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Class Name: Garment in a Day
Learners per Class: 6
No. of Sessions: 1
Length of Session: 6 hours
This is the stuff your sewing dreams are made of! A whole day of uninterrupted dressmaking and a finished garment by the end of the day!
Using patterns from UK independent pattern designers you will sew up a storm. To make a dress you’ll really love, you bring your own fabric to make your dress. With all students making the same dress together in our sewing studio, you will learn together in a friendly and supportive group. This workshop is suitable for people who can use a sewing machine already but there is no need to have made any clothes before as we will start from the beginning.
Even if you’ve never sewn clothes before, we will get you going straight away, cutting the correct pattern size and pin the paper pattern to your fabric and accurately cut out the pieces.
You will then assemble the dress according to the pattern instructions, but don’t worry, Alison will be there to take you through every step of the way and demonstrate the tricky bits.
By the end of the day, you will have an amazing me-made dress that you could wear out that evening.
Sew Different – Scoop Pinafore
Sew Different was founded by Laura nearly 3 years ago when her passion for sewing, fabric and clothes was starting to consume every moment of her life. Laura had always drafted her own patterns and decided it was time to share them!
The Scoop Pinafore is a casual, over the head tunic designed for you to wear over a top. Its statement square neckline contrasts with the scooped sides, which house large and comfy pockets. The skirt has a slight bubble hem and sits just above the knee (5’ 8”). No zip needed.
Tilly & the Buttons – Bettine Dress
Tilly & the Buttons patterns are a firm favourite with the new wave modern dressmakers and the online sewing community. Designed by Tilly Walnes a contestant on the first series of The Great British Sewing Bee and columnist for Simply Sewing Magazine, Tilly’s patterns are a great starting point for any novice dressmaker, with stylish and wearable designs and easy to follow instructions
Bettine is an easy-peasy throw-it-over-your-head dress. It has a blousy bodice with scoop neckline, kimono sleeves which hang softly around the underarm, turn-up cuffs, elasticated waistline to cinch you in and flattering tulip skirt.
The plain skirt version is a perfect project for beginners, as it's simple to sew, with no fiddly darts, fastenings or set-in sleeves - yay! More experienced? Try the pocket skirt version and optional cuff tabs for a speedy, satisfying project.
Comfortable and gorgeous, this is a dress you’ll want to wear every day. Throw it on with sandals for Summer picnics; dress it up with a necklace for the office or evenings out; or layer it over long sleeves and woolly tights in the colder months.
Tilly and the Buttons – Cleo Pinafore Dress
Cleo is simple to sew, with no fiddly zips and minimal fitting required – hooray! Make it dungaree-style with buckles, or as a pinafore with button fastenings. Choose from mini length or knee length with optional centre-front split, patch pockets on front or back, and optional contrast topstitching.
Wear Cleo all year round, layered over a t-shirt, shirt or sweater – the relaxed style makes it oh so comfortable!
Patterns for Pirates – Brunch Blouse or Dress
This is the perfect go to dress or top for those casual get togethers with friends- brunch, baby or wedding showers, birthday parties, and even works great for work attire.
It is a dolman style sleeve with short sleeve, cap sleeve and tank options all included. Also includes shirt length, curved tunic length and curved dress length. We added so many fun extras into this one to help dress up your top or dress! Pick from a chest pockets, waist ties for a more hourglass shape, or short sleeve cuff and button tabs.
Made my Wardrobe – Amaya Shirt
Made My Wardrobe was started by Lydia Higginson; she says she wanted to find accessible ways of passing on what she had learnt so that everyone feels able to make their dream garments. Lydia believes we need to find alternatives to fast fashion, and that making your own is one of the most exciting and accountable alternatives.
The Amaya Shirt is inspired by traditional folk blouses. It features raglan shoulder seams, gathered sleeves and a neck tie. It is crying out to be embroidered or made from vintage embroidered fabrics.
