makeplace workshops are suitable for complete beginners who would like to learn basic sewing skills within a simple project.
Our Intermediate workshops are aimed at students who have acquired basic sewing skills and would like to progress with our expert tuition.
Intermediate workshops would be ideal for someone who has already completed a makeplace beginners project.
Techniques covered in the beginners classes include threading the machine and winding the bobbin, straight, edge and machine stitching, neatening seams by overlocking, attaching handles/pocket and boxing corners (depending on the project).
We will also offer useful pressing and finishing tips.
makeplace has the maximum of 10 students per workshop.
makeplace workshops currently listed are for adults.
makeplace workshops can be booked for group sessions/parties/corporate events.
For further information please see our FAQ section below or 'contact us' page
Frequently Asked Questions.........
How do I enrol?
There are various options, see 'enrolment' page for all details.
When/How do I pay?
Payment for all classes is required in advance to confirm your booking and secure your place. See 'enrolment' page for payment options.
How long do the classes last?
Half day classes are for 2.5 hours, 10am to 12.30 or 1.30 to 4pm. Full day classes are for approx 5 hours from 10am to 4pm with a break for lunch. Evening classes from 6.30 to 9pm.
How can I check if there are spaces available?
Spaces are generally still available unless the workshop listing says 'class full'.
Can I join a class at short notice?
We require at least 3 days notice for beginners classes and 2 weeks notice for classes where we use outside tutors. We recommend you enrol before this to secure your place and for payment to be received by our preferred method. However, if you would like to join a class at short notice please email us your contact number so that if there are spaces available we can confirm the class booking and arrange card payment by telephone.
What happens if I cannot attend the class I booked? Our class costings are based on a minimum number of students required for a class to run therefore non attendance can affect if the class is viable against tutor fees. Unfortunately we cannot refund payment if you are unable to attend a class for whatever reason. Where possible we will transfer your booking to an alternative date or class depending on our timetable and availability.
Do you offer group bookings?
Yes! We can accomodate Birthday parties, Hen events and specialist group/corporate sessions at makeplace. The maximum group size depends on the type of class you require. We can offer alternative dates and times, group discount and tailor a class to suit a specific theme or interest. It is best to email us with your requirements so we can discuss further (see 'contact us' page).
Can I bring my own Sewing machine to use?
Sorry, to ensure the best use of class time we only use our own new Juki machines and overlockers that are already set up for the class. We also have to respect health and safety regulations.
Do you have a minimum age for students? We happily accept students from 12yrs to 14yrs provided they are accompanied by an adult. We have also held childrens hand sewing parties with their mums! It is best to email (see 'contact us' page) or call in to makeplace on enrolment days to discuss individual requirements.
Are your classes for women only? No! We have had several men attend makeplace to make aprons and cushions! We welcome both male and female students.
WORKSHOPS
Beginners Level

Make a simple fabric bag to take home!
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
SORRY! CLASS FULL ON 18/02/12
Beginners Level

Make a simple 'envelope' back cushion cover to take home!
This season's style is a choice of plain coloured linen look fabric decorated with ric-rac trimming.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
Beginners level
Make a decorative corsage brooch using basic machine and hand sewing techniques to take home!
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
Beginners Level
Make a length of Bunting to take home to decorate a special room or event!
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.

Using our own Juki MO654DE Overlockers you will learn how this versatile machine can do so much more than just finishing seams!
You will learn how to adjust tensions and use the differential feed. Discover different stitches and techniques including inside/outside corners,working with stretch fabrics, satin and lace, flatlock stitch and rolled hems, pin tucks, edging fine fabrics and much more!
This class will give you the confidence to use the overlocker to its full potential.
If you are considering buying an overlocker this class is essential.
1 DAY CLASS £50.00
10AM TO 4PM with half hour break for lunch (tea and coffee provided please bring a packed lunch).
See 'How to use the Overlocker' Stage 2 if you would like details of the follow up class to this one.
"The Secrets of Successful Applique"
Beginners Level
Using a sewing machine you will learn how to apply a variety of applique techniques using a selection of fabrics and different stitches.
Experiment with shapes, patterns and textures.
Create and embellish your own design or be inspired by Penny's wonderful teapots, cupcakes, flowers, birds and owls!
Take home finished A5 samples, templates and instructions.
£29.50 including materials for take home samples and use of equipment.
Tutor : Penny Knee
Penny is a member of the Costume and Textile Society and works as a freelance Couture Dressmaker and Embroiderer.
Beginners Level

