2013 Sewing Classes

We are pleased to announce the 2013 series of the Liberty sewing school. Join us for a range of special craft, knitting and sewing workshops.

LOCATION: THE LIBERTY HERITAGE SUITE, 3RD FLOOR

SPECIAL OFFER: We are delighted to offer sewing school attendees 20% off at Café Liberty on the day of their class.

To book one of the below classes, please contact our Customer Services department on +44 (0)20 7734 1234.

Special Workshops

Hat Making with Mary-Jane Baxter

10.30am - 4.30pm

£75 per class

Saturday 18th May 2013   FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 1st June 2013

Milliner and author Mary-Jane Baxter is back at Liberty with a fabulous new hat-making workshop for Spring 2013. Learn to make a stunning Ascot-worthy titfer using a range of couture millinery methods that even complete novices can master in a day. Incorporating Liberty fabrics and trimmed with a show-stopping feather, this vintage-inspired hat sits on a headband for ease of wear.

Mary-Jane will also be signing copies of her much anticipated new millinery book due to be published in April 2013 by Kyle Books.

Thursday Evening Classes

5.00pm - 7.30pm including a glass of wine and nibbles

£30 per class

Thursday 30th May 2013

Pompoms and Garlands in Paper, Fabric and More
Tutor: Jo Perry

Create stunning paper pompoms ideal for summer celebrations. Work with a variety of paper and fabric to make a beautiful garland and find a new twist to working with wool.

This fun craft requires no experience. All materials provided.

Thursday 27th June 2013

Chic Braided Bracelets
Tutor: Jo Perry

Banish all thoughts of the playground and learn to create sophisticated friendship bracelets with a difference. Practice a variety of braiding techniques adding beads and embellishments then create a clasp for a professional finish.

No experience required. All materials provided.

Saturday Classes

10.30am - 4.30pm including morning coffee and afternoon tea

£50 per class

Saturday 6th April 2013

Hand Patchwork
Tutor: Nicole Wilson

FULLY BOOKED

This day is about teaching absolute beginners and rusty returnees how to do hand patchwork using the English paper piecing method. During the day we will cover a basic introduction to hand sewing, how to cut out and use patchwork patterns, how to sew a simple patchwork panel, how to quilt a panel by hand using plain and decorative stitches. By the end of the day you will be able to hand patchwork at a basic but confident level; have the skills you need to start a project right away; have started to learn to love patchwork and want to do more!

Content:
• Use paper templates to follow the English piecing method of patchwork
• Look at how patchwork panels are pieced together
• Hand quilt using plain and decorative stitches
• Looking at fabric print and colour effects in patchwork

Saturday 13th April 2013

Learn to Sew
Tutor: Jenny Stilwell

FULLY BOOKED

The workshop aims to cover the basics of sewing and to give participants the confidence to go on to follow simple Amy Butler patterns. You will learn all the skills necessary to complete a vintage style apron, which will contain all the skills listed below. You may also have the chance to customise your apron.
Content:

• Laying/cutting out of pattern and fabrics, what do the symbols mean?
• Reading a pattern
• Using a sewing machine, getting started , threading up, sewing in a straight line
• Gathering
• Top stitching
• Slip stitching
• Simple decorative stitching with machine

Saturday 20th April 2013

Learn to Crochet
Tutor: Erica Pask

FULLY BOOKED

This workshop is aimed at the absolute beginner or someone who has not crocheted for a long time and needs a refresher. The day uses a small project worked in Rowan HK Cotton to demonstrate how to hold the hook and yarn as well as the basic stitches (Foundation chain, double crochet, treble crochet). Crocheting in rounds is also covered as well as the use of beads to embellish your project. Each attendee should end the day confident in the basic techniques enabling them to move on to something more complicated as well as having followed a basic crochet pattern.

Each attendee needs to bring 4mm/3.5mm crochet hooks if they have them already. All yarn will be provided along with some basic reference notes that they can take home.

