Open Sewing / Zero Waste Jackets

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!

Our optional set project this session will be Zero Waste Jackets. We’ll sew along together working from a choice of two patterns by Birgitta Helmersson. We’ll learn all about zero waste sewing, drawing your pattern pieces directly onto your fabric without the use of a paper pattern. Pick from the oversized Workwear Jacket pattern with its generous pockets and casual dropped shoulder, or the fully lined Bell Jacket, named for its distinctive puffed sleeves. Zero waste patterns are drafted such a way that you utilise the full length of the fabric with nothing going to waste, which is great for both the environment and your pocket! You can also piece together remnants from other projects to create new and unique textiles to work with.

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 – please purchase your choice of pattern using the links below:
  Workwear Jacket
  Bell Jacket
• Cost of fabric and haberdashery