Sewing – Simple Summer Sewing Projects Day - All Abilities - [SSK]

Course intent

This one-day Summer Projects day is the perfect opportunity to sew some simple summer items for yourself, family or to gift. Learn how to sew, making useful and beautiful things for a trip to the seaside or for a country picnic. Most of the projects are based on rectangles and require the ability to follow simple written instructions so are perfect for beginners. This relaxed, but productive, day will give you the chance to enjoy the well-being benefits of sewing in a friendly, creative learning environment.

What will we cover?

If this is not your first sewing workshop, you can choose more than one project depending on your ability level, easy patterns/measurements and construction instructions will be provided and the teacher will be available to answer queries. Absolute beginners will learn how to make either a beach bag or a drawstring bag, gaining useful sewing skills that can be able to applied to many future projects.

Projects you could choose include:

• Beach or Drawstring bag (suitable for absolute beginners)
• Summer Napkins and Placemats
• A cloth basket
• A Pouch or Zip-up Bag
• A very simple cotton Wrap Skirt (button or tie),
• A Beach Cover-up

During the workshop, beginners will learn how to:

• follow simple sewing instructions
• pin and cut out easy shapes in fabric
• thread a sewing machine
• sew in a straight line
• sew and iron a seam
• do a simple hem
• add a drawstring.

There may be time to practise a buttonhole depending on the learner’s progress during the day.

Safeguarding, Prevent & British Values are also integral to all courses.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Beginners and those who have attended at least one sewing workshop, or Improvers who have attended other sewing courses and workshops but need a tutor to be on-hand to help answer questions. Most of the projects are based on rectangles and require the ability to follow simple written instructions.

For adults aged 18 years or older.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

A ‘needs’ list will be sent out with details of what is needed for each sewing project when you enrol. But everyone will need to bring:

A basic sewing kit:

• Sharp dressmaking scissors
• Small scissors such as embroidery scissors/snips,
• Tape measure
• Ruler
• Dressmaking pins
• Hand sewing needles (Sharps are good)
• Fabric - prewashed and ironed
• Depending on your project interfacing
• Machine thread (Gutterman all-purpose is a good type/brand and will not cause issues with the machines – very cheap/old thread can cause problems). Colour depends on your chosen project
• Seam ripper
• Chalk pencil/wash out marker pen
• Small note pad and pen
• Magnifying glass or reading glasses if you might need to help you thread the needle

Sewing machines belonging to the centre are available to use during the workshop.

Please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk before the session if you have any questions

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to progress onto further longer sewing and dressmaking courses or try other workshops such as Sewing - Sew a Super Summer Sun Hat - Beginners on 22nd June. Or why not try our summer skills workshops in July which offer some inspiring, simple sewing projects. Ask your tutor for other courses she will be teaching.

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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