Make Do & Mend Sewing Workshops

Craftivist workshop flyer

Sewing Workshops

Through the Easter holidays, we’ll be holding drop-in sewing workshops at The Settlement on Cardiff Road in Bargoed between the 14th and the 18th of April 10am till 4pm.

Make Do and Mend Alteration drop in

“Make Do and Mend”

Make do and mend was part of the WWII ethos, between rationing and lack of production everyone just had to make do. Trying to get the most out of everything they had. Patching trousers, darning socks, re-knitting old jumpers into something new, anything to make clothes last as long as possible!

Today, we can reinvent the Make Do and Mend mentality to suit our modern needs. Especially now, with cuts, price rises and austerity, make do and mend is making a comeback in a big way! Upcycling is the new fashionable way of making do, using really creative innovative techniques to revive old items!

For this drop in session, you are welcome to bring along any old item of clothing and learn the basics of altering and reviving old clothes. If you need to take in, let out, take up, patch repair or customise. The world is your oyster! Don’t worry if you think your sewing skills aren’t up to much, learn some basic skills while you’re here.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out my pinterest page on upcycling old tshirts here, for easy ideas!

Craftivism Workshop

What is Craftivism?!

CRAFT + ACTIVISM = CRAFTIVISM

“Craftivism is a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite. “

– Betsy Greer

Basically Craftivism is a way of raising awareness for a cause you feel strongly about, whether it be littering, cuts, social justice, or feminism – anything you care about.

For this workshop, I’m inviting the community of Bargoed and the Rhymney Valley to have a say on what you feel passionately about, whilst learning a new skill and having some fun! At the end of the Easter Holidays there will be an exhibition of some of the pieces of work we’ve made at The Settlement to show off the incredible work I’m sure will be produced and hopefully raise some money for charity.

If you would like to take part in the Craftivist workshop, some materials will be supplied, but if you would like to be more creative please bring along anything you wish to customise your piece.

For further inspiration on Craftivism, please have a look at my Pinterest page here. I also highly recommend having a look at the Craftivist Collective website here for more information.

More Info

Hopefully, there is something for everyone here! All ages and abilities are welcome to attend, and as its a drop in session you can stay for 5 minutes or 5 hours, its up to you.

There will be sewing machines available to use, although only a limited number so availability will be on a first come first serve basis. You can also bring along your own machine to use. There will also be a limited supply of haberdashery so if you require anything specific for your project please bring what you need, thread, pins etc…

To take part the cost will be £4 per person, £2.50 for children (under 16).  Refreshments will also be available, tea, coffee, cake etc…

If you’re interested please let me know, email katiecelf@gmail.com

The Settlement, 35 Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NZ (Near JJ’s Convenience Store)

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Summer School Dates!

New summer school dates at Calon Yarns!

Come along and learn to sew! Check out my Events and work shops page and of course the Calon Yarns website for more info and how to book!

Sewing Surgery……help is at hand!

Saturday 27th July 2013 10:30 – 4:30pm

Are you in the middle of a sewing project and need some help?……

Would you like to start a sewing project but would like someone to guide you through the initial stages?…….

Maybe you have a garment you would like to alter/change/mend and are not quite sure where to start?……

This Sewing Surgery workshop will get you started or get you back on track…..whatever you need! Kate will guide you through your project, teach you new techniques and methods and soon that sewing project you’ve always wanted to get on with will be taking shape and your sewing confidence will grow!!

So why not spend the day making friends with your machine and unleashing your creativity!……numbers will be strictly limited so book soon!

Cost £48 (includes lunch and refreshments) If you would like advice about a project that you would like to undertake then please drop us a line on info@calonyarns.co.uk

Introduction to Machine Sewing Summer School

Saturday 3rd and Saturday 10th August 10:30 – 4:30pm 2013

Did you catch the Sewing Bee bug?……would you like to create beautiful homewares and simple clothes?

Why not come along to our Summer Sewing School and learn all your basics, get to grips with your machine and create a personal project!

If you would like some help in exploring your machine and mastering some of the basics of machine sewing then why not come along and join us for two days creativity!

