Sew Forest of Dean

Appliqué is one of the most versatile and rewarding of all patchwork techniques and can really add a personalised feel to even the simplest of projects. This 6 week masterclass will take you through the process from the very beginning and will cover the most popular methods of appliqué plus all the tips and tricks you’ve come to expect from my workshops. The course includes: The basics – how to use stabilisers and interfacings Fusible/raw edge appliqué Freezer paper techniques Reverse appliqué Hand appliqué Inside-out method You can choose to...

Whichever style of embroidery interests you, there is one thing they all have in common – the actual embroidery stitches. Threads, fabrics and designs may vary but the core stitches can be utilised to great effort across all types of embroidery.

If you are new to patchwork and quilting, this is a great place to start. This project uses pre-cut fabric strips to minimise your cutting time and a strip quilting method for speed and accuracy.

Crewel embroidery, also known as Jacobean embroidery, has been practiced for centuries and remains a beautiful and practical craft used to adorn clothing, bags, boxes and much more.  Traditionally worked in crewel wool thread, we will also look at modern threads and how they can be used to great effect. 

Journals and scrapbooking have always been a great way to record special events, memories or just to develop ideas. What better way than to include fabrics and textiles into these books and make them truly unique pieces of art? Suitable for all levels of ability, this workshop will show you how to create your very own book using a combination of hand stitching and textile techniques.

New for 2020, this fun workshop will aim to move you on from “in-the-ditch” quilting and from quilting straight lines. Using a variety of techniques we will work on quilting samples to find a style and method that suits you best.

Do you have you a sewing machine but you’re not quite sure what to do with it? Did your machine come with a selection of presser feet and “bits and bobs” that you’ve never explored? If so, then my one day workshop is just the thing for you to get the very best out of your machine. Perfect for beginners and those with experience who are yet to explore the full capability of their machines.

At Sew Forest of Dean, the Natural World is a constant and vibrant source of inspiration for our embroidery and quilting designs and this one day workshop will show you how to interpret the things we see around us into stitch.

Brand new for 2021, Live online quilting course via Zoom, for total beginners. So if you have a sewing machine, some fabric in the cupboard and have never tried quilting before, why not come and join me? This 4 week course will guide you through making your very first quilt with ease.

If you have ever struggled to wrestle a quilt under your sewing machine, then this is the workshop for you! Come along and consider 3 ways of joining your blocks that allow you to quilt each block separately, prior to final assembly of your quilt. This technique is also perfect for beginners and can be used to make a double-sided quilt.

Do you have a collection of old clothes that are just too precious to give or throw away? Then why not transform them into a memory cushion, wallhanging or quilt? I can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing your fabrics and designing your project. I will show you how to get the most out of your collection with stitching techniques to make a truly unique keepsake.

This is a handy tote bag pattern, with boxed corners to give it some extra width. It is intentionally simple, without zips or buttonhole fastenings, however you can add these to your project if you wish. You can simplify it further by omitting the boxed corners. The bag has been designed to fit A4 folders, laptops and is also perfect for popping out to the shops.