Spring 2025, Sewing for beginners.

Tuesday: Sewing for beginners
Time: 6.00pm-7.15pm (Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up your equipment)
Start: 07.01.25
Duration: 8 weeks (no class on the 18.02.25)
Fee: 110 euro (It is CDETB policy that refunds are only issued if a course does not form. Before booking, please see our terms and conditions page).
Notes: You will need to bring your own sewing machine. Please only book a space if you can bring your own machine. There are no storage facilities in the college. A list of basic equipment will be sent to you when you have booked. All courses are subject to a minimum number in order to proceed. In the event that a course is oversubscribed, places will be offered on a first-booked, first-served basis and a waiting list will then be created. You will be contacted in this event.

Description:

 

This class will give students the knowledge to confidently use a sewing machine to make well-finished tote bags, cushion covers, and simple garments.

Week 1 – Get to know your sewing machine: how to fill a bobbin, thread your machine, and sewing straight seams.

Week 2 – Sewing curved seams and how to use a seam ripper.

Week 3 – Sewing zips.

Project 1: Zipper pouch

*Zipper foot required: most machines come with this attachment, I will have a spare in class should it be needed.

Week 4 – Bias binding and sewing buttons.

Project 2: Tablet/iPad/Kindle pouch

*Buttonhole foot required: most machines come with this attachment, I will have a spare in class should it be needed.

Week 5 – the class will continue to sew project 2. Notes will be provided for week 5 and these notes will include patterns that students will choose from for their final projects. The topics covered in class will be: how to choose a pattern and understanding clothing.

Week 6, 7, & 8 – Final project, students will choose one of the following projects:

*Tote bag *Cushion Cover **Machine Caddy **Apron (With or without frills) ***Skirt (Gathered, circle or A-line)

• Fabric scissors.
• Thread.
• ½ metre of fabric for projects 1 and two (Fat quarters or recycled fabric will work for these projects).
• Fabric for final project will be required, this will be determined based on the pattern selected by the student.

 

About your tutor: Shauna Maher (B.A.) Communications and Creative multimedia, (QQI L6) Costume design

Shauna has a deep background in sewing, pattern drafting, needlework, and costume design. Her ethos is to be aware of the impact of textile manufacturing on the environment. She believes in re-purposing second-hand clothes, deadstock fabric, and using all available sources to minimise waste.