one to one session, to learn how to use an over locker with Martha, an experienced seamstress/needle women/crafter. It was a great two hours to get to know my machine, share sewing interests, obtain new ideas, network about local suppliers of materials/treads etc. and relax in a peaceful shed (more like a cabin) surrounded by nature. I highly recommend this experience. Best to find a session which suits your needs. I plan to return to the shed and join one of Martha's project classes. Susan A.

Sewing for Beginners Workshop, Weekend workshop

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In this workshop you will learn how to sew in a fun and enjoyable way. You will be shown how to set up the sewing machine and how to use a variety of stitches.
You will learn how to create button holes or put in zips plus lots of tips and tricks! Then practice these skills and gain confidence whilst making a beautiful looking product such as a bag, cushion cover, or purse, etc. Suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.

At the Sewing Shed we work in small groups so there is plenty of time to ask questions, receive hands-on guidance and tuition.
Sewing machines and other sewing tools are available for use.
There will be limited places due to the covid 19 distancing rules and regulations. If the situation changes with regards to covid and we won't be able to teach in the Sewing Shed the workshop will be rearranged for another date.

When: Saturday 11 September and Sunday 12 September
Where: at the Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: 10 pm - 12.30/1 am.
Fee: 85 including materials

4 spaces left

Interested?...For any questions please get in touch by email.

“ LOVED my first experience of the Sewing Shed ! ( Happened to be first workshop post lockdown and all bases had been covered from social distancing , fresh air , hand sanitiser, individual equipment and a reassuring email from Martha about what to expect beforehand. ) The workshop itself was fantastic - I learned so much in the calm, friendly, confidence-building atmosphere and look forward to going back again soon ! “
Hoping to treat myself to another course in not too distant future .
Emma x

Sew-In Sessions; Tutor led

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Ever wanted to make or alter your own clothes or home soft furnishings? This is a friendly group at which you get individual tuition, help and guidance along the way. All abilities are welcome on this course, which offers all aspects of sewing:- designing, choosing fabrics and styles, mending and altering, understanding commercial patterns, measuring for pattern size, cutting out and garment construction.

Find inspiration while learning basic principles and professional finishing techniques to create great fitting original clothes, no matter your shape, size, style or experience. A group makes the experience enjoyable while ensuring that you get the individual guidance and advice you need. This is a group of like minded people that is meeting ones a week, enjoying the process of making and being creative with fabrics.

When: Thursdays mornings and afternoons
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud
Mornings : 9.30 am - 12 noon
Afternoons: 1.30 pm - 4 pm
Fee : Drop in session 25 pounds; small 4 class pack 90 pounds; regular 7 class pack 140.

Interested...? email or phone on 0784 685 3016.

I have just completed making my super bag at the SEW-In run by Martha at the Sewing Shed Stroud. Due to the COVID - 19 all the classes where held via Zoom, which worked out extremely well, with Martha being able to guide us. We were still able to connect to each other and see other work in progress. This was the first time I had attempted to undertake any kind of patchwork. Despite the absence of physical face-to-face contact, all instructions from Martha via Zoom worked really well and I am delighted with my bag and have already signed-up for another set of Zoom classes. Geraldine B.

 

Get to know your overlocker for beginners.

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Get as much benefit out of using your overlocker as possible. Find out what else you can use your overlocker for. We will cover things like: how to rethread the EASY way, adjust stitch length and blade position. Understanding and adjusting the tension. How to sew corners and round edges. How to look after your machine such as replacing the needles and how to clean your machine. You will go home having gained a better understanding of how to neaten raw edges professionally and being able to change the settings with confidence. 

This workshop is for beginners who can bring their own overlocker. For the next level you can sign up for the "Follow on workshop for Overlocking'.

 
When: 22 January
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time :  Saturday morning from 9.30 am - 12.30
Fee: 50 pounds
 

A great day. Relaxed atmosphere and learned loads. I started out as an Overlocker novice and now have the confidence to have a go myself and practice the skills I’ve learned. Thanks Martha and please let me know when the next stage Overlocker course is running.

Sew-Fest: An expression of your own creativity.

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A 3-day mini Sewing Festival: We will be experimenting with fabric manipulation, try out a variety of techniques, have go changing patterns and shapes to create 3D effects.

Starting off with some exercises to loosen up and get going you will be making several samples. You will also be using a base pattern as a vehicle to work from so that this can be the starting point for your own design placement. During these 3 days you will be working on your own garment. A workshop in which you will tap into your own creative energy, feel inspired by fellow students and other designers work. Get inspired and create something unique, something different, something that feels truly yours. 

At the Sewing Shed we work in small groups so enough time and space for questions, guidance and support for your work.

