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At all of our events we come fully equipped with fantastic things to use to create your perfect piece of work, from a simple cushion or apron to a fully tailored skirt.
Domestic Sewing Machines.
We have 10 domestic sewing machines from the simplistic early Bernina’s to the more complex and facy new Janome’s and those inbetween. We also have a couple of semi industrial machines that have a stronger threshold, and are still cool for zips and delicates as well as heavy denims etc.
Domestic Overlocker + Rolled Hemmer
For the most professional finish, we use overlockers and Rolled Hemming machines. These exciting machines use 3-4 threads to edge fabric before sewing seams together.
The use of this is briefly touched on in stage 3 of the Absolute Bginners Class.
You can also sew seams together with it, whilst cutting them and securing the edge so the fabric doesn’t fray producing a professional finish to your seams.
I should think if you all look inside your garments there will be an overlocked edge.
Industrial Overlocker + Rolled Hemmimg machine
Fabulous hard working overlocker, this machine is for the more advanced sewer, and produces the same finish as above.
Heavy Duty Steamer
We have a fantastic heavy duty steamer that will steam out all the creases and give a nice professional finish to your piece. We also have a few domestic irons if you would prefer. Ironing boards and Sleeve ironing boards are used alongside these.
Scissors- for paper and for fabric
- One of THE most important things to remember and scream at people about is there are separate scissors for fabric and for paper. Fabric scissors must NEVER be used for paper.
Thread clippers
-Little scissors sometimes attached to the machines for clipping threads.
Pinking shears
-Sadly these babies are not just for a pretty zigzag edge finish, they are also a useful tool. They are used for finishing seams and raw edges, they are supposed to do a similar job to an over locker, if you don’t have an overlocker they are a cheap (not quite as effective) alternative.
Chalk
- This is used for drawing round a paper pattern and transferring all the information on to the fabric. The chalk is easily brushed off leaving no trace.
Fabric pen
-Exactly the same use as the chalk except these babies have disappearing ink in them- for all those sewing spies out there!
Metal/ wooden ruler and Pattern masters
-For measuring straight lines, metre rulers for a straight edge finish. The Pattern Master is a fantastic tool for drawing curves and seam allowances.
Stitch unpick/ Stitch rippers etc
- This little useful tool is for undoing stitches, whether for inserting a placket or for undoing annoying mistakes. Rippers are also used for opening up buttonholes. They come in two sizes the smaller one is a general tool for us lazy ladies, but officially difference is the smaller one should only be used for undoing stitches and the larger one for undoing seams and button holes.
- The ball acts as a guide through the fabric and the hook and sharp bit cuts through the stitches and the fabric if needed.
Set Square
-Used for measuring again but also for finding and marking the bias. (The bias- a slanting direction across the grain of the fabric.)
Cutting table
(x3) - Where we cut fabric and paper patterns.
Pattern paper
-We use dot and cross paper at the studio, but you can get graph paper too. Pattern paper is for drawing up and working out your pattern in the pattern cutting process.
Pattern card
-Once you are pleased that your pattern is perrrfect and works like a dream it is time to transfer the pattern onto card. The reason for this is that card is less easily damaged or ripped.
Tape measure
-Flexible plasticized fabric marked with cm’s and inches usually found round Beth or Libby’s necks, also used as cool ties!
Dressmaker’s pins
- Silver, spikey and pinney! These ones have a flat head and are used to hold the fabric together as you sew.
Different dressmakers mannequins
- We have a variety here, men, women and adjustable ones. It is also possible to get legs, arms and heads!
Rouleau or Loop turners
-These are lovely tools that help if you’ve sewn a tube of fabric that needs to be turned right side out, you attach one end of the fabric to one of the ends of the turner and push it through. |
Classes