Sew Different – Tulip Dress
Sew Different was founded by Laura a few years ago when her passion for sewing, fabric and clothes was starting to consume every moment of her life. Laura had always drafted her own patterns and decided it was time to share them!
The Tulip Dress is a gently fitted dress with a soft bubble hem. It has a shallow V-neck and a front pleat giving it extra room around the waist and allowing it to be pulled on over your head – no zip required. There are little swing sleeves that come midway down your upper arm and big pockets in the side seams.
Tilly & the Buttons – Stevie Tunic or Top
With no darts, zips or set-in sleeves, Stevie is a satisfyingly quick and easy make - yay! Stevie has a modern, boxy fit, with round neckline and grown-on sleeves, closing at the back with pretty ties or button loop. Make as a top with cropped hemline that hits the high hip, or above-the-knee dress length, with optional turn-up cuffs and patch pocket. Throw it on with a statement necklace and you're good to go!
Tilly & the Buttons – Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms
A perfect intro to sewing clothes workshop, suitable for age 12+. Family friendly workshop, under 16’s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Choose between full-length pyjama bottoms or boyfriend shorts, with optional drawstring detail. The low-rise, elasticated waist and relaxed-fit leg make these PJs oh so comfy to wear. You’ll never want to get dressed when you’re wearing your Jaimie jammies! If you’re feeling more advanced you can even add pockets.
No previous dressmaking experience required but you should have used a sewing machine before.
There will be no more than 6 students at the workshop so that you can have plenty of room to cut your fabric and lots of support and guidance from your tutor, Alison.
Sewing machines and all the tools you will need are provided for you to use, however if you have your favourite scissors, pins etc and would prefer to use your own, then please do bring them along.
Scoop Pinafore
Fabric requirements:
• Fabric – 2m (2 ¼ yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 2.5m (2 ¾ yards) x 115cm (45in) wide (45” wide is cut on crosswise grain so not suitable for directional fabrics)
• 0.5m lining
• 2.5m of matching or contrasting bias binding
• Matching thread
Fabric recommendations
Most mid-weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, denim, corduroy, lightweight wools, scuba, double knit.
Bettine Dress
Fabric requirements
• Fabric – 2m (2 ¼ yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 3m (3 ¼ yards) x 115cm (45in) wide
• Matching thread
• Your waist measurement in 9-12mm (1/2in) wide elastic
• 0.3m (1/2 yard) iron-on interfacing (similar weight to your fabric)
• Optional: 2 x 1.5-2cm (5/8-3/4in) buttons for cuff tabs
Fabric recommendations
Light- to medium-weight drapey fabrics, such as viscose (rayon), cotton voile, lawn or chambray. If you’re a confident stitcher, try a delicate crêpe or georgette.
Cleo Dress
Fabric requirements
• Mini length - 1.2m (1¼ yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 1.8m (2 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide
Knee length - 1.3m (1 3/8 yards) x 150cm (60in) wide OR 1.9m (2 1/8 yards) x 115cm (45in) wide
• Matching thread
• 0.4m (3/8 yards) iron-on interfacing (similar weight to your fabric)
• 2 x 30-35mm (1¼ - 1½in) wide dungaree buckles and 2 x no-sew jeans buttons OR 2 x 15-20mm buttons and buttonhole foot for your sewing machine
• Optional: Contrast colour topstitch thread and topstitch/embroidery needle
Fabric recommendations
Heavy or medium weight woven fabrics that hold their shape, such as denim, corduroy, cotton drill, gabardine, canvas, wool.
Scoop Pinafore
Pattern size range is 8-26 as shown below, if you are outside of this size range, please get in touch to discuss alternatives.
Size: Bust – Waist – Hips
8: 33” – 27” – 36”
26: 50” – 44” – 53”
Bettine and Cleo Dress
Patterns range from size 1 to 8 (Tilly & the Buttons own size range) as shown below, if you are outside of this range, please contact us to discuss other options.
