Always wanted to learn how to sew? Or do you already fancy yourself as a bit of a Sewing Bee but would like to learn more? Then look no further! Bobbins & Buttons run a series of creative sewing classes and workshops and we here at Cool as Leicester went to check it out.
Each class is run by Julia in her wonderful home on Skyefield Avenue in the West End area of Leicester. The classes are suited to all levels, from the novice sewer who has never sat behind a sewing machine before to the more experienced sewer who is looking to take their skills to the next level.
The workshop and classes fall into 5 of the below categories and are graded in levels 1-4, 1 being for the complete beginner and 4 being for the confident sewer, so there really is something for everyone:
1.Products and clothing for children and babies
2.Dressmaking for women
3.Upcycled and repurposed projects
4.Skills and techniques
5.Homewares and soft furnishing
I attended the Level 2 Flat Fronted Flared Skirt class which cost £25, this includes the pattern and elastic waistband, you will just need to bring your own choice of fabric and matching thread. Fret not, Julia will email you details of the fabric quantity and requirements prior to the class so you are not left guessing on what type or how much fabric to buy.
You can make this skirt in a range of sizes from 8 to 16 for adults in either knee or calf length or you can make one for a little girl, from sizes 9 months to 8 years, which was modelled by her very own cute little daughter on the day. This class helps to develop skills such as basic pattern cutting, finishing seams, overlocking, hemming and inserting a waistband.
There were 4 of us sewers in total which made the experience really comfortable and cosy. Julia only has a maximum of 5 people at a time, which means help is always at hand. This was particularly helpful when I almost broke the snazzy electronic sewing machine, I’d like to add that this was my heavy handed fault completely, not the machine’s! Needles to say Julia, with her great patience sorted this out for me enabling me to crack on with creating my quirky garment.
The atmosphere at Bobbins & Buttons was extremely relaxed, like a Saturday morning catch up with friends. The old swing classics softly playing in the background, the cups of tea and not to forget the delicious homemade chocolate and pecan cookies all added in creating this uber chilled vibe.
As with everything good in life, the 3 hour class went by so quickly and before we knew it each of us had created 4 wonderful but very different skirts!
So if you fancy getting your sew on, Bobbins & Buttons is the place to bee, check out the website and book a class now! Check out the website HERE or if you fancy a evening out, get yourself down to Julia’s new Sew Social evening at St Martins Cafe where you can get creative and unwind with a glass of wine. The first event is on Thursday 15 May at 7.30pm with a special guest appearance from Tamara Melvin from the Great British Sewing Bee.
For more information contact Julia; [email protected] / 07791 966917 or visit http://www.bobbinsnbuttons.co.uk/
Review by Zoe Ross.