Tutor: Mel Forrest

Level - Beginner - 6 places

Wed 5 June 10.30-4.30pm

This full-day workshop is a great skill-builder for beginner dressmakers. The Frida dress is one of our best selling patterns, designed by Two Stitches here in the UK. This lovely swing dress has a lined bodice and pleated front detail. It can be sewn in sizes from 6 months to 9 years. So it’s sure to become a favourite pattern that can be used again and again over the years for maximum value. This workshop is ideal for students who know how to use a sewing machine.

Mel is an experienced dressmaker and runs her own sewing company Mint Button. She will show you how to use a dressmaking pattern and will guide you through simple garment construction. Techniques covered include pattern lay plans and grain lines, understanding and marking pattern notations, choosing the right size and cutting out, stitching seams and bodice facings, hemming and finishing a neckline.

By the end of the day you’ll have made a simple sleeveless A-line dress - that can be worn with or without a T-shirt or jumper throughout the year. Hometown’s cotton fabrics are suitable for this project - choose a pretty quiltmaking cotton, gingham or border print for a perfect spring/summer dress or make up in a babycord or lightweight denim for colder months with a long sleeve T-shirt. Plus, the contrast facing is a chance to use another favourite fabric. The pattern also includes a shorter version for a swing top.

SIZES: multisize 6-12 months up to 9 years

Materials and equipment required:

• 112cm / 44-in wide light/medium weight cotton, baby cord, light denim - 60cm to 1.5m depending on age of child (refer to pattern or ask us for advice)

• or 150cm / 60-in wide fabrics as above - 60cm to 90cm depending on age of child (refer to pattern)

• 30cm contrast fabric (either width) medium weight cotton for facing for all sizes

• 100m cotton / sew-all thread to match your fabric

• 1 x 15mm button

• H750 Tracing paper if you wish to make a copy of the pattern so you can remake in larger sizes

• Sewing Machine, including straight sewing foot, spare bobbins. Don’t forget your lead and foot pedal. (If you want to travel light, you can book one of our class sewing machines). Simply add to your basket when booking

• Basic sewing kit, including fabric scissors/rotary cutter (as you prefer), fabric marking pen/pencil or tailors’ chalk, pins and stitch ripper. Fabric weights and thread snips (if you use them)

• Large paper scissors

We recommend that all dressmaking fabrics are pre-washed prior to the class. If you need additional haberdashery supplies, you’re able to purchase these during the day.

This class is suitable for beginner dressmakers who are competent at using their sewing machine. The workshop fee includes your own copy of the Two Stitches paper pattern, worth £15.95, so you can make more at home. Please note that we will be using the standard sizes on the pattern and will not be covering pattern adjustments during the day. Machine sewn.

Refreshments are provided during the day with a break for lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are many cafes, tearooms and delis in the high street. Please note we do not send out reminder emails to students before the class as all the information you need is here! For location and car park info, please check our Contacts page.