Size: Bust – Waist – Hips
1: 30” – 24” – 33”
8: 44” – 38” – 45”
Brunch Blouse or Dress
Fabric requirements
• Fabric – 1.5m to 2.5m of 150cm (60”) wide fabric – dependent on the option chosen. Get in touch if you need help.
• 2m Matching bias binding
• Matching thread
Fabric Recommendations
Woven fabric with a softer drape; eg. Peach skin, crepe, viscose, cotton lawn or polyester blends.
Brunch Blouse and Dress
Patterns sizes range from XXS to Plus 3X, if you are outside of this range, please contact me to discuss other options.
Size: Bust – Waist – Hips
XXS: 30-31” – 23.5” – 33-34.5”
Plus 3X: 52-54” – 47-50” – 55-58”
Amaya Shirt
Fabric requirements:
• 110cm (44”) wide fabric: 2.6m (maximum required for all sizes)
Or
• 140cm (54”) wide fabric: 1.5m (for sizes 6-16) / 2.6m (for sizes 18-24)
• 70cm of lightweight fusible interfacing
• Matching thread
Fabric suggestions: Light and medium weight woven fabrics will work best for this pattern. This includes cotton, muslin, silk and linen.
Pattern size range is UK 6-24, if you are outside of this size range, please get in touch to discuss alternatives.
Size 6 – Bust: 78cm Waist: 61cm Hips: 86cm
Size 24 – Bust: 126cm Waist: 109cm Hips: 134cm
Tulip Dress
Fabric requirements:
60” (150cm) wide: Sizes 8-20 - 2m; Sizes 22-26 - 2.25m
45” (115cm) wide: All sizes – 2.5m
0.25m of lightweight iron on interfacing
2.5m of matching or contrasting bias binding
Matching thread
Fabric Suggestions:
Most mid-weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, denim, corduroy, lightweight wools, scuba, double knit.
Stevie Tunic or Top
Fabric requirements
· Fabric (Top) – 150cm (60”) wide: 1.1m-1.6m
115cm (45”) wide: 1.8m
· Fabric (Tunic ) – 150cm (60”) wide: 1.4m-2.1m
115cm (45”) wide: 2.3m
· Matching thread
· 0.3m of iron on interfacing (similar weight to your fabric)
· For button loop version: 1x 12-18mm button & elasticated hair band
Fabric recommendations
Light to medium-weight woven fabric, such as linen, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn.
Patterns range from size 1 to 10 (Tilly & the Buttons own size range) as shown below.
Size: Bust – Waist – Hips
1 (UK 6): 30” – 24” – 33”
8 (UK 24): 48” – 42” – 51”
Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms
Fabric requirements
· Fabric (Shorts) – 1.1m-1.4m depending on size and width of fabric
· Fabric (Bottoms) – 1.7m-3.1m depending on size and width of fabric
· Matching thread
· Your hip measurement in 1” wide elastic
Fabric recommendations
Light to medium-weight woven fabric, such as cotton lawn, shirting, “quilting cotton”, flannel.
Patterns range from size 0 to 15 (Tilly & the Buttons own size range) as shown below.
Size: Waist – Hips
0 (UK 4): 22” – 31”
15 (UK 34): 53” – 61”
You’ll take home your fantastic dress, to wear and show off to your family & friends, a big smile at your sense of achievement, the pattern and instructions, so you can make your dress again at home and cement what you have learnt on the day.
And you’ll have all the skills you’ve learnt throughout the day and maybe made some new friends too.
Caroline Penn (verified owner) –
Five star day. professional but very friendly. I came away with learning new skills correctly. Would recommend highly to anyone wanting to learn dressmaking. Alison is a very patient lady and very knowledgeable. Thank you. Caroline.
Caroline Penn (verified owner) –
Attended another dress in a day , with a different style dress . Five star day. Please don’t hesitate to attend this day if you are interested in learning to sew. Alison is a fantastic teacher. If she can teach me anyone can learn! Why attend other classes and workshops when you can get excellent tutorial here.