103 Courses

Bring your poorly sewing machine for some TLC. In this session as part of London Repair week, I will show you how to look after your machine, common issues and how to fix them, and guaranteed you'll go home with a better understanding of how to keep your machine purring. I will talk for an hour and then there's a Q&A/ fixing session for an hour and you'll get to home with a fact sheet and some excellent quality needles (these fix 99% of all issues!). If your machine needs more fixing than can be provided during this session you can leave her, and I will fix her for the discounted rate of £30, effectively taking your ticket price off the repair cost.

A dressmaking day at Stitching Kitchen learn to fit a bodice and adjust a bodice block with Emma Smith

private sewing classes in Walthamstow or at yours/ your work/ school etc

This qualification is designed for learners aged pre-16 and above who wish to develop skills and knowledge in textile craft. This course has been designed to be as affordable for families as possible but does rely on the use of a sewing machine. Please note, this is not a GCSE but is a GCSE Level course which is why it is designed to span 2 years, although we offer complete flexibility on the timeframe that learners can complete within. This qualification is a Level 2 Qualification and is Ofqual approved carrying 15 credits. Other examples of Level 2 qualifications are BTEC Level 2 and the Silver Arts Award. Feedback from our past learners shows that this qualiifcation is widely regarded as level to a grade A*-C/4-9 at GCSE standard when applying for college or work placements. Please also note, that whether this course is recognised as a GCSE equivalent by colleges and further education establishments, can vary according to location, college and even between courses at the same college. If reliant on this qualification for entry onto another course, it is recommended that you establish with the college whether or not this will aid admission, before committing to the course. Click here to download the Level 2 Textiles Information Pack.pdf Our Open day event gives a little more insight into how the course works and the content covered: We don't impose any minimum or maximum ages on our learners as we recognise that every learner is an individual and is on their own unique learning journey. We believe, that their adult facilitator is the best person to judge whether a learner is ready for a particular course, but to enable you to make this decision we provide a workbook, free for you to try. Simpy email technologytriumphs@outlook.com to request a free sample session. We are also happy to advise you with this decision so do reach out to us if you would like our guidance on this. As part of your Induction pack, your learner will receive a free apron to use within their course, but aside from this we have designed the courses to utilise as affordable as possible. The following is not an exhaustive list, but does highlight the main costs associated with the course. For further information or to ask any questions please feel free to reach out to us, in the assurance that you are speaking to another fellow home edder.Support can be found in our dedicated Facebook group where you will also have access to a free sample session within the file sectionLevel 2 Textiles Group *** PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BOOK *** UNIT SUMMARIES 601/3232/2/TEX Credit Value: 15 Total Qualification Time: 150 hours   1 Be able to use materials, tools and equipment to develop craft techniques  1.1 Assess the properties of available materials for craft item(s) including the visual and tactile qualities  1.2 Select materials, tools, equipment and techniques to support craft ideas and give reasons for choices  1.3 Use appropriate tools and equipment for selected techniques  1.4 Develop craft techniques, making effective use of materials, tools and equipment  1.5 Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring safe use of materials, tools and equipment   1 Understand the market within a chosen craft area  1.1 Explore enterprises within a chosen craft area  1.2 Explain what makes them successful  1.3 Describe the market(s) for chosen craft area  1.4 Identify opportunities in chosen market(s)  1.5 Explain the importance of listening to stakeholders when developing ideas  1.6 Explain the importance of balancing risk against the potential reward of creative ideas  1.7 Identify appropriate financial tools to support creative enterprising ideas  1.8 Identify ways to market a creative product   2 Understand employment opportunities within a chosen craft area  The learner can:  2.1 Explore employment opportunities within a chosen craft area  2.2 Describe the characteristics of an enterprising individual in a chosen craft area  2.3 Identify own strengths and areas for development within a chosen craft area  2.4 Produce an action plan for personal development/career aspirations    1 Be able to develop craft ideas  The learner can:  1.1 Use a range of different sources to develop craft ideas  1.2 Develop visual language to communicate craft ideas  1.3 Use feedback and evaluation of own work to develop craft ideas  1.4 Adapt craft ideas in response to feedback and evaluation of own work  1.5 Select preferred craft idea giving reasons for  1.6 Maintain a safe working environment   1 Be able to create and present final craft item(s)  The learner can:  1.1 Use chosen idea to create a production plan 1.2 Use selected tools, materials, equipment and techniques to produce final craft work  1.3 Display craft work in an appropriate way/setting  1.4 Maintain a safe working environment    2 Know how to evaluate the creative and craft making processes  The learner can:  2.1 Evaluate the creative process  2.2 Review final craft item to identify opportunities for improvement or further development

