Dressmaking for Beginners

The Pinworks Autumn term of stitching began this week and we are off to a flying start with a new batch of beginner dressmakers.

I always get a little flutter of nerves when I haven't taught for a while, but as soon as the "My name is Verity and I'll be your teacher" patter begins, the butterflies are replaced by the buzz that only the smell of new fabric and eight eager faces can bring!

After seasons of leaving it too late, I've actually managed to produce a sample of the dress - a semi-fitted, sleeveless shift with bust and waist darts, back slit and zip. It's a great pattern for beginners - lots of different skills involved, and a lovely flattering style that suits all shapes and sizes.

So, here's to the next 7 weeks of dressmaking fun - I'll share the wonderful results from the new cohort (LOVE that word!) as they emerge - and you could always pop over to the Pinworks facebook page to get breaking news as it comes!

Anyone seen that pin???

 

...you can even jump in it... hurrah!

Clasp Clutch Purse Class

On the last Sunday of June, I had the pleasure of teaching a group of 6 lovely ladies how to make a clasp clutch purse.  The last Pinworks workshop until Autumn. Having spent quite some time discussing this class over the past few weeks, I can confirm that it's easier to make one than say one.

 
I always enjoy teaching, but this class was particularly fun as the ladies were chatty- at times quite giddy (although that was probably the glue) - right from the start.  A good thing for all involved as it meant less of the Verity Warne warm-up act. Anyone else go into verbal overdrive in the face of nervous silence? I once found myself being the only hopping bunny in a room of  mums and toddlers. I was 8 months pregnant. But, that's another story... back to unpronounable bags...

We started off by looking at how to draft a clutch purse pattern (trace round your frame, add some to the sides, don't forget your seam allowance and after that, there's no wrong answer). Then, my group of friendly ladies decided to mix and match their chosen fabric prints to create contrasting linings. I'd initially planned to use plain white calico for the inner bag - so it worked out perfectly that most of the ladies had chosen complimentary fabrics. I'm a sucker for a pretty lining.

Everyone picked up the knack of using fleece interlining to help add structure, and the bag bodies were completed in perfect time. Gluing and applying the frame was clearly not the group's favourite step - it definitely takes some getting to used to and the trick is not to be too kind - you just have to go for it. Remember, baby wipes are our friend. 

So, that's another season of classes completed. Now, it's on to making samples and gearing up for the Autumn timetable - aprons, lampshades and knickers a go go!

Dressmaking - the next step

Have you lost confidence in sewing your own clothes, or started something but then been bamboozled by the pattern? Come and join me for an Intermediate Dressmaking Course brought to you by Pinworks at Oxford's Darn It & Stitch.

Bring along a pattern of your choice and we will guide you through.

A great way to build up your sewing skills and confidence in a small group.

Mondays: November 12th, 19th & 26th
December 3rd,10th & 17th
7 - 9.30pm
£175 pp

Sewing machines will be provided. To find out more or book your place email hello@pinworks.co.uk or call Darn It & Stitch 01865 242 779

Bikini!

Here's the second of the samples I've been working on for workshops. This time - a cotton bikini. I'm not sure cotton works for swimming, but it definitely does the job for posing!

The bottoms are based on my knicker pattern but with a draw string waist. The tops are based on McCalls M5400 but needed some adaptation for a nonstretch fabric. It took a while, but after a bit of growling and lots of unpicking, I think I cracked it.

Sorry about the rubbish photo - I was so relieved it had finally worked that I couldn't wait to tidy up all the loose threads!

Knickers!

I've been working on some samples for the next workshops at Darn it and Stitch. First up is knickers (27th June), and I have to say that I'm pretty proud of these frilly smalls. I knew exactly what I had in mind, but couldn't find a pattern anywhere - so, I bulk bought a load of knickers from the high street then started hacking! I think the end result has just the right amount of frill, can be easily adapted with ribbons and lace, and they're pretty simple to whip up. I'll definitely be making some for myself and will let you know once the pattern is in my shop.

The workshop

Why have I been so quiet lately? Well, a few reasons, but perhaps the best is that I was preparing for my role as tutor teaching my first bag making workshop which was yesterday at Darn it and Stitch in Oxford.

These are the samples of the bag that I designed for the session...

..and here are some action shots of the workshop in progress.

I'm more than a little relieved to say that I think it went really well. Granted, we did run over by about 2 hours (!) but everyone left with a finished bag and even better, they all said that they'd learnt something. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - it was great to spend the day with such a lovely group of ladies, the workshop space at Darn it and Stitch has a great atmosphere, and it was really fabulous to see everyone's bags coming together.

I was on such a massive high last night that for the first time, I didn't cry during X-Factor - no, not one single tear was shed!

Workshop news

As you can probably tell by the gaps between recent posts, things have been getting busy in Made by Loulabelle land. There's a few different schemes a-cooking, but I'm really excited to be able to announce that I am soon going to be tutoring my first ever bag-making workshop!


It's hard to believe it's possible in a civilised society, but Oxford had long been lacking a haberdashery/fabric shop until the lovely Jo recently opened Darn it and Stitch. She's created a fabulous space with a gorgeous mix of new and vintage trims and buttons, wool, fabric and haberdashery essentials. And, even more excitingly, she has turned the upstairs into a venue for crafting workshops. On the list are beginner’s classes in knitting, crochet, sock knitting, patchwork, smocking, bobbin lace making, corsetry, embroidery and felting. And now... bag making!

The workshop will be held on 9th October and we'll be making a trapeze tote which designed especially for the occasion. Here are the samples, currently residing in the shop:

More details to follow soon - I'll keep you posted!