- MASTER THAT MACHINE -

- Sewing for Beginners -

Once you figure out how to use the jolly thing, a simple sewing machine can quickly become essential to your home. From cushion covers to curtains, tote bags to clothing, repairs to school production costumes, this course will demystify and de-frustrate (is that even a word?:) that machine for you.

The historical meaning of the word artisan is "one skilled in making things by hand" and that truly is both Lauren and Rachelle, our guest tutors, in a nutshell.

When:

Master that Machine Sewing: Sun Apr 9th, 9:30- 3:30

Master that Machine Sewing: Sun May 28th, 9:30- 3:30

Master that Machine Sewing: Sun July 9th, 9:30- 3:30

Master that Machine Sewing: Sun Aug 27th, 9:30- 3:30

Master that Machine Sewing: Sun Oct 29th, 9:30- 3:30

Where: Waitoki Hall, Kahikatea Flat Rd, Waitoki (next to DD's cafe).

Cost: $80.00 Deposit: $20.00 due within 7 days of booking date.

Tutor: Our amazing Waitoki mums Lauren Richardson, Rachelle Alexander.

By going home with a new zipped cushion, you will be taught:

  • All the basics and set-up of your machine, including those mysterious buttons and dials.
  • The best stuff to have in a sewing kit.
  • Measuring, pinning and sewing your cushion.
  • Zips and button holes.

What you need to bring:

  • Your own machine, with its’ manual if you have it.
  • Machine zipper and button hole feet (if they have them).
  • 1 extra sewing machine needle, 2 bobbins.
  • Whatever sewing kit you currently use - scissors, measuring tape, pins, tailors chalk/pen, plastic transparent 30cm ruler). The ideal things you need for a sewing kit will be discussed and available on the day.
  • ½ m of ideally “harvested” fabric, needs to be able to make a 40cm square cushion. Fabric can sourced second hand, can be a sheet/duvet cover, tablecloth, tea towel etc… Fabric needs to woven, so cotton/linen are fine.
  • Matching thread and 30cm matching zip.

Please register for this workshop by using the form below

Lauren Richardson

Family: Me, hubby and three energetic boys... 13 (well almost), 7 and 6 yrs old. Professional Quals: BAD (Bachelor of Art and Design) in Fashion, Certificate in Fashion Design. I worked short term for a couple of fashion designers before I realised that the industry didn't fit me and my family commitments (too high stress and long hours). I was left with skills that I use to create for my own family and one off commission jobs. Hobbies: Sewing, Reading (when I get the time), Walking, Drawing/Painting, Riding my motorbike, Trawling second hand shops for amazing finds, Hanging out with my family, little bit of yoga, little bit of meditation...just started a vege garden so see how that goes! Book I am reading at the moment: Jack Reacher series Fave Food: Pesto pasta with a glass of red wine and the chocolate mousse from Pizza Hut. I Love: Being at the beach on a beautiful sunny day with a good book and no-where else to be. I seriously don't love: Grocery shopping Next item on bucket list: Get Full Motorbike licence. I am always in a better mood when: I finish something I've been putting off. As I get older I: gain more wisdom and more wrinkles.

Rachelle Alexander

Family: Hello I am Rachelle Alexander, wife of Mark and mum to Makenzie 16, Jamie 13 and Evie 9. We live in a crazy and busy household with one cat, two cockatiels, three fish and eight chickens and a biggish vege garden. I'm not sure which ones need the most looking after. Professional Quals: I have worked with children for many years, firstly as a Nanny and then as a Early Childhood Educator. By the time child number three came along I decided being an at home mum worked better for our family. I am currently a Teacher Aide as school hours mean I am able to taxi everyone to and from sports training and games etc. I grew up in a home where mum made our clothes, curtains and cushions, knitted for us, crocheted blankets, hooked rugs and taught me to do the same. My Nana kept a huge vege garden and Grump (grandad) was always bringing home junk from the tip or the flea market to reuse or repurpose, these days we would be impressed with his up-cycling skills. Hobbies: In the summer you'll find us all in the waves on a body board. Book I am reading at the moment: In my spare time I love to relax with a book, Janet Evanovich always makes me laugh, or walk on the beach. Fave Food: At the moment my favourite food is yummy hot soup or warm stewed feijoa and apple. I Love: I really like getting up before everyone so I can have my first cup of tea in silence while watching the sun come up. I am always in a better mood when: When someone else does the cooking or baking, especially if they clean up too. As I get older I am: finding there is more and more I would love to learn.