Thread Den

Learn to Sew

Sewing Journal

How do video lessons work?

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Private video lessonPerhaps you have seen that we are offering private video lessons  (read our previous posting which includes pricing) and you are wondered how video lessons could work for you?

Here is the start of a lesson plan developed for a student making a pair of pants:

Lesson 1 (60 minutes)
  • taking measurementsIroning in front of window
  • selecting size
  • identifying the pattern pieces to cut out

Homework – cutting out pattern pieces and preparing fabric.

Lesson 2 (60 minutes)
  • folding fabric
  • placing down pattern pieces
  • discussing cutting technique and pattern markings

Homework – cutting out fabric

Lesson 3 (60 minutes)

  • fusing interfacingShelving close by
  • discussing finishing options
  • how to thread machine
  • making machine adjustments and stitching remnants to check settings

Homework – finishing identified edges

etc…

This student has sent through the details of their pattern and they’d like 60 minute video lessons held daily.

When would you like to learn?

sewing room

Depending on how much time you have and how regularly you would like your lessons, they could be: one a day, one a week, or even one in the morning and one in the afternoon to really smash out a project! 

20 March Covid19

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Covid19 Advice

We have today decided to suspend our current timetable for four weeks.

All adult workshops will be rescheduled for four weeks time.

The school holiday program will be rescheduled for the June/July school holidays.

While we can maintain the 4 metre square directive for indoor gatherings, people have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel which means our students shouldn’t be travelling to our venue.

We are offering video private lessons and you can read more here.

19March Covid19 Update

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Covid19 Advice

We are following Government advice and staying up-to-date with news alerts.

Students will receive email updates either;

a) as the workshop comes up, or

b) as advice changes the status of our workshops.

Today we are advising:

As our classes are no more than 8 students and 1 teacher we have decided to go ahead.

We have increased cleaning of all surfaces and equipment. There is sanitizer (and of course a bathroom with soap) available also.

18 March Covid19 Update

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Covid19 Advice

We are following Government advice and staying up-to-date with news alerts.

Students will receive email updates either;

a) as the workshop comes up, or

b) as advice changes the status of our workshops.

Today we are advising:

As our classes are no more than 8 students and 1 teacher we have decided to go ahead.

We have increased cleaning of all surfaces and equipment. There is sanitizer (and of course a bathroom with soap) available also.

17 March Covid19 Update

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Covid19 Advice

We are following Government advice and staying up-to-date with news alerts.

Students will receive email updates either;

a) as the workshop comes up, or

b) as advice changes the status of our workshops.

Today we are advising:

As our classes are no more than 8 students and 1 teacher we have decided to go ahead.

We have increased cleaning of all surfaces and equipment. There is sanitizer (and of course a bathroom with soap) available also.

16 March Update Covid19

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Covid19 Advice

We are following Government advice and staying up-to-date with news alerts.

Students will receive email updates either;

a) as the workshop comes up, or

b) as advice changes the status of our workshops.

Today we are advising:

As our classes are no more than 8 students and 1 teacher we have decided to go ahead.

We have increased cleaning of all surfaces and equipment. There is sanitizer (and of course a bathroom with soap) available also.

Knitting Machine Lessons

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Lorena Teacher at Thread DenWe have a new teacher to introduce!
With Lorena joining the team we already have two new workshops for you, with more in the pipeline.

Lorena specialises in knitted constructed textiles, her knitwear line Lore Lore produces all things from homewares to wearable accessories and fully-fashioned garments. Lorena’s creative inspiration comes from living in South America and Asia, incorporating those vibrant cultures and the people encountered along the way. 

New workshops

Knitting Machine Basics

In this 6 hour Knitting Machine Workshop students will learn to use the machine and make a beanie.  Knitting machines provided!

“This hands-on project will get you straight onto a machine experimenting with a few key techniques to get you started on your own beanie creation. By the end of the workshop you’ll be returning home with your very own Pom Pom beanie crafted by you!”  – read more.

Alternative Hand Knitting

In this 3 hour Knitting Workshop students will learn to hand knit a jute market bag using chunky techniques and huge needles.

No experience necessary, join Lorena and make your own market bag – read more.

Creating A High-Quality Sewing Space – step 8

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Written by: Justin Lawrence

Do you want to create the perfect sewing room?

This is the eighth of eight steps.

9. Don’t Forget Your Inspirations

It’s never a bad idea to focus on how you’re going to be inspired throughout the sewing process. You should look to make the most of your sewing space, which can include small sources of inspiration such as colours, shapes, or even a plant or two.

Inspiration and motivation can come from the beautiful space, beautiful decor, photos of your muses or drawings of your own ideas.

Creating A High-Quality Sewing Space – step 7

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Written by: Justin Lawrence

Do you want to create the perfect sewing room?

This is the seventh of eight steps.

8. Use Wall Shelving for the Fabric

The fabric has to be organised the right way and this is where wall shelving comes into the equation. It can be used to position and store the fabric without having it get in the way. A simple 6 inch shelf can help out as it is set up above the cutting table.

You don’t want it to be out of your reach as that makes it tough to move around.

Store everything in clear bins, so you know where everything is.

Clear bins are great. Being able to see your fabric will keep you inspired, encourage you to use it and reduce the risk of buying fabric or habby that you don’t need.