Sewing for self-care: Sew an Eye Mask and Reusable Skincare Pads – Thursday 15.15

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.

Tumbling Block Y Seam Class with Clive Bruder- Thursday 13.35

60-minute workshop – cost £17.00

[Max 10 people]

This class is a wonderful opportunity for beginners and experienced sewers alike to enhance their skills and create beautiful projects. Y seams are a unique sewing technique used to connect three or more fabric pieces together at angles that cannot be sewn using regular straight seams. In this class, you will learn all the essential techniques and tips to successfully sew Y seams, including marking and cutting fabric, sewing accurate seams, and achieving smooth and professional finish.

Clive will ensure that you gain confidence and mastery in sewing Y seams. Whether you are interested in quilting, garment construction, or any other sewing project, this class will equip you with the skills to tackle complex designs and create stunning creations. Join this sewing class and unlock a whole new world of sewing possibilities with Y seams!

Advisory Note:

Suitable for beginners, 16 years plus.

Meet the Tutor

Clive Bruder

Clive started sewing when he was around 10 years old. With the help of his Mum he made some curtains for their home on an old hand cranked Singer sewing machine that was gifted to them by a relative. Ever since Clive has been hooked on sewing.

He went on to college to study textile design, followed by The University College for the Creative Arts in Epsom, to achieve a Fashion BA Honours Degree.

Over the past few years with the support of family and friends Clive was encouraged to start his own business Bruderful Design. Unfortunately like many, his business was badly impacted by COVID, but despite the pandemic he’s been extremely lucky with new exciting opportunities. This included a regular guest slot on Sewing Street TV, the launch of @WeSewToo and along with his husband Mark he has attended many sewing shows and together with Mark’s successful brand, they have released lots of sewing patterns too.

Clive says, “Nothing makes me happier than being at my sewing machine and being creative.”

Fabulous Cuff Plackets with Mark Francis- Thursday 9.45am

90-minute workshop – cost £24.00

[Max 10 people]

Join Mark Francis from the Great British Sewing Bee for everything you will need to know to sew the perfect cuff plackets. In this session you will cover traditional, bias bound and inseam cuff plackets. Everything is provided, but please do bring a basic sewing kit if possible. Full instructions are there for you to take home and you will be working in Calico cotton for your samples.

Advisory Note:

Not suitable to children under 16 years. Experience with using a sewing machine preferable.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Francis

Mark’s practical sewing experiences began quite late in life, but his relationship with sewing began when he was a small child. However, needlework was not something that little boys were encouraged to do in the 1980’s.

Many years passed until he found the confidence to finally learn to use a sewing machine, and he discovered his passion for making clothes and costumes. Then, a few years ago, Mark’s husband entered him for series 6 of the Great British Sewing (2020) and life hasn’t been the same since!

Mark now works across the sewing industry, teaching, presenting talks and developing his growing range of sewing patterns.

Make & Take: Create a Landscape picture with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 11:30am

Duration: Between 1 hour- 1.5 hours

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Using a ring frame, which will act as the picture frame upon completion, we will help you use fabric strips to produce a stunning landscape to hang on your wall.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 11:30- 12:30

Friday 9:30- 11:00

Saturday 11:30- 12:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Create a Card or Notebook cover with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 3:00pm

Duration: Between 1 hour- 1.5 hours

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

We will provide materials for you to make a unique card or notebook cover using simple stitches, adding beads and buttons.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 3:00- 4:00

Saturday 3:00- 4:00

Sunday 1:00- 2:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Create a flower picture with Embroiderers Guild – Thursday 9:30am

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Using a small ring frame which will act as the picture frame upon completion, we will show you how to layer sheer fabrics and stitch through them to great effect for a stunning picture for your wall.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 9:30- 11:00

Friday 9:30- 11:00

Saturday 11:30- 12:30

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

Make & Take: Make a needlecase using simple shapes & stitches with Embroiderers Guild– Thursday 1:00pm

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: £10

Information about this workshop:

Make and decorate a felt needlecase to take away to use for your sewing projects. You will have a choice of pattern and colours to use.

Make and Take session times:

Thursday 1:00- 2:30

Friday 3:00- 4:00

Saturday 1:00- 2:30

Sunday 3:00-4:00

all ability levels, incl beginners

You can book & pay for these sessions at our stand H17 but we have limited spaces!

VIP: Cartonnage Sewing Wallet With Mark Vardy From Pinflair/ Silvar Design- Thursday 10:00, 11.00, 12.00

Discover the basics of cartonnage and make this useful travel sewing-wallet. Mark from Pinflair/Silvar Design will guide you through this simple no-sew process. A basic sewing kit will be included for your make. Scissors will be available to, optionally, purchase separately.

Advisory note:

No experience is necessary. Over 16’s only.

NOTE: Workshop places are on a first-come-first served basis.

Meet the Tutor

Mark Vardy

Mark Vardy has a passion for jewellery making. He has a level 3 NCFE certificate in craft and is a qualified adult education teacher. Mark founded Silvar Design in 2004, teaching a vast array of techniques, and he covers everything from costume jewellery design, macramé and kumihimo braiding through to stringing techniques, enamelling on copper and silver jewellery. More recently Silvar Design has partnered with Pinflair Creative Crafts.

VIP: Papercut Tulips With Abie Arnold, Hive Of Craftivity- Thursday 13:00, 14.00, 15.00

Abie from Hive of Craftivity will teach you how to make beautiful flower themed papercut decorations. You will explore papercutting in a total new and exciting way using the revolutionary Gyro-Cut® Pro tool.

Abie says, “Really great results and beautiful designs can be achieved with the Gyro-Cut®, and I’ll share all my hints and tips with you too!”

Advisory note:

This workshop is suitable for adults and sensible children over 16 years, but they must be accompanied by an adult who takes responsibility at all times.

NOTE: Workshop places are on a first-come-first served basis.

Meet the Tutor

Abie Arnold

Abie is the owner of Hive of Craftivity. After 20 years successfully teaching in Primary Schools, Abie’s business now allows her to follow her lifelong passion of crafting. Abie simply adores crafting and wants to help others discover this love too. Crafting is good for you, on so many levels!

Abie teaches a range of sociable craft workshops, Masterclasses, family craft sessions, events and parties across the West Midlands. Her promise is that once you try one of her workshops, you’ll be equipped with all the skills to practice and experiment at home.

MOSAIC BLUE BIRD with Anne Tyson – 15.15

Join Anne Tyson from Flowerpot Mosaics for a fun introduction to the world of mosaics and create a pretty mosaic bird. You will be using a mixture of glass and ceramic tiles which have all been pre-cut for you.

This workshop is a chance to relax and create something lovely to take home whilst learning about the wonderful art of mosaics.

Advisory Note:

This workshop is suitable for children over the age of 10 when accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Tutor

Anne Tyson

Anne Tyson based in the West Midlands, Anne has been creating and teaching mosaics for 14 years. She is passionate about the mosaic art form and specialises in creating outdoor mosaics to brighten up our outdoor spaces. Anne’s aim is to spread her passion for mosaics and shatter the misconception that it is a difficult craft