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Upcycling
is pretty addictive. Here at The Stitchery there are few things we love more than rescuing something tired and forgotten and breathing new life into it, restoring it to it's former glory and giving it a new home and purpose. Our home and studio are full of treasures that were once someone else's junk, the majority of which was found on the street. And (besides saving us a small fortune) we like to think these things have a certain charm. Our free home decor has become such a sway of life, that last month we were featured on Kirstie Allsopp's new Channel 4 series 'Fill your house for free'. You can read about the experience on our blog along with a wee 'step by step' tutorial on how to recreate our 'Shladders' (that's right, shelves made from a ladder - smooth), which Kirstie seemed to take a particular shine to! If you missed the show and don't have a scooby what I'm bletherin' on about, you can still catch it on 4OD.
We Heart Heather
After three months of interning here at the studio, Heather is now sadly leaving us. So much has been accomplished which simply would not have been possible without her hard work and fantastic creative wizardry, so we want to say a BIG FAT THANK YOU and wish her all the VERY VERY BEST for whatever she has in store next. She'll definitely be leaving a little Heather-shaped hole!
NEWSFLASH - CROCHET IS OFFICIALLY NOT JUST FOR GRANNIES
Not that we ever really believed that could possibly be the case. No, here at The Stitchery we've always known that crochet is undeniably cool and after successful completion of the first Crochet for Beginners course led by the brilliantly talented Kat Goldin, we are delighted to announce more crochet opportunities coming up soon! If you fancy giving it a try (it really is TREMENDOUSLY satisfying) or if you've already caught the bug, don't miss the Crochet for Beginners Workshop on September 7th (see below for details), and this months EXTRA SPECIAL CROCHET GIVEAWAY (read more below). Also, if you missed last week's special Crochet Taster Session with Itison, look out for more of those cropping up in the not-too-distant future too! We're going crochet crazy right now and we're not ashamed to say it.
Wishing you happy times sewing in the sun,
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Upcoming Courses & Workshops:
Here's a fairly comprehensive list of our upcoming courses and workshops. By clicking on any of the more info links, you'll be taken straight to the page for that particular course or workshop. There you can see photos of past classes and student work, find out more information about the course, and even book online.
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The Cushion Workshop
Sat. 5th October, 11-5pm (more info)
£50 + cost of fabrics
Cushion making is addictive, as many of our students have discovered. Once you’ve learned to make one, you’ll probably go home and make a few more. Perhaps it’s a mix of the ease with which they are sewn and the fact that a homemade cushion makes such a wonderful statement in the home. Led by resident Designer & Instructor Cassandra Belanger, students will learn applique, piping and fabric covered buttons and then apply them to make their very own decorative cushion.
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Intro to Sewing
Saturday, 26th Oct. (more info)
£50 + cost of materials
Life can get busy sometimes. And we realise that not everybody has time to commit to a ten-week beginners course. That’s why we created the one-day Intro to Sewing Workshop. Led by our resident Designer & Instructor Cassandra Belanger, this workshop is designed to teach complete novices a set of essential sewing techniques. Topics covered include sewing machine basics, stitches and seams, buttons and buttonholes and seam finishes. Students will then undertake the making of a simple tote bag. This workshop is open to complete beginners.
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Crochet for Beginners Workshop
September 7th, 1-4pm, £30 (more info)
3 places available available!
Learn to make a retro inspired pot holder. Instructor and Author Kat Goldin will walk you through all the steps on making a crocheted pot holder. Open to beginners.
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The Natural Dye Workshop – Yarn & Cloth
Saturday, 14th September, 10 – 4pm (more info)
£60 including materials
Past course photos here
Join us for an introduction to the world of natural dyes and procedures. Students will be guided through the dye process and will gain an understanding of scouring, assists, and resists. We will look at different types of fabrics, and special consideration will be given to the understanding of natural fibers. We will be using locally sourced and imported raw materials for dying. All materials are supplied. This workshop is open to complete beginners.
Instructor Bio
Heather Young has travelled in South East Asia and most recently Turkey to further her dye research. She has been teaching for the past 6 years in Vancouver, Canada and moved to Glasgow to study in the Masters in Textiles and Fashion program at the Glasgow School of Art, with a focus on textile design using natural dyes.
