September is Sewing Month at Our Crafty Place!

This September, we’re putting the spotlight on all things stitchy! Whether you’re a total beginner or already handy with a needle and thread, we’ve got a whole month of creative sewing fun planned just for you.

Special Sewing Workshops

Embroidery Teacup Pincushion and Needle Case with Julie Patman

Come and join us for the day and make, not one, but two beautiful items! Victoria Haynes, the UK’s senior writer and resident craft expert says “For the ultimate in revival crafts, breathe new life into old things in 2025 and show a little love to the planet with upcycling and recycling.” What better way than making something that can be used, as well as being treasured!

Full day - 4th September

Clone a Garment with Melinda Lee

This workshop will show you how to look at a garment, panel by panel, to break down its construction and make a pattern from it. It will also show you how you can adapt the design to your requirements for example, you might want to change the neckline or alter the sleeve length. You will learn about different types of fabrics and how they are more suited to different garments along with some of the tools which are used in this process.

Full day - 4th September

Make a Pencil Case with Melinda Lee

Make your very own pencil case to take home! Your finished project will be fully lined with box corners and a zip top fastening. Do you avoid sewing with zips seeing them as too much of a challenge? On this workshop will learn step by step how to do this giving you the confidence to tackle a wider selection of projects! This evening workshop is suitable for those just beginning on their sewing journey, and also those wanting to enhance their existing skills.

Evening - 10th September

Dressmaking Techniques: Seams and Shaping with Melinda Lee

During the workshop you will learn:different ways to finish off your seams and when to use each how to sew darts professionally how to gather fabricThis half day workshop is suitable for beginners to dressmaking plus those with some sewing skills which you are looking to build upon.

Morning - 11th Septmber

Make a Cosmetic Bag with Melinda Lee

Make your very own cosmetic bag to take home. Your bag will be fully lined with box corners and a zip top fastening.Do you avoid sewing with zips seeing them as too much of a challenge? On this workshop will learn step by step how to do this giving you the confidence to tackle a wider selection of projects.This half day workshop is suitable for those just beginning on their sewing journey, and also those wanting to enhance their existing skills.

Afternoon - 11th September

Make a Cross Body Bag

Make your very own cross body bag to take home. Your finished project will be fully lined, with a zip fastening to the front, inside pocket and adjustable length strap.Do you avoid sewing with zips seeing them as too much of a challenge? On this workshop will learn step by step how to do this, giving you the confidence to tackle a wider selection of projects, giving them a professional finish.This evening workshop is suitable for those with limited sewing skills who are looking to build upon those.

Evening - 17th September

Dressmaking Techniques: Fastenings with Melinda Lee

Are you: a self-taught dressmaker? just starting out on your dressmaking journey? a dressmaker with some experience looking to learn some techniques to improve the finish of your garments?If so, this half day workshop could be just what you are looking for! … Be prepared to pick up lots of tips and snippets of dressmaking information too throughout the day.During the workshop you will learn: how to insert zips in garments – both standard and concealed zips. how to sew buttonholesYou will leave this workshop with a series of sample pieces you have made demonstrating each technique covered, for you to keep to refer to in your sewing journey.

Morning - 18th September

Make a Drawstring Bag with Melinda Lee

Make your very own backpack to take home. Your finished project will be fully lined, with a drawstring fastening and an inside pocket.You will learn how to line a bag using the pull through method, create a drawstring channel to fasten the bag, and also add eyelets to thread the drawstrings through.

Afternoon - 18th September

Rag Textile Purse with Julie Leggett

In this one day workshop you will be using a variety of chindi rags and colourful textiles stitched onto a calico or other base material. We will be using bondaweb which is a double-sided, iron-on adhesive to permanently bond our chosen fabrics together before we begin stitching. We will be using boro, running stitch, ladder and cross stitch fix our cloth down. The purse will be lined with attractive colourful cotton and stitched together using blanket stitch. We will make a loop fastening for a beautiful button.At the end of the session, you will take a way a beautiful rag textile purse.” A gorgeous present for your bestie … or better still keep for yourself!

Full Day - 19th September

Dressmaking Techniques: Necklines with Melinda Lee

Are you: a self-taught dressmaker? just starting out on your dressmaking journey? a dressmaker with some experience looking to learn some techniques to improve the finish of your garments?If so, this half day workshop could be just what you are looking for! Be prepared to pick up lots of tips and snippets of dressmaking information too throughout the morning!During the workshop you will learn: a variety of ways to finish a neckline associated techniques including under stitchingYou will leave this workshop with a series of sample pieces you have made demonstrating each technique covered, for you to keep to refer to in your sewing journey.

Morning - 25th September

Make a Drawstring Top Tote Bag with Melinda Lee

Make your very own tote bag to take home. Your finished project will be fully lined, with a drawstring fastening and an inside zip pocket.You will learn how to line a bag using the pull through method, create a top panel with a drawstring channel to secure the bag, and make your own handles of a length to suit you.

Afternoon - 25th September

Embroidered Memories: Hangers and Hearts with Julie Patman

Using Vintage wool blankets, lace, and buttons come and join me to make a lovely keepsake heart to keep or give on a special occasion, using basic embroidery stitches to personalise your heart to celebrate family, weddings, new baby, christenings etc.Embroidery is a slow, mindful craft, reflecting care and dedication, much like the nurturing of family relationships. The heart shape symbolises love, making this a much treasured heirloom.If you have time, and would like to, you can also embroider a beautiful little hanger, with any other memory you hold dear.This special crafting day offers a gentle space to share memories, celebrate your family stories, and connect with new friends along the way.

Full Day - 26th September

Sewing in the Community

As part of Sewing Month, our Wednesday Community Craft Sessions will also be stitching-themed — and full of creative, accessible activities that anyone can try. Whether you’re mending something meaningful or making something brand new, we’ll be focusing on slow, social sewing that’s great for both well-being and the planet.

Here is a little taste of what we’ll be exploring:

Cross Stitch & Embroidery
Learn the essentials of cross stitch, including how to read patterns and get started with your first project. We’ll also explore the basics of hand embroidery, giving you the skills to create beautiful stitched designs with confidence.

Visible Mending
Celebrate your clothes’ stories by making repairs a feature, not a flaw. Learn simple hand-stitching techniques to patch holes and strengthen worn spots using bold threads, colourful fabrics, and decorative stitches. It’s a beautiful and sustainable way to make your clothes last longer while adding your own flair.

Garment Embellishment
Bring new life to plain or tired clothing with embroidery, sequins, and beads. We’ll show you how to add sparkle, texture, and detail using simple stitches and embellishment techniques. Whether it’s a denim jacket, a tote bag, or a favourite top, you can make it truly your own.

Mini Handbags & Textile Accessories
Try your hand at making a small handbag or pouch using strong threads and decorative hand-stitching.

Denim Flowers
We’ll show you how to cut, shape, and layer denim to create striking blooms that can be used as brooches, hair accessories, or decorations.

These projects are fun, achievable, and make lovely gifts too!

No experience is needed – just drop in and join us for a friendly session of stitch, chat, and creativity.

Why Sewing?

Sewing isn’t just practical – it’s empowering, sustainable, and great for well-being. Whether you’re repairing a beloved shirt or creating a handmade gift, sewing brings a unique sense of satisfaction and self-expression.

So dust off your fabric stash, sharpen your scissors, and come get crafty with us this September. Let’s sew, share, and celebrate the joy of making together!