If you want to bag-make with genuine leather but are nervous of trying it, this weekend is ideal for you. It will give you the confidence to make your own leather bags at home and you’ll make some fab friends along the way! VERY IMPORTANT! Before booking, please check that your machine can cope with sewing at least 6 layers of faux leather or vinyl. Flat sewing is fine – if the machine can do that, we can manage lumps and bumps! **This retreat is a little different from many others in that making a bag isn’t the point of the weekend, although you will indeed make one. The focus is on learning new transferable techniques and skills that you will be able to use on so many bags you make in the future. We have our own ‘Retreat Suite’ of rooms, including a spacious, light and airy sewing room which is equipped with a display screen so everyone can easily see demonstrations from a working viewpoint. We also have our own bathroom and kitchen facilities. If you wish, you are free to continue work after dinner and until as late (or early!) as you like. You will need to bring your own sewing machine, fabric scissors and any other favourite sewing tools, but everything else is provided. We’ll have a good selection of fabrics, vinyls and leather for you to browse and purchase if you wish, at retreat-only prices.  Come and join us in the exclusive Facebook group Bag Makers Retreat at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bagmakersretreat/ for all the latest retreat info, chat, gossip and more, plus a chance to meet other like-minded folks.  If you have dietary requirements, please tell me before you book, so I can be sure we can meet your needs. All meal main courses are included in the retreat fee, as are Saturday and Sunday lunches and breakfasts. Starters, desserts and drinks with meals are not included but the meals are so huge you probably won’t want starters and desserts anyway!! Tea and coffee is available whenever you need, but you do have to make it yourself!  If you’d like to stay an extra night or two, maybe to arrive on Thursday or leave on Monday if you have a long drive, let me know and I’ll check availability with our host. If you’d prefer to travel by train, we are happy to ferry you to and from the station, just ask. Please aim to arrive no later than 2pm as we have a lot of pattern cutting and fabric choosing to get through on Friday! Friday The fun starts here as you arrive at your weekend home-from-home – a beautifully refurbished, 4-star 18th century coaching inn with all the comforts you would expect. You’ll have time to settle into your own delightfully comfortable en-suite room which has all the anticipated little luxuries, before an introductory get-together with me and your companions in the sewing room at 2pm. You’ll be given your own copy of the bag pattern, which is very beginner- and strong domestic machine-friendly (see note in bold at the top of the page), but which will incorporate a lot of features and techniques that are also in much more complex designs, making this an excellent springboard to any leather or other bag you want to make. Then you can wallow in the plentiful stash of leathers and fabrics to choose from. All the leather, fabrics, interfacing, stabiliser, threads and bag hardware you need are supplied. As soon as you’re ready, you can start preparing and cutting out your pattern and some of the bag pieces so we can hit the ground running in the morning. After a superbly-cooked and substantial evening meal at around 6pm or so, you are welcome to continue working in the sewing room or to simply relax and chat there before bed. Saturday After an excellent breakfast, we can really start work learning some new skills and beginning work on construction. You’ll work at your own pace from around 9am with no pressure – I want your weekend to be fun and not stressful! We will walk through the techniques together and I will be there the whole time to answer questions and troubleshoot any tricky bits. You’ll also have the chance to try sewing with faux leather , if you haven’t already, and we’ll explore ways and techniques to use and apply rivets.  Refreshments are freely available all day and you can take a break whenever you wish. A light lunch (with homemade cake!!) is also provided and we’ll have a short break in the middle of the day. The rest of the day will be similar to Friday – sewing, dinner at 6ish and more sewing if you wish to before bed. Do feel free to have a walk or just sit outside for a breather if the weather is kind. Sunday How can it be Sunday already?? Breakfast over, we’ll get back to work. You will need to allow a few minutes to pack and check out of your room, as it has to be made ready for Monday’s guests. Apart from that, it’s uninterrupted sewing (with refreshments and lunch breaks!) until your bag is finished. We’ll be heading off for a lightish lunch at 12.30pm or so. We have the sewing room for the rest of the day. If you don’t quite get done, there’s absolutely no need to worry as you’ll easily be able to complete your bag at home. If you finish earlier feel free to head home whenever you’re ready. Amongst loads of other hints and tips, you’ll learn – Choosing and handling leather How to make professional quality rolled handles Creating and applying custom bag feet How to create a zipped pocket the pro way How to use edge paint and get a professional finish with it Sewing the bag together and topstitching Reducing bulk with leather A sneaky way of getting your bag right-sides-out without ugly seams! An easy way to add a zipper pull without tools Working with different types of rivet machine and loads more. You’ll have an exclusive pattern, created just for the Retreats, which includes comprehensive mini-tutorials and full instructions. And I hope you have a lot of fun and make new friends while you learn!!  I never abandon my students at the end of the course so if you get stuck on anything at home, you are welcome to give me a shout on Messenger and we’ll sort out your problem together. The not-so-small print Book your place using the simple booking system below – just click on your choice of dates and go from there. The full price is £465.00. The deposit of £65 is non-refundable if you cancel but can, however, be credited towards a future retreat booked within the next 6 months. It is completely refundable if I or the venue cancel. The booking page only shows the Friday, but the course is running until Sunday. The balance of £400.00 is payable by approx 6 weeks before the retreat date and payment instructions will be sent to you in good time. Cancellations 4 weeks or less before the retreat date can only be refunded if someone on the waiting list can come instead. If you book, pay and attend without pre-checking that your machine can sew the required thicknesses, as detailed in the note at the top of the page, I’m afraid no refunds will be given if it proves that your machine can’t cope during the Retreat. I may have a machine available to lend, but can’t promise one. *Don’t worry that your booking confirmation may be headed Unicorn Studios – it’s just the site that I’ve run my booking system from for years… it’s not a scam!! *