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Quilting for Beginners
9 Weeks, Mondays, 6.30-9.30pm
Next start date: January 13th (more info)
£200 + cost of materials
A homemade quilt is the sort of thing you can hold onto and treasure your entire life. And the process of designing and making your own quilt is detailed, rich and rewarding, not to mention therapeutic. This course, led by highly regarded Textile Artist and Quilt Maker, Patricia Macindoe, is a step-by-step practical guide on how to make your first quilt. Students will learn basic techniques and apply them to make a ‘Sweetie Boxes’ quilt of approximately 2 by 2 metres. This course is open to complete beginners.
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Tailored Jacket Course
12-Week Course, Mondays 7-9pm
Starts 30th Sept (more info)
£225 (+materials)
Make your own unique jacket using couture tailoring techniques. Students will be in the safe hands of Stitchery founder Cassandra Belanger, whose own jacket design has been featured as part of the Scotland RE:designed exhibition in The Lighthouse. The curriculum includes such skills as hand pad stitching to shape lapels and collars, bound buttonholes, and welt pockets. And students can choose to make their jacket from a selection of patterns.
Note: This course is intended for those with basic sewing skills already in place. if you have attended one of our 10 week sewing courses already, then this is an ideal next step.
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Sewing for Beginners
Daytime & Evening Courses
10 week course, Tuesdays
£175 (includes pattern)
Next start dates:
Daytime, Oct 8th, 2-4pm (more info)
Evening, Jan 7th, 7-9pm (more info)
Daytime, Jan 7th, 2-4pm (more info)
Learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine, how to use a flat pattern, basic stitches and foundationary sewing techniques. Then apply what you've learned to creating a simple garment using a fabric of your choice. Our student Hilary made this Sencha blouse by Colette Patterns.
Evening courses instructed by Jennie Loof, afternoon courses by Cassandra
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Dressmaking & Design Daytime and Evening Courses
10 weeks,
£175 (includes pattern)
Next start dates:
Afternoon, 3rd October, 2-4pm (more info)
Evening, 9th January, 7-9pm (more info)
The ideal next step for those who have already taken the Sewing for Beginners course or for anyone who already has a basic set of sewing skills. The sessions are designed to teach you essential dressmaking techniques such as sleeves, darts, and specialty seems. A basic element of fashion design is established through pattern reading and alterations. Students apply these skills to making a garment using the fabric of their choice. Our recent student Garladine made this lovely Chloe Dress by Victory Patterns.
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Quilted Table Runner Workshop
November 9th and 23rd,
11am-4pm, £80
Make a beautiful patchwork STARS table runner using traditional Christmas colours or your own favoured combination of colours. This 2-day workshop is suitable for those who have completed a Stitchery Beginners Quilting (or similar) course. Features the wonderfully versatile ‘half-square triangle’ block. Led by Patricia Macindoe. For booking, please contact us.
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Christmas Workshop
November 26th, 11-5pm,
£50 + Provide your own materials
Lunch included + Christmas treats!
Learn basic hand and machine applique and embellishment techniques and apply them to a unique stocking or apron of your own design. The perfect gift this Christmas! For booking, please contact us.
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Private Tuition
Many of our students choose to opt for a more personalised learning experience by taking private tuition. With a bit of consultation we can create a custom curriculum that matches the personal needs of each individual and move at a pace that suits their learning style. Students can follow projects set by the instructor or bring their own projects to work on. To find our more, visit the private tuition page on our website.
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Monthly Drop-In Sessions
Wednesday, August 28th, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Wednesday, September 25th, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Cost: £10
The Stitchery drop in sessions are open to all; current students, past students, or anyone who has a project they're working on and would like some help (or some company!). Participants will have the use of our Janome CXL301 sewing machines and assistance will be on hand from Resident Designer & Instructor, Cassandra Belanger. The session starts at 6:30 and finishes at 9:30pm. But students are welcome to come and go as they please between those times.
To book yourself in for a drop-in session, please contact us: info@thestitcherystudio.com . Note that there are limited spaces available because we only have a limited number of machines. Book early to avoid disappointment!
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