Keep your pegs handy with this simple to make retro style peg bag .
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
Beginners/ Intermediate Levels
Learn how to read and make simple alterations on a commercial pattern.
Gain confidence in using a pattern, learn how to prepare your fabric and how to lay your pattern pieces out.
Understand the terminology used on the instruction sheet.
Master how to shorten/ lengthen/ enlarge or reduce the size of a paper pattern in order to fit .
Understand about selvedges, grainlines, balance marks etc.
£25.00 per session including materials and use of equipment.
[ You are welcome to bring your own pattern ]
Beginners/Intermediate

Using our Juki machines learn how to achieve a free and relaxed method of stitching as you 'draw and write' with thread.
In this workshop you will learn how to set up a machine for free motion stitching and how to prepare your fabric. Then you will experiment with stitches and develop your technique.
Take home a felt needle book, embellished with a fabric layering technique that is attached using free motion stitching.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
SORRY! CLASS FULL ON 18/02/12

Using our own Juki MO654DE Overlockers you will build on from the skills learnt in 'How to use the Overlocker' Stage 1.
This class will have you acquiring and practising new techniques and stitches all day long.
These will include placing a neck-band into a round neck, patchwork, stabilising seams, fabric contrast bands, attaching elastic, narrow flatlock with ribbon as a decorative edge, corded rolled edge plus more!
1 DAY CLASS £50.00
10AM TO 4PM with half hour break for lunch (tea and coffee provided please bring a packed lunch).
Beginners Level

You will learn to create your own personally designed fascinator by hand sewing and using traditional techniques working with sinamay ( natural straw fabric made from coconut husk fibres ) in a choice of colours.
In this one day course you will be able to complete and take home a bespoke fascinator that can be worn for a trip to the races or to make a statement at the next wedding or both!
1 Day class £55.00 including materials and use of equipment.
10.00am to 4.00pm approx with half hour break for lunch.
[Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided]
Tutor: Debra Johnson
Debra is an experienced tutor with over ten years experience. She gained an Honours Degree in Art & Design from the University of Westminster and has also studied under Rose Cory, who was milliner to the late Queen Mother. Debra is based in Suffolk and undertakes fascinator and hat commisions.
Beginner/Intermediate level

This class will teach you how to use up those tiny pieces of fabric that we all have stashed away at home.
As you piece together fabric scraps you will create fun patchwork effect designs.
When you have made your unique patchwork piece you will then embellish it with the embroidery stitches on our Juki machines.
Your finished piece can be used to make all sorts of items, such as a cushion cover, a bag, a pocket for an apron etc or you can make more pieces and join them together to make a quilt.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
Beginners Level
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Make a useful apron with pocket and adjustable tie to take home!
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
SORRY! CLASS FULL 18/02/12
Beginners/ Intermediate Levels.
Or anyone interested in learning a new skill.

In this session you will learn an original Romany craft that was traditionally worked on broomstick handles.
You will make and take home a sample piece that can be added to other pieces to make a bag, scarf, cushion cover etc.
£15.00 per session including use of 'broomstick needle'.
Please bring a ball of aran weight yarn and a size 5.50 mm crochet hook.
Tutor: Stephanie Hipperson
Beginners Level

Make a doorstop with a knotted handle to take home.
£29.50 per session including all materials, filling and use of equipment.
Intermediate Level

Learn how to make a zipped, piped cushion cover using bias cut fabric for the piping.
You will join bias piping lengths, negotiate corners and insert a zip.
Use of the overlocker is involved and the machining level is suitable for intermediates and above.
Striped ticking fabric is used so that you can see how the bias piping effect works and to make matching the pieces easier.
A very useful workshop if you wish to extend your skills and 'move up a level' in soft furnishings and the use of piping in other projects.
Tutor : Tim Gidney
Tim has had experience of working with fabrics and sewing for over 35 years.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
SORRY CLASS FULL ON 17/02/2012
Beginners Level

In this workshop you will learn the techniques of Rag Rug making using jersey fabrics on a hessian base to create interesting designs and textures.
This is a great way to recycle old T-shirts and scraps of fabric!
£15.00 per session.
Hessian is provided for the 'rug' base.
Please bring some jersey or fabric cut into lengths of approx 30cms by 2cms wide.
Tutor : Heather Drysdale
Heather studied Design Crafts at Campus Suffolk, Lowestoft specialising in Rag rug making.
Beginners Level

