Open Sewing / Zero Waste Trousers

Returning students and seasoned sewers are welcome on this sociable supported stitching session, where you can either work on your self-directed projects or choose to sew along with our chosen project. Cass will be on hand throughout to help you with your projects, and will assist with taking body measurements, adjusting the flat pattern to fit your specific body shape, seams and seam finishes, sleeves, darts, pockets, pleats and gathers, or whatever other issues you might encounter. She will also be on hand with valuable techniques and tips for a more sustainable making practice. Our Open Sewing blocks offer the same expert guidance as our taught classes, but with no programmed course structure, letting you work on your own projects. This past term students have made meaningful patchwork quilts, explored sustainability in sewing, and stitched garments in all shapes and sizes from dungarees to ball gowns!

The optional set project this session will be Zero Waste Trousers. you will sew along together working from the Jones Trousers pattern by Goldfinch Studios. These trousers are the perfect combo of cinched waist and relaxed fit, with generously sized pockets. Skills you’ll learn as we sew include zero waste principles, an elasticated waits band, tapered cuffs, and a variety of hem and seam finishes. If you would like to make trousers, please select your size from the dropdown menu above. The cost of the pattern will be added to your booking, and we will have your pattern printed and ready for you at your first class.

These intermediate level open sewing sessions are for ‘beyond beginners’ and improvers, which means it’s suitable for returning students, or anyone with previous experience of basic sewing and garment making. We have a Janaome 230DC computerised (with speed control) sewing machine available for each student; although you can bring your own if you like. And don’t worry if you might miss one or two classes: we’ve plenty of opportunities to catch up through our additional Sunday Stitchery Sessions or private tuition.

Course cost includes: 

• 10 x 3-hour lessons
• Use of 230DC Janome computerized sewing machine each
• Use of 6234XL overlocker (shared between students)
• Janome Coverpro 2000CPX (shared between students)

Course cost excludes:

• Cost of patterns
• Cost of fabric and haberdashery