Archive for the ‘Sewing’ Category

Beginner Sewing Clinic ~ A Great Success!

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Sewing Classes Geelong

My ???New Beginner Sewing Clinic??? held in January from 18th to the 21st was a great success and pictured here are some of my new students! Pictured here from left: Bethany, Judith, Maree, Erin & Fran.

As you can see they all made Kwik Sew Pattern 3152 which was a peasant style top and a skirt with a hip yoke, gathers and an invisible zip!

Some of the students sat at a sewing machine for the very first time in their lives and were amazed at what they could learn and create in just two days.

Some of the skills they have now learnt are:

  • Basic Sewing & Seam Finishing
  • Sewing Machine Technical Skills
  • Button Holes
  • Invisible Zips
  • Introduction to Patterns including how to measure and fit to your size
  • Following pattern instruction sheets, how to place pattern pieces and fabric cutting methods
  • Introduction to fabric selection and fabric types

Sewing Classes Geelong
Pictured here from left: Kate, Emy, Eden, Willow & Emma.

Here are just a few things the girls had to say about their Beginner Sewing Clinic experience:

???It was an excellent 2 days. Thank you so much for teaching me the skills that I can use for the future. I can???t wait to wear my beautiful clothes.???

Emy McPhee

???The funnest two days! Not only did I make a new top and skirt but I learned how to sew!???

Eden Whittaker

???A wonderful two day experience. Reached all expectations! Can???t wait to further enjoy classes with Maree!???

Hannah Dowling

???I have learnt so many skills over the past two days and developed a new love of sewing. Maree has inspired me to continue sewing and try new things.???

Erin Littlewood

If you are interested in attending my Beginner Sewing Clinic or sewing classes I will also be running special technical workshops and beginner and general sewing classes throughout the term. Don???t delay as places are limited CALL NOW ON: 03 5264 1666

Here are a selection of my new beginner sewing students in action in my sewing studio at Rosewood Cottage!

Geelong Sewing Classes

Bethany & Erin commence their beginner sewing clinic learning how to stitch buttonholes. They now feel confident with this technique! Well done girls!

Geelong Sewing Centre

Fran learns how to sew a seam using a 1.5cm seam allowance using the automatic reverse stitch!

Learn to Sew

Judith enjoys a treat while taking a break from learning how to sew!

Maree Pigdon Sewing Classes

Erin is smiling with great delight as she completes the final stitches to her skirt!

Sewing Classes Geelong

Bethany is very pleased with learning the skills of how to attach a gathered skirt panel to a yoke!

Geelong Sewing Classes

Fran is very pleased here as she sews the final touches on her skirt!

Sewing Classes Geelong

Judith with a sigh of relief completes the insertion of her invisible zip into her skirt!

Sewing Classes Geelong

Judith made her beginner sewing clinic outfit for her sister Sonja. As you can see here Sonja is extremely happy to have a gorgeous new outfit AND that her big sister joined sewing classes at Maree’s!! “Judith will you please make me a pink outfit next!?!” :)

Sewing Classes with Maree

Maree shows Hannah how to use the overlocker and measure her skirt hemline using the slide ruler.

Sewing Classes Geelong

Willow measures and pins the elastic casing onto her lovely purple top.

Sewing Classes Geelong

From left: Eden, Kate and Emma practice how to wind bobbins and thread a sewing machine.

Sewing Classes Geelong

Emy is learning the finer skills of pressing garments during construction; an essential part of dressmaking.

Sewing Classes Geelong

Believe it or not – we turned this top into a lovely maternity blouse for Emma!

Sewing Classes Geelong

Here Eden is pictured on the second day of Maree’s Beginner Sewing Clinic with her completed top matched with a waistcoat and jeans! Eden just couldn’t wait to wear her new top! Great wardrobe planning!

Happy Sewing,

Maree Pigdon Sewing Classes

Maree’s New Beginner Sewing Clinic ~ Geelong!

Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Would you like to learn how to Sew? ???Are you a new beginner sewer and looking to learn the skills of dressmaking????
My Beginner January 2010 Sewing Clinic is filling up quickly but there are still a few spots available!

If you would like you to take your first and easy step to learn core technical skills of sewing and dressmaking???
For 2 days in January you can attend my new beginner sewing clinic and learn:
  • Basic Sewing & Seam Finishing
  • Sewing Machine Technical Skills
  • Button Holes
  • Invisible Zips
  • Introduction to Patterns including how to measure and fit to your size
  • Introduction to fabric selection and fabric types
  • Make your very own summer skirt & top!
Bonus Included: Basic Beginner Sewing Kit, Pattern, Thread, Vilene, Zip & Bobbin.
I am running TWO groups on the following dates:
Group 1: Monday 18th January & Tuesday 19th January 2010
Group 2: Wednesday 20th January & Thursday 21st January 2010
Duration: x2 full days from 9am until 4pm
Includes: Basic Beginner Sewing Kit, Morning & Afternoon Tea, x2 Teachers with a maximum of 8 students per group, sewing machines provided and excellent sewing facilities.
Location: Rosewood Cottage Sewing Studio ??? 23 Kalkarra Crescent Mount Duneed Vic 3216
If you would like to book into my Beginner Sewing Clinic please don???t delay as places are limited
CALL NOW: 03 5264 1666
Happy Sewing,
Maree

Edging Tape & Stay Tape

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Maree Pigdon

Today in Tips and Tricks I would like to talk about two different fusible tapes that I suggest should be part of everyone???s basic sewing kit.

Edging Tape (pictured above) is a straight grain fusible stabilizing tape which is best used on wovens and on straight edges. Use it on jackets and coats with lapels to prevent the bias area from stretching and encourage the lapel to begin its roll. Or cardigan-style jackets and vests to prevents the bias area from stretching. It can also be used to prevent stretching of V-necklines, slant pockets, patch pockets and shoulder seams.

The tape comes in black and white, is 22mm wide and is on special for $2.00 for a 5 metre length.

Maree Pigdon

Stay Tape (pictured above) is a bias fusible stabilizing tape with a narrow tape stitched into it. It is best used for knit fabrics as well as woven fabrics. Use it for curved neckline & hem edges, arm-hole control, knit shoulder stay, to control fraying fabric and for stretch control.

This tape also comes in black and white, is 9mm wide and is on special for $5.50 for a 5metre bundle.

Both tapes are fused to the fabric using your steam iron.

SEWING QUOTE: ???There are no sewing mistakes – only opportunities for design features.???

Until next time???

Happy Sewing,

Maree Pigdon Sewing Classes

For more Information
Maree Pigdon
T: +61 (0) 3 5264 1666
E: [email protected]