Saturday 27th April 2013

Simply Triangles
Tutor: Janet Goddard

FULLY BOOKED

Vintage patchwork quilts often feature simple repeated triangle blocks to achieve a classic effect. In this class we will recreate our own classic quilt by machine stitching a small quilt top containing contrasting light and dark triangles. The materials supplied will make a small patchwork quilt top.

Saturday 4th May 2013

Learn to Sew
Tutor: Jenny Stilwell

FULLY BOOKED

The workshop aims to cover the basics of sewing and to give participants the confidence to go on to follow simple Amy Butler patterns. You will learn all the skills necessary to complete a vintage style apron, which will contain all the skills listed below. You may also have the chance to customise your apron.

Content:
• Laying/cutting out of pattern and fabrics, what do the symbols mean?
• Reading a pattern
• Using a sewing machine, getting started , threading up, sewing in a straight line
• Gathering
• Top stitching
• Slip stitching
• Simple decorative stitching with machine

Saturday 11th May 2013

Moving on from Learn to Sew
Tutor: Nicole Wilson

FULLY BOOKED

The workshop aims to move on from the ‘Learn to Sew’ workshop and to develop the skills of those who have mastered the basics, giving participants a greater confidence with sewing by expanding on their skill base. This will enable the participant to feel confident in choosing from a broader range of the Amy Butler sewing patterns. The skills covered on the day while making the mini messenger bag will give all the technical information necessary to begin dressmaking, with the Amy Butler ‘Barcelona skirt’ being an obvious first choice. Learn to make this delightful bag and you will acquire the skills you need to be able to make your own clothes.

You will learn:
• How to cut from a pattern
• Use your sewing machine to insert a zip
• Make a buttonhole
• To understand the uses of interfacing in sewing to give a professional finish

Saturday 25th May 2013

Flower Festival
Tutor: Sarah Hazell

FULLY BOOKED

This is a brand new workshop inspired by celebrating 100 years of the Chelsea Flower Show. During the course off the day you will have the opportunity to knit, crochet and stitch flowers using a variety of techniques. The flowers could be used singly as corsages or grouped for table decorations or bunting. They will add a final touch to any summer celebrations.

Please bring along 3.25mm and 4mm knitting needles, 3.5 and 4mm crochet hooks and a sewing needle.

Saturday 8th June 2013

Triangular Shawl
Tutor: Sarah Hazell

FULLY BOOKED

Triangular shawls have always been a part of our knitting heritage and are currently enjoying a colourful and varied revival. Styles vary from simple garter stitch to intricate lace. This workshop aims to introduce you to the different ways the triangular shawl shape can be achieved and you will knit small samples of the Point to Long edge, Long edge to point, Side to side and Traditional examples. Techniques covered will includes shaping, casting on and casting off as well as how to add a lacy edging. There will be opportunities to work with some of Rowan's lighter weight yarns such as Wool Cotton 4ply, Kidsilk Haze and Fine Lace.

Please bring along 3.25mm and 4mm knitting needles with sharp points.

Saturday 15th June 2013

Machine Appliqué a Floral Picture
Tutor: Janet Goddard

Create a beautiful panel containing flowers, leaves, hearts and blooms using machine appliqué. During the day lots of tips and techniques for appliqué will be covered and students will work on a small panel which could later be made into a cushion or small quilt.

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Learn to Patchwork – Create a Journal Cover
Tutor: Jo Perry

FULLY BOOKED

Learn straightforward patchwork techniques to create a small project that is sure to inspire you to quilt on a larger scale. Enjoy creating your design, find out how to measure accurately and use a rotary cutter and board.

To make the most of this class you will need to be able to use a sewing machine at a basic level with confidence. All materials provided.

Saturday 29th June 2013

Glamping
Tutor: Charlotte Liddel

Join textile designer and author Charlotte Liddel for a special 'Glamping' themed workshop to celebrate the launch of her new book. The workshop will teach you how to make a gorgeous beach hut motif cushion. You will learn Techniques such as appliqué, hand and machine embroidery as well as how to make piping cord and an envelope cushion back. The cushion would make a glamorous addition to any tent, caravan, camper van or beach hut or make a great gift for a camping addict.

To book one of the above classes, please contact our Customer Services department on +44 (0)20 7734 1234.