Scatter cushions galore …

The finished articles complete with the student’s choice of either feather or fibre cushion pad

Today saw the second workshop of the new year and was our Next Steps – Scatter Cushion. It saw a group of eager students arrive promptly and with enthusiasm.

Concentrating hard

They then, having selected their fabric, thread and zip from a wide range, began to create their own cushion cover. They were able to select the size of cushion they wanted to make and how they would like to insert the zip.

Cutting strips ready to make piping

Everyone piped their cushion cover to give it a professional finish, prior to attaching their zip.

Busy, busy, busy.

It was a fantastic day. Loads of chat, laughter and new techniques learnt with friends old and new. Everyone completed one cushion cover and most cut out another to take home and put together themselves. Can’t wait to do it again.

How fab is that contrasting piping?

If you fancy having a go yourself we have another date already scheduled for March 24, or if you’re an Absolute Beginner that’s the week before, March 17.

Look at what we made – well, those of us that didn’t have to dash off to catch the supermarket! 😉

Progress made via bags, zipped pouches and t-shirts

What a fantastic day we had on Sunday. Everyone made progress from their starting point. We had a range of abilities, from “knowing nothing other than that they wanted to learn to use a sewing machine”, to “wanting to develop new skills for dealing with more difficult fabrics”. All walked away with improved skills and a smile on their face. I LOVE MY JOB.

Ready and raring to go

Determination certainly paid off for this Absolute Beginner …

Concentrating hard and getting more accurate by the minute.

… she walked away with a zipped pouch and reusable shopping bag in beautiful Rose and Hubble Scottie Dog poplin.

Rose and Hubble poplin

Off to a flying start

Yesterday, we delivered the first items of 2019 (a set of three cushion covers) and walked away with an order for another four! Thanks Lesley.

This was following on from two meetings on Friday to discuss new client requirements for a statement piece Stofa for a hallway and a revamp on a set of eight fantastic 1960’s dining chairs. We can’t wait to get started on them. Will just have to be patient and wait for the fabric to arrive first. Better keep busy doing other things … like some CPD up at The Ministry of Upholstery. Small Queen Anne footstool or large deep-buttoned footstool, anyone?

First delivery of the new year. Piped and zipped cushion cover to coordinate with existing furnishing.

Last chance before Christmas …

… to come and make a fabric bottle bag. Giving a boozy gift? Make it look extra special and give it in a hand-made gift bag of your own design. 

This Saturday, 15 December 2018, from 1pm, Debs will be at Peak District Yarns teaching how to make a bespoke bottle bag. You get to choose your fabric and thread, and Debs will guide you through the process from selecting complementary fabric, lining and thread, to how to control the machine and create a gift wrap you can be proud of.

No booking is required – just turn up at the shop and have a go.

Cost is £10 for your first bag and instruction. Additional bags are £6 each to cover the materials.

Contact Debs on 07867 760900 if you have any questions, or email her deborah@wizardmakes.com

 

Five accomplished students

What a fantastically productive weekend it has been. Five students learning how to make fabric bottle bags, and they did an amazing job! We used our new Janome machines to enable them to create beautiful wrapping for personal gifts for Christmas. Loads of choices of fabrics tastefully mixed to produce stylish products.

Busy at work making her first bag

Ethical washing up

I have decided to use my sewing skills to try and reduce the amount of plastic we use as a family, so have made these. Eco friendly pan scrubbers from loofah and old cotton towels. Will let you know if they work. Wish me luck!