Suitable for anyone with clothes making experience. Not suitable for beginners.

When: Friday 6th August, Friday 7th August &  Sunday 8th August.
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 4 pm
Fee :  
sold out
 
Feel free to email if you have questions... 

Dressmaking for Beginners

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A new 10 week evening course at the Sewing Shed Stroud focusing on dressmaking.

This course is designed for anyone that wants to start dressmaking with little or no experience, or simply want to enjoy the art of sewing and creating! We do ask that you have used a sewing machine before and have basic sewing skills. If you haven't got basic sewing skills yet please sign up for our 10 week sewing for beginners course as it is not suitable for compleet beginners in sewing.

We will cover the following :

  • How to follow a paper pattern, learning about the pattern markings and what they mean.
  • Following a plan and cutting out your fabric correctly.
  • Learning the art of pairing fabric and pattern.
  • Measuring yourself and selecting the correct size.
  • Tweaking fitting issues.
  • Understanding dressmaking terminology.
  • Suitable seam finishes for different fabrics.
  • We will be using a pattern with sizing 6 - 18

At the Sewing Shed Stroud we work in small groups so there is plenty of time to ask questions, receive hands on guidance and tuition.

When: Wednesday 29 September until 15 December ( halfterm break at 27 October & 3 November)
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud
Time: 7pm - 9pm 
Fee: 205

SOLD OUT

Interested?...For any questions please get in touch by email.

Creative Kids @ Sewing Shed Stroud: kids and teens workshops in the Holidays

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We will be offering two-day kids/teen sewing classes this August on Wednesday/Thursday am & pm, and Monday/Tuesday am & pm.

Over 2 mornings, you will complete a project, learn a variety of skills and techniques. Having a go at using a sewing machine, try basic stitches and play with fabrics and colours. You will be doing a bit of sewing both by hand and machine.

Every week you will be making a different project so it is possible to sign up for more than 1 week.

More specific techniques will also be taught through projects, such as; sewing on buttons, and embellishments, simple applique, and more. 

All these workshops will be taught in a relaxed and fun environment, with a flexible programme allowing each child to work at their own level. Progression can be made over the sessions, as old skills can be practiced and built upon, although the basics will be covered in every workshop and so it is not necessary to follow all of the workshops.  

 
Younger kids session: 5 & 6 years old
When:  Monday afternoon 9 August & Tuesday afternoon 10 August
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 2 pm- 4pm
Fee :  30 for both sessions
SOLD OUT
 
When:  Wednesday morning 11 August & Thursday morning 12 August
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30
Fee :  30 for both mornings
SOLD OUT
 
When:  Wednesday afternoon 11 August & Thursday afternoon 12 August
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 2pm - 4.30pm
Fee :  30 for both afternoons
SOLD OUT
 
When:  Wednesday morning 25 August & Thursday morning 26 August
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30
Fee :  30 for both mornings
SOLD OUT

Feel free to email if you have questions... 

From Cloth to Collage

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An introduction into freehand machine embroidery exploring a variety of materials.

Using imagery and photos as inspiration, your fabric creations will be composed and layered before being stitched over using machine embroidery, hand stitch, collaging and applique. Suitable for any level. 

There will be limited places due to the covid 19 distancing rules and regulations.  If the situation changes with regards to covid and we won't be able to teach in the Sewing Shed we will post pone to another date.

When: tbc
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30/1pm
Fee : 

Feel free to email if you have questions...

Get to know your Sewing Machine

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freehand machine embroidery art and learn to 'draw' with the machine., Stroud, Gloucestershire, creative, textiles, courses, workshop. Stroud international Textiles Festival, SIT. Sewing courses, Pattern drafting, Sewing Bee, Sewing Shed Stroud, making clothes, kids sewing, teen sewing, creative sewing, sewing classes Stroud, sewing in Gloucestershire, weekly classes, ongoing group, private sewing classes, textiles, making clothes, pattern cutting,

Bring in your own sewing machine and get to know how the tension works and what to do when it goes wrong, what all feet are for, the purpose of the different stitches, etc. We will cover all this and more and answer all your questions time permitted.

Just bring your own machine.

When: 
Where: at the Sewing Shed, Uplands, Stroud.
Time: 10am - 12.30 
Fee: 

Like to join or for any questions ... don't hesitate to get in touch via email.

Freehand Machine Embroidery:

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Explore freehand machine embroidery and learn to 'draw' with the machine.
We will be experimenting with a variety of techniques and different materials that can be used for your own design.
We will be starting the process using pieces of calico, as an initial experimenting phase in order to move on to more complicated and intricate designs. It is a wonderful creative technique which has endless possibilities.
 
