Local Workshops

Where I live, I'm lucky to have 2 great cities to visit for craftsperation and there are a wealth of classes and workshops to get stuck into, whether you're a crochet girl or a baker, budding florist (do you see what I did there?!) or blacksmith.  A few months ago I went along to the Folk House in Bristol and with Ruth from Quincy Lampshades made a lovely lampshade in Amy Butler's Gypsy Caravan fabric, which I was thrilled with. They offer a huge variety of day and night courses there with bright facilities and a yummy cafe. www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk 
Some friends of mine recently gave me some vouchers for The Makery in Bath.  However, I did struggle a bit to find something that I really wanted to do there, not really needing any help with totes or cushions, so I signed up for the rather swankily entitled Dress-Making Masterclass.  It was held over two Sundays and what better way is there to spend a day than mingling with like-minded people and learning shortcuts and improvements on ways to make clothes.  Whilst I wasn't particularly impressed with our tutor's opening intro that nobody had ever completed the top over the two days (really?!) I enjoyed the chit-chat amongst fellow sewers and learnt a few useful tips about pinning. Well, it appears I like a challenge and became the first person to finish the top, but it's rather an unflattering little number that unfortunately wasn't correctly tailored by our tutor so it'll no doubt end up being taken apart and remade into something else.  The lovely Kate Smith offered me the chance to return to the Makery for a more successful experience, so I'll let you know what I decide to do, possibly a bit of screen printing or knicker making. Saucy!

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