Fashion & accessories courses

You will be introduced to the tambour hook and how to control in all directions through the fabric. You will initially use the chain stitch and how to cast on and off the fabric. Later, more professional aspects will be introduced including beads and sequins. At the beginning you will focus on the chain stitch on a transparent organza. We will work with the tambour hook, learning how to use in all directions, and cast on and off the thread without damaging the organza. In the second stage we will...

Covid19 update: offering over 100+ courses in Cumbria & the Lakes, we hope to resume all 'in person' courses in late July 2020. During lock down, we've upgraded a listed barn into a beautiful spacious workshop studio, enabling courses to take place with 2m distancing, hand washing and two staircases. It's possible usual catered lunches may not be included for summer courses, depending on circumstances at the time. Learn how to make a pair of your very own seamless felt slippers, moulded cleverly to your feet, unique and warm in...

Ever wondered how to make your own bespoke sandals that fit your feet? Then you have found the right course. If you like a challenge then you will enjoy sandalmaking. Design and handmake your own unique sandals using only traditional methods handed down through generations of shoemakers. You make them to fit your feet no matter how slim, wide, small or large size. Bunions? Not a problem! Position the straps to fit. No sewing machine or hand stitching used in this workshop.

I am teaching from a marquee in my garden during July - October 2020 All government guidelines followed. Please enquire for further information. On this wet felting day, you can choose between various options below: Scarf, footstool, slippers, picture, bag because they use the same technique -wet felting. Scarf making- You will be using a silk scarf and merino wool fibres to create you unique scarf. Alternatively you could create a warm woolly scarf. A Footstool. The small footstool is provided and upholstered in the lesson. Option to bring your...

In these beginner workshops you will be expertly tutored by Central Saint Martins trained weaver Anne Crowther using Ashford looms, which are suitable for those new to weaving. I have 6 looms available, so each workshop is delivered to a small group which means everyone is fully supported throughout the day. 'Weave a scarf in a day' is a full day workshop. You will design your scarf, create a warp and thread your loom and weave your own unique scarf to wear by the end of the day! I am...

Can you sew in a straight(ish) line with your sewing machine? - or would you like to learn? Can you (just about) remember how to thread it - or would you like to learn? If the answer is yes, then you'll be able to make one of the many projects we have on offer for you. A fun, fabulous festival dress, palazzo pants, an apron dress, cushion covers, how to make a sample curtain, how to copy a favourite item of clothing, etc, etc -on this course we can accommodate...

Design and make your very own felt bag or felted panel. It may be a handbag or iPad case - or something else - you decide. Aimed at the beginner, you'll find wet-felting a wonderfully versatile craft and a fascinating process. With plenty of materials to hand you'll be able to let your imagination run free - and leave ready to embark on your next felt creation! With years in the animation industry, making sets and models for the Aardman films there's not much Cathy hasn't turned her hand to....

The course takes place on our alpaca farm. The course is suitable for beginners as I will take you through the process. Before the day I will send out designs and colours so I can warp up the looms ready for the day. The morning will be spent weaving, overlooking the alpaca fields. During lunch there will be an opportunity to meet the alpacas, visit the weaving studio and the mini mill to see where we process our alpaca yarn. The afternoon is spent completing the scarf and adding those...

This is an invaluable 2 day course (14 hours), during which you will use a commercial pattern to construct your bra. I have made a range of sample bras (toiles) which will be fitted onto the body and adjusted, if necessary, to fit your body shape. After adjustments to your pattern, you will learn how to cut out your bra and use specialist construction techniques to enable you to work with these difficult fabrics. Suitable for those with some sewing machine experience.

Polymer clay is a fantastic material for making buttons. In its raw state, colours can be mixed to suit and shapes can be easily textured and moulded into a huge range of shapes and sizes. Once baked, it's machine washable and lightweight, so if you are a stitcher, carder, knitter or felter, or just enjoy learning a craft, this course is for you. Your tutor, Jo, will explain and demonstrate how to make your own molds; prepare and condition the clay; select and mix colours; shape and texture your buttons;...