All the techniques on offer are adaptable for all levels.
 

When: tbc
Where: a live online face-to-face class via zoom
Time: 10 am - 12.30

For more info please get in touch.

Sewing for beginners 2 Follow-on: 10 week course

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freehand machine embroidery art and learn to 'draw' with the machine., Stroud, Gloucestershire, creative, textiles, courses, workshop. Stroud international Textiles Festival, SIT. Sewing courses, Pattern drafting, Sewing Bee, Sewing Shed Stroud, making clothes, kids sewing, teen sewing, creative sewing, sewing classes Stroud, sewing in Gloucestershire, weekly classes, ongoing group, private sewing classes, textiles, making clothes, pattern cutting,

This 10 week course is designed for anyone who has some previous sewing experience or has completed the sewing course for beginners.

We will be expanding on your skills and be creating something new. Our aim is to increase your confidence whilst giving you a fun and enjoyable experience so you feel sure to tackle more advanced sewing projects. Some of the skills that we will cover are making and applying your own bindings, mastering pleats, folds and tucks whilst creating several projects on the way.

We work in small groups with plenty of time to ask questions, receive guidance and tuition with great deal of demonstrations.
We will be using zoom, a video platform which works well for this purpose.

When: tbc
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud
Time: Thursday evenings 7 - 9pm
Fee: 
 
Interested...? For any questions please get in contact.
 

This is what others had to say about this course: I have just finished the improvers course and enjoyed it very much indeed. We have continued to learn the right way to achieve great results in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Martha is a very calm and skilled teacher and has enabled all of us to come away from this course with some lovely and quite complex items – bags, aprons and cushions with the very clever invisible zips. As someone who has always struggled with getting the technical aspects of sewing right this course has been a revelation, and has enabled me to get my creative mojo back after many years. Thank you Martha. 

 
 

Triple Saturday Stitch

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At this 3 day course we will be making one garment each month. We'll start off with simple skills and gradually introduce more complicated techniques and different methods. At the teaching day you will be guided through the more skill full parts of the garments by making samples using calico. This knowledge and experience will then enable you to make the garment at home. At the following session we can then share the work that is achieved independently at home and feedback possible difficulties, questions or uncertainties.

We will work with commercial patterns and cover the following skills: How to apply facings, dart manipulation, setting in sleeves and applying ease, covering seams and hems, making and applying bias binding, yoke application and more.

This course is suitable for anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine and has basic sewing knowledge.

When: tbc
Where: at the Sewing Shed, Uplands, Stroud.
Time 10 pm - 4/4.30 pm

Pattern Cutting Workshop: Make your own skirt pattern

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Learn how to draw your own skirt pattern to fit your own shape and size.

This will then be used to make a toile to put these pattern cutting skills into practice, with an emphasis on how to customise your basic block using dart manipulation, gathers, pleats, redrawing seams, altering shapes and creating a yoke.

Please bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea on offer.

When: Saturday tbc
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Fee: 
  
Interested?...For any questions please get in touch by email.

Stretchy Workshop: Make a top in 2 Days

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We will be making a top which is based on a traditional sweatshirt. It has tree quarter length raglan sleeves and can also be made into a short sleeved t-shirt.

We will be working with stretch material using a domestic sewing machine so you will be able to work with jersey materials at home.
 
This class is suitable for anyone who has some experience in dressmaking and want to take these skills further.
 
During this course we will cover: 
 
  • Measuring yourself and choosing the right sizing
  • Sewing with different types of stretchy materials
  • Shoulder and bust darts
  • Needle usage for stretch fabrics
  • Different stitches suitable for stretch materials
  • Tips on how to cut jersey fabrics 
  • Adjusting fitting issues
  • Top stitching with stretch fabrics
  • Sampling side seam pocket

Included in the workshop:

  • Pattern for the top in sizes 6 till 18
  • Lots of tea and fresh coffee.
  • Use of bernina sewing machines and other equipment. 

When: tbc
Where: Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time: 10 am till 4 pm
Fee: 

 

Follow-on Overlocking Workshop

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This workshop is the follow up from the introduction into the oeverlocker and for anyone who wants to learn more advanced overlocking techniques and to improve their knowledge and understanding of how overlockers work. To get the most out of this workshop you will need to have experience using an overlocker and know how to adjust tension and threading the machine. To gain these skills please attend the "Get to know your Overlocker' workshop to get up to speed.

The techniques we are covering are like flat locking, rolled hems, gathering, pintucks. We will explain the differential feed mechanism and we will be covering overlocking using a wide variety of fabrics.

When: tbc
Where:  Sewing Shed Stroud.
Time : 10 am- 12.30
Fee :