LEARN HOW TO MACHINE STITCH A TEXTILE LANDSCAPE PICTURE with Julie Cole, Dropped Stitch Artists – Saturday 9.45

This workshop is designed for anyone wishing to experiment with machine embroidery. Using painted Bondaweb, Tyvek, organza, lace sheers and handmade cords you will create a 15 x 15cm textile seascape picture.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. No previous machine embroidery necessary, although some prior knowledge of using a sewing machine is required for this workshop.

Meet the Tutor

Julie Cole

Julie Cole is a member of the textile group Dropped Stitch Artists, and is a textile and mixed media artist living in South Lincolnshire. Being a visual type of person she finds herself very much drawn towards creating texture through mixed media art.

She loves mark-making, mono-printing and making her own creative fabrics to work with through dyeing eco-dyeing and printing. Julie’s inspiration for her work comes from embracing the countryside

My Handmade Wardrobe

My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns enables you to create a wardrobe full of clothes that you’ll love to make and wear every day! Sew your style, your way! We also design Pincurls Patterns, vintage inspired dressmaking patterns designed for modern women.

The Doctor has landed!

We have ‘Time Lord’ energy welcoming you to Sewing for Pleasure this year with a Doctor Who Exhibit of replica costumes all created by Mark Francis, a contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee and Sewing Street regular.

Mark has been a life long fan of the BBC series and when he began sewing he knew straight away that he wanted to one day make his own replica costumes. The series has influenced Marks creativity and style ever since he first saw it as a small boy in 1980. Eagle eyes who saw Mark on the GBSB, may even have noticed similar pieces worn by him on the programme.

Doctor Who is the world’s longest running Science Fiction television programme and is now celebrating its 60th anniversary. Which costumes do you recognise and which are your favourites? ‘

The Proud Lounge

The Proud Lounge at Sewing for Pleasure is a welcoming and inclusive space for all individuals within the sewing and crafting community, regardless of how they identify. It is a place where everyone, irrespective of their gender, race, sexuality, or disability, can feel embraced and valued. In The Proud Lounge, you can come and hang out, watch exciting demonstrations, and participate in the fun. It is a space that celebrates diversity and aims to create a sense of belonging for everyone. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, The Proud Lounge is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals and be a part of a supportive community.

EASTER BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP with Anna Weatherley-Hastings, The India Block Print Co. – 11.15

During this 90-minute workshop you will explore Easter and spring designs from The Indian Block Print Co. Using their hand carved printing blocks to block print some Easter cards and tags, plus a fun Easter tea towel.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children over the age of 12 with parental supervision.

Meet the Tutor

Anna Weatherley-Hastings

Anna has been part of The Indian Block Print Co. from the beginning. With over 10 years experience running block printing workshops she will share her in depth knowledge and tips with all things Block Printing.

Zips In Three Ways With Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge- Sunday 13.45

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Join Mercedes and learn the tips and techniques for three different methods of zip insertion. Starting with the centred zip you will then move on to the lapped zip and then finish with the invisible zip. All three methods will be useful additions to your garment and home-ware sewing.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. Experience using a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge

Mercedes was a contestant on series 5 of the Great British Sewing Bee (2019). She lives just outside Brighton with her husband Graham and their two cats, Maggie and Erica. Having worked in IT for over 20 years and serving as a reservist for 13, Mercedes has a passion for all things technical and wants to know the ins and outs and whys of everything. Mercedes enjoys utilising fabrics from all sources in her sewing projects while using traditional and developing new techniques.

Zips In Three Ways With Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge- Saturday 11.35

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. Experience using a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge

Zips In Three Ways With Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge- Friday 15.15

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Advisory Note:

Suitable for over 16’s only. Experience using a sewing machine would be useful.

Meet the Tutor

Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge

Sewing for self-care: Sew an Eye Mask and Reusable Skincare Pads – Saturday 13.30

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Sew a mini self-care kit for yourself or to gift to someone else. In this class, Lauren will guide you into make a silk lined, padded, wrap around eye mask along with sustainable reusable makeup/ skincare wipes.

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, over 16’s years.

Meet the Tutor

Lauren Tedstone

Lauren Tedstone, quarterfinalist of series 9 of BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee (2023). Her machine, given to her many years before by her grandmother was finally put to use in late 2019 when Lauren taught herself to sew. Starting with small projects for her children, Lauren then went on to garment sewing and is on a journey to curate and create a complete handmade wardrobe. A big lover of fashion trends, she loves creating key timeless classics that have professional finishes and longevity. Lauren is also a family orientated person, often sewing for her children and family.