We will learn the basics of how to thread the machine, wind bobbins, use all the dials and stitches and alter tension and stitch length. We will then look at simple seams, gathers and pleats and also introduce you to zips and buttonholes!

During the course you will put all your new found techinques into practise by designing and making a cushion cover, bag or other personal project with a zip or button fastening……what will you choose?

Cost £95 (includes all materials for practise, but not for your personal project, a light lunch on each day and refreshments)

We also run 6 week sewing courses, check out our ADULT CLASSES page.

Follow a Commercial Pattern – Machine Sewing

Runs over two weekends – Saturday 7th Sept and Saturday 14th Sept 10:30-4:30 2013

If you can use a sewing machine but would love to expand your skills and are keen to follow a commercial pattern, then this is the perfect mini course for you!

Bring along a pattern that you are keen to have a go at or we can help you with some pattern choices and over the two Saturdays you will learn how to cut your pattern to the size you require, how to adapt and adjust it to fit your size and shape, how to decipher all those confusing instructions and how to create a wonderful, bespoke and unique item of clothing…..your seamstress journey has just begun!

The first Saturday will be taken up with cutting our your pattern and fabric and starting simple sewing/piecing techniques. You will be required to complete some ‘homework’ between the two sessions. The second Saturday will be completeing your chosen project.

So why not get in touch and we’ll help you choose a pattern that can be completed in these two sessions!

Cost – £95 (patterns and materials are not provided. Refreshments and lunch is included)

 

Successful Start to the new term!

So the 1st week of the new block of sewing classes has got off to a great start at Calon Yarns; with Mother and Daughter Day on Saturday, Introduction to Machine Sewing yesterday and Following a Pattern Class this evening. All very exciting!

If you’d like to get in on the action we are running a few day courses through the summer, dates are yet to be confirmed so you should definitely subscribe to the Calon Yarns Newsletter here.

The next Saturday course we are running is Alteration Station!
Saturday 15th June 2013 10:30 – 4:30pm

Would you like to be able to do some simple alterations such as changing a zip, taking in a waistband, altering the length of a skirt or trousers? Maybe you are tired of ‘wonder webbing’ everything together? Or maybe you’d like to get involved in the ‘make-do-and-mend’ trend that is all around us!

Stop throwing away clothes because they need a little mending, learn to make simple repairs and alterations and you’ll save yourself a fortune! You’ll also be able to buy in vintage shops knowing that you can alter clothes slightly for a perfect fit!

Come and join us …..you know it makes sense….

Cost £48 (includes lunch and refreshments and basic materials. You are encouraged to bring along an item of clothing that needs mending/altering so that you can put your new skills into practise straight away!)

And for anymore info check out the Calon Yarns website

Or pop into the Shop!
Calon Yarns
380 Cowbridge Rd East,
Canton,
Cardiff,
CF5 1JJ

Intro to Sewing Workshop tomorrow!!!

All ready for the Fab intro to sewing workshop calon yarns tomorrow!!! Exciting! Should be lots of fun 🙂

More classes and workshops at Calon Yarns being added all the time. So keep an eye out on my

Events / Workshops.

page and on the Calon Yarns Website!

Xxx

New Introduction to Machine Sewing Day Course Added!

Introduction to Machine Sewing

Saturday 23rd February 10:30 – 4:30pm 2013

Do you have a sewing machine?……would you like to get it out of the box? 🙂

If you would like some help in exploring your machine and mastering some of the basics of machine sewing then why not come along and join us for a day of fun and creativity!

We will learn the basics of how to thread the machine, wind bobbins, use all the dials and stitches and alter tension and stitch length. We will then look at simple seams, gathers and pleats and also introduce you to zips and buttonholes!

During the course of the day you will practise all your techniques by making a simple cushion cover with a zip or button fastening.

So why not come along and get to grips with your machine!……what will you make next??

Cost £60.00 (includes all materials for practise and cushion cover fabric, cushion pad, a light lunch and refreshments)

Book at www.calonyarns.co.uk

And for more info go to my Events and Workshops page.