4 day quilting workshop covering everything from tools, techniques, designing, measuring, cutting, stitching, wadding, binding, some history too. You will receive two feet for your machine, a book, and all the materials are included too

If you’re a beginner bag maker, this Retreat is perfect for you. A whole weekend to immerse yourself in fabrics, stabiliser, professional techniques and tips to boost your confidence and your skills. Hopefully, there’ll be a lot of chat and laughter too! **This retreat is a little different from many others in that making a bag isn’t the point of the weekend, although you will indeed make one. The focus is on learning new transferable techniques and skills that you will be able to use on so many bags you make in the future. We have our own ‘Retreat Suite’ of rooms, including a spacious, light and airy sewing room which is equipped with a display screen so everyone can easily see demonstrations from a working viewpoint. We also have our own bathroom and kitchen facilities. If you wish, you are free to continue work after dinner and until as late (or early!) as you like. You will need to bring your own sewing machine, fabric scissors and any other favourite sewing tools, but everything else is provided. Come and join us in the exclusive Facebook group Bag Makers Retreat at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bagmakersretreat/ for all the latest retreat info, chat, gossip and more, plus a chance to meet other like-minded folks.  If you have dietary requirements, please tell me before you book, so I can be sure we can meet your needs. All meal main courses are included in the retreat fee, as are Saturday and Sunday lunches and breakfasts. Starters, desserts and drinks with meals are not included but the meals are so huge you probably won’t want starters and desserts anyway!! Tea and coffee is available whenever you need, but you do have to make it yourself!  If you’d like to stay an extra night or two, maybe to arrive on Thursday or leave on Monday if you have a long drive, let me know and I’ll check availability with our host. If you’d prefer to travel by train, we are happy to ferry you to and from the station, just ask. Please aim to arrive no later than 2pm as we have a lot of pattern cutting and fabric choosing to get through on Friday! Friday The fun starts here as you arrive at your weekend home-from-home – a beautifully refurbished, 4-star 18th century coaching inn with all the comforts you would expect. You’ll have time to settle into your own delightfully comfortable en-suite room which has all the anticipated little luxuries, before an introductory get-together with me and your companions in the sewing room at 2pm. You’ll be given your own copy of the bag pattern, which is very beginner- and domestic machine-friendly but which will incorporate a lot of features and techniques that are also in much more complex designs, making this an excellent springboard to any bag you want to make. Then you can wallow in the plentiful stash of fabrics to choose from, including some of my exclusive feature panel prints which aren’t available anywhere else. All the materials, interfacing, stabiliser, threads and bag hardware you need are supplied. As soon as you’re ready, you can start preparing and cutting out your pattern and some of the bag pieces so we can hit the ground running in the morning. After a superbly-cooked and substantial evening meal at around 6pm or so, you are welcome to continue working in the sewing room or to simply relax and chat there before bed. Saturday After an excellent breakfast, we can really start work adding to and adapting your bag pattern. You’ll work at your own pace from around 9am with no pressure – I want your weekend to be fun and not stressful! We will walk through the techniques together and I will be there the whole time to answer questions and troubleshoot any tricky bits. You’ll also have the chance to try sewing with faux leather , if you haven’t already, and we’ll explore ways and techniques to use and apply rivets.  