In this workshop you will learn the basic techniques of crochet to enable you to get started on simple projects.
You will learn how to hold the yarn and crochet hook, how to make a foundation chain and how to do double and treble crochet stitches.
You will also make a simple flower corsage.
£15.00 per session
You will need to bring a crochet hook [ size 4.50mm ] and some aran weight yarn.
Intermediate Level

Make a statement with this lovely cushion cover.
In this workshop you will learn how to complete a contrasting 'grown on' border and work machined buttonholes.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
Beginners/Learn a new skill.

Using strips of jersey fabric fashioned into knots you will create a funky bracelet or necklace to take home.
A variety of colours will be available.
£17.50 per session including all materials.
Intermediate Level
Bikini briefs and 'Boy' shorts

New Skimpy Shorts !

This workshop will teach you how to make your own beautiful, comfortable bikini briefs, 'boy' shorts or 'skimpy shorts' on a domestic sewing machine.
Using stretch jersey and lace you will use patterns made by designer Emma Kidd to create simple underwear with a professional look and fit.
You will learn how to handle stretch fabric and how to edge stitch lace on to fabric 'freehand' ( without pins! )
Tutor: Emma Kidd
Emma has over 8 years of experience in Lingerie design and manufacture working with both high street retailers and ready to wear designers.
£35 including all materials and use of equipment.
Choice of colours available.
Size of knickers to be specified when booking! (UK dress size 8-18)
NEW DATES FOR 2012 - EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDED!!
Suitable all levels

Learn how to make one of these beautiful flowers.
Each one is made by folding fabric squares, a form of origami!
Use them to decorate your clothes, bags, cushion covers, gifts etc.
£7.50 per session including all materials.
Please note: this session lasts for approx 1 hour.
Please email if interested before booking.
Beginners Level

A great beginners class for 'new Mums' or 'Mums to be'.
Make two cute and practical, reversible 'neckerchief' bibs for your little one!
Be inspired to sew simple items for your baby.
£27.50 including all materials and use of equipment
Beginner / Intermediate Level

Make a unique embellished decorative wrist cuff using a variety of fabrics and trims.
This project will involve the use of a sewing machine and hand sewing.
Fabric and trims will be provided.
Please feel free to bring any embellishments of your own.
£25 including materials and use of equipment.
Tutor: Joanne Barrington
Intermediate Level

This workshop is intended as an ideal follow on to the makeplace beginners crochet workshop.
Learn to increase and decrease, work a 'magic circle' and work in the round.
You will take home a sample 'granny square' and a cute mouse or bear.
Patterns will be provided.
£15 per session
Please bring a size 3.50mm crochet hook and some double knitting yarn.
Beginner / Intermediate levels.


In this class you will complete a quilted and appliqued bag.
The cotton bag is fully lined with a large full width pocket and embellished with an applique design of your choice on one side and a fabric flower on the other.
The straps and pocket are decorated with cord trim.
This class will teach you how to create and perfect quilting and applique techniques, plus show you how to use different feet.
This is a great class for those of you who want to get more from your sewing machine!
1 Day Class
£55 including all materials and use of equipment.
10.00 am until approx 4.30pm
[ tea and coffee provided, please bring a packed lunch ]
Intermediate Level

Create a unique and very useful travel sewing kit so that you can keep up with all your sewing and embroidery projects on-the-go!
In this workshop you will complete all steps necessary to create your own sewing kit, including machine sewing, quilting, binding and creating pockets.
Sewing kits make a great gift, or treat yourself and organise your own sewing supplies!
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.
[ Supplies for kit not included ]
Tutor: Amy Komarnicki
Amy is an experienced tutor from the United States with over ten years experience as a freelance seamstress and designer. She received a B.A. in Visual Arts from Brown University and has a passion for fabrics, teaching, and inspiring others.
Beginners Level

Learn how to prepare for and stitch the following techniques required in basic dressmaking ;
darts, inserting a lapped zip, attaching a facing, gathering and hemming.
This workshop is an ideal 'follow on' to any of our Beginner projects and our Reading a Pattern class.
It will give you the skills and confidence to complete a simple garment independently and to achieve a professional finish.
Students will take home samples for reference for future projects.
£29.50 per session including all materials and use of equipment.



