Learn to Sew - Creating a Garland with a Twist

Bespoke Sewing.......................exquisite hand-finished keepsake gifts and home furnishings

Every other Monday, I run 2 Learn to Sew Workshops,

 one on the morning and one on the evening.  I have some lovely ladies who attend, and over the past 2 years that they have been attending, their sewing skills have grown and their confidence and creativity has improved immensely.

It's a very relaxed affair, and I encourage fun chats and laughter, but not only do these ladies come to learn to sew and create, I am also proud to say that they have become my friends too.  

Each term I set a new task, based on their wish lists.  This terms brief, was to create bunting or a garland with a twist!!  Basically, I asked them to design and create a bunting style garland based on a theme of their choice, using a variety of techniques they wished to explore, or improve.

Above you can see a few of them developing their designs.  Each one of them chose a different theme, which was fantastic, and they were not afraid to explore techniques.

Charlie and Lorna's creations are still works in progress.  

Lorna's imagination is running wild, and from discussions with her, I can see she is going to be using lots of different techniques.  I am so looking forward to seeing her 'The Enchanted Wood' inspired garland come to life.

And Charlie has based her design on her new found love for sewing, and I think it will look beautiful.

Kelly's completed Caravan Garland

Above Kelly, has just completed her Caravan Garland.  Her choice of fabrics, is just lovely, and I love the colour combinations.

Kelly was inspired by a photo she found on Pinterest.  She created her own templates and built her design up using bonding and stabiliser, quirky fabric scraps, and an appliqué technique that she wanted to master.

I think you will agree that she has made a lovely job, and she should be very proud.

Please comment below to let Kelly know how great you think she has done.

 Once the others have finished theirs, I will share them with you too.

Michelle Corbin Design

 And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsake items, to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

Patchwork, has become an obsession of mine over the years.  Fascinated by the mix of patterns, shapes, colours and textures which gel in such a complementary way.

One of the most important things I have learnt about patchwork, is the importance of preparation of fabrics; the pre-washing and ironing and the precision measuring and cutting.

Here is one patchwork project, I really loved making

And all of this these tiny squares were made to create and Applique

A beautiful Keepsake Cushion, Announcing the birth of a beautiful new bundle 

Thanks for reading and Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleCorbinDesign

Learning to Sew

Have you ever wanted to learn to sew?  May be you learnt a little at school or by your mum, but never really continued?  Well it is never too late to start.  Why not look for Workshops, Classes or Sewing Circles in your area?  You'll be surprised at what you can achieve.

I first began workshops last year as an experiment.  Having qualified with a Cert. Ed. back in 2002 I knew how to put a lesson together, so I began my research and started a couple of full day courses.  These proved successful, but I was unable to do them regularly.  Then in September I began Evening Workshops for Beginners, and these have proved to be popular.

We work in my home, 1 evening a week and it is a very relaxed atmosphere.  The ladies are able to take home what they have made and each week, they take home at least 1 new skill or tip.

It's a great way to start with the basics, and then move on to harder skills.  You get to meet like minded people, and we always have a little chat, a giggle and enjoy a beverage!

If you are more advanced, then don't worry you will still get something out of the sessions.  There are opportunities, to share skills, pick up new tips and just take a little time for yourself.

My main aim for the learners is for them to develop confidence around a needle, thread and a machine.   We cover a range of skills to enable them to develop their preferred technique and speed.

And as long as they enjoy the 2 hour session and have learnt at least 1 new item, then I am happy.

So why not have a look in your area and find a workshop or class near you?  You'll be surprised at how much you remember, and how much you can learn, in such a short space of time.  And most of all how much you'll enjoy it.  You never know, what it will lead to!

 

Thanks for reading and Happy Stitching xx