Tutor: Mel Forrest

Saturday 25 May

Level - Beginner - 5 places

10.30am-4.30pm with a break for lunch

If you know how to use a sewing machine, this full-day workshop is a great introduction to dressmaking. Pyjamas aren’t just for sleeping in! These are a simple pair of PJ bottoms with an elasticated waist and tie detail. Sew them in a pretty floral lawn and they’re good enough for day wear! Mel shows you how to use a dressmaking pattern and guides 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 hemming / finishing details.

By the end of the day you’ll have made some simple, oh-so-comfortable PJs. For summer why not sew in a lovely floral lawn or novelty print cotton, or for a cosy winter option you could choose a brushed cotton.

The workshop fee includes your own copy of the Simplicity paper pattern, so you can make more at home. The pattern covers men’s, women’s and children’s sizes. Please note that we’ll be using the standard sizes on the pattern (the teen/adult sizes cover a size range from 31-49-in hip measurement (79-124cm). We will not be covering pattern adjustments during the day. Machine sewn.

Recommended Fabrics:

Woven lightweight cottons, lawns, chambray, gingham and brushed cotton are all suitable and we stock these at Hometown (we have approximately 1800 fabrics available)..

Materials and equipment required:

• 2.4m of 112cm / 150cm wide fabric for hip sizes up to 41in (2.5m for hips up to 43-45in) and 2.6m for hip size up to 49in.

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

• 1.2m of 25mm wide elastic

• 1m of 15mm ribbon or twill tape

• Sewing Machine, straight sewing foot, spare bobbins, lead and foot pedal

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

• Large paper scissors

• Bodkin

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

Refreshments are provided during the day. We will break for lunch. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are a wide variety of cafes, tearooms, delis and restaurants in the high street to choose from.

For more of Mel’s me-made makes, look at her instagram feed.

Please note we do not send out reminders before a workshop as all the information you need is here! Any questions, please phone us on 01634 838880 before booking. Parking info is available on our Visit Us page.