Sewing and craft classes in East London

I teach the majority of classes at my home in Walthamstow, E17, in a nice informal setting, in very small groups (maximum of 3), with tea and a huge stash of fabric for you to use in your class. I do not work from a studio and teach in my living room among the music, cats and hustle and bustle of family life. This helps to put people at ease very quickly but may not be to everyone’s liking. It will be fun and chatty but if you are allergic to cats or would prefer a more formal setting cheekyhandmades are probably not for you.

Please note once you book you will need to pay to confirm a place. If you need to cancel you need to do this as soon as you can and if you cancel within 48 hours of the class start time you will not receive a refund/ will not be booked onto another class for free (unless it is because of exceptional circumstances, and then it will be at my discretion). If you do not turn up you will lose the fee you have paid. Likewise if you are more than half an hour late as you will disrupt the class for those that have already been working hard and you will not be able to catch up. Sorry, but you cannot just stroll in halfway through and expect me to teach the whole class again. And if this sounds harsh, it is because I have been bitten badly recently

You are welcome to bring your kids to the classes, and if they want to learn alongside you they will only be charged half price.

Here is a guide to what each class covers:

SEWING FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

You will learn cover the basics of how to set your machine up, how to wind a bobbin, how to thread a machine, how to select the right stitch and how to work out the tension on your machine, you will practice your stitching and then you will make a cushion cover, using my stash of fabrics (or bring your own if you wish)  – 3 hour class £40

MAKE A CUSHION COVER

In this class you will learn to measure and cut, make nice sturdy seams and sew in a straight line! Learn about seam allowances and cutting accurately. All materials supplied, or bring some fabric you love (you will need 20″ by 20″ for the front, slightly more for the back. I will supply the cushion insert, 2 hour class £30

USING PATTERNS (INTERMEDIATE SEWING CLASS)

In this class you will learn to follow a simple commercial pattern and make this to your size. You will learn how to read a pattern, how to change it to your size, how to adapt patterns, how to trace and transfer this onto fabric, how to accurately cut and join the pieces. In the one day class you will make up a calico sample which you will use to “test” your individualised pattern but we will not get to make this up as a final garment. For that you will need to join the USING PATTERNS 2 class. In the longer evening course we should be able to finish the garment (but it depends of course on the individual students as some are just faster than others). 5 hour daytime class – £60, 10 hour evening course £120. Includes all materials apart from final garment fabric.

I only have two students in this class so you will learn a lot and get tons of individual attention!

FREE MOTION MACHINE EMBROIDERY

Have fun setting your inner artist free on a sewing machine. By dropping the feeding mechanism you can “draw” with your needle and make some amazing pictures. You could even try to sign your name in thread. Use it to decorate clothes, bags, aprons etc. All materials provided, or bring something to decorate. 2 hour class – £ 30

MAKING/ FIXING/ ALTERING KIDS CLOTHES

Make a cute shift dress or some adorable pull on trousers for your little rascal, fix the hems or take that baggy top in a little. Add some nice appliqué pictures or your little one’s name onto their sleeping bag. The possibilities are endless. I have some great kids patterns and lots of lovely fabric to buy at cost price. Learn to use simple patterns and finish your garments professionally. 2.5 hour, £35

ALTERATIONS, REPAIRS AND OTHER EMERGENCY SEWING!

BUNTING WORKSHOP

Speaks for itself. Make a lovely string of bunting flags to cheer up your garden party, wedding, tent or house. All materials included. 2 hour class £30.

QUILTING WORKSHOP

If you already know how to sew a little and want to learn how to make a quilt, this workshop is for you. In 6 hours I can teach you all the basics and you will be well on your way to be able to independently make a quilt. I will provide advice on fabrics, on wadding (the inside of the quilt), threads and sewing machine feet to use, I will cover patchwork and appliqué and the actual putting together and quilting of the quilt. In a one day  (or two evenings) class you can expect to make a good start on your design but you would only be able to finish if you make a very small quilt. You can use the quilting workshops to finish it off if you cannot do so at home. I am always available for help and advice. Alternatively you can make several funky potholders or placemats in just one class!- one day 6 hour class – £70

I sell wadding at cost price.

PRACTICAL APPLIQUE WORKSHOP

KNITTING, CROCHET AND OVERLOCKING CLASSES ARE ALL TAUGHT AS PRIVATE ONE TO ONE CLASSES ONLY, £20/ HOUR, booking by email after agreeing on a date.

I RUN PRIVATE CLASSES TOO,  £35 PER HOUR, MINIMUM OF TWO HOURS. IT WILL COST EXTRA TO COME TO YOUR HOME (UNLESS YOU LIVE IN E17).