Refreshments are freely available all day and you can take a break whenever you wish. A light lunch (with homemade cake!!) is also provided and we’ll have a short break in the middle of the day. The rest of the day will be similar to Friday – sewing, dinner at 6ish and more sewing if you wish to before bed. Do feel free to have a walk or just sit outside for a breather if the weather is kind. Sunday How can it be Sunday already?? Breakfast over, we’ll get back to work. You will need to allow a few minutes to pack and check out of your room, as it has to be made ready for Monday’s guests. Apart from that, it’s uninterrupted sewing (with refreshments and lunch breaks!) until your bag is finished. We’ll be heading off for lunch at 12.30pm or so. We have the sewing room for the rest of the day. If you don’t quite get done, there’s absolutely no need to worry as you’ll easily be able to complete your bag at home. If you finish earlier feel free to head home whenever you’re ready. Amongst loads of other hints and tips, you’ll learn – Interfacings – what to use and not to use Using stabilisers – which is best and why How to create a zipped pocket the pro way Adding a recessed zipper main closure to almost any bag Installing hardware Incorporating a built-in key fob Installing a rectangular base Sewing the bag together and topstitching A sneaky way of getting your bag right-sides-out without ugly seams! An easy way to add a zipper pull without tools Working with different types of rivet machine Faux leather on a domestic machine You’ll have handouts on all the techniques to take home. And I hope you have a lot of fun and make new friends while you learn!!  I never abandon my students at the end of the course so if you get stuck on anything at home, you are welcome to give me a shout on Messenger and we’ll sort out your problem together. The not-so-small print Book your place using the simple booking system below – just click on your choice of dates and go from there. The full price is £395.00. The deposit of £60 is non-refundable if you cancel but can, however, be credited towards a future retreat booked within the next 6 months. It is completely refundable if I or the venue cancel. The booking page only shows the Friday, but the course is running until Sunday. The balance of £335.00 is payable by approx 6 weeks before the retreat date and payment instructions will be sent to you in good time. Cancellations 4 weeks or less before the retreat date can only be refunded if someone on the waiting list can come instead. *Don’t worry that your booking confirmation may be headed Unicorn Studios – it’s just the site that I’ve run my booking system from for years… it’s not a scam!! *

learn to use your sewing machine atThe Craft Studio in Pewsey

Learn how to measure, cut and stitch accurate patchwork quilt blocks in this one day workshop. Part of a 4 day quilt course, but suitable as a stand alone class too. This class is a great class to take after the beginners class as the sewing will be mostly straight lines and it will allow you to practice more seams and other skills learned in the beginners class. You will need to know how to handle a sewing machine for this class but it's very much still a class that's achievable for beginners. You will cover design, measuring, cutting, the use of various tools, and stitching.

Do you have you a sewing machine but you’re not quite sure what to do with it? Did your machine come with a selection of presser feet and “bits and bobs” that you’ve never explored? If so, then our one day workshop is just the thing for you to get the very best out of your machine.