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Grow Your Sew

Grow Your Sew are courses for those who have basic sewing skills, and are wanting to increase their confidence & extend their sewing repertoire and garment construction techniques. Select from a range of classes that will further develop your skills, or talk to me to design a course that meets your specific needs

To see & book our current scheduled classes please see the calendar on our Sewing Lessons page or visit our Facebook page and click on events.

To have any questions answered please email lovetosew@kuruicottage.com

Learn to Sew Knit Fabrics - Lets make Undies!

Next Classes Begin:

November 26th, 2024

Book your place here

One x 3 hour lesson

$65 per person

Pre-requisite: Confident using the sewing machine, with basic sewing experience

Undies, knickers, panties, budgie smugglers .... whatever you call them - you can make your own!

In this workshop you will learn the basics of sewing with knit fabrics & a variety of elastic trim finishes while stitching up a pair of underwear - either for yourself, your partner, or kids. You wont believe just how comfy they can be!


You can either bring your own fabrics, or I have kits available with everything you need - requirements will be sent out with booking confirmations.

Pattern Drafting - Part 1 Skirt

Next Class Begins:

Mondays, 14 - 28 October, 2024; 9.00 - 11.00am

Book your place here

 

Three x two hour lessons

$150, includes all materials

Pre-requisite: Confident using the sewing machine, with basic sewing experience

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This workshop is suitable for those who are confident using the sewing machine, and want to be able to convert their sewing ideas into garments!

 

Start with just your measurements, and then learn the basics of pattern drafting while drawing up a simple skirt block. We will adapt it into a pattern and then sew up a toile to personalise the fit before exploring ways of changing the pattern to different styles.

You will learn & practice the following skills & techniques:

  • How to take measurements
  • How to convert your measurements into a personalised pattern block
  • How to convert your block into a pattern 
  • How to construct and fit a skirt toile
  • How to adapt your basic pattern into a variety of skirt styles

At the end of the class, your basic skirt block and pattern will be yours to take home and use - you might never have to buy another pattern!

Pattern Drafting - Part 2 Bodice

Next Class Begins:

November 4th, 2024 

Tickets not yet on sale

 

Three x two hour lessons

$150, includes all materials

Pre-requisite: Confident using the sewing machine, with basic sewing experience. This is a stand-alone class- you DO NOT have to complete the Part I class first.

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Start with just your measurements, and then learn how to draw up a bodice block. We will adapt it into a pattern and then sew up a toile (practise garment) to personalise the fit before exploring ways of changing the pattern to different styles.

Your bodice block can be combined with a skirt block for designing your own dresses or used alone to design tops.

 

You will learn & practice the following skills & techniques:

  • How to take measurements

  • How to convert your measurements into a personalised pattern block

  • How to convert your block into a pattern 

  • How to construct and fit a bodice toile

  • How to analyse and correct basic fitting issues

  • How to adapt your basic pattern into a variety of bodice styles

 

At the end of the class, your personalised bodice block and pattern will be yours to take home and use - you might never have to buy another pattern!

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Coming soon in 2024 ...

Introduction to Pattern Drafting - Part III Sleeve

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Dressmaking Basics

Join us in the studio to learn all the basics while sewing up a dress to fit YOU - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes compared to ready to wear. 

Using a basic dress pattern, we work together so you have the confidence to create the dress of your dreams. We work on basic fitting alterations to make your dress uniquely you, and then explore different ways you can adapt a pattern to change it's look (think statement puffy sleeves, gathers, ruffles, tiers, lace inserts or sheer fabrics), as well as including those elusive but ever useful pockets!

While sewing your dress you will learn & practice some of the following dressmaking techniques to add to your sewing repertoire:

  • Small/full bust adjustment
  • Staystitching
  • Darts
  • In-seam pockets
  • Top stitching
  • seam finishes, including French seams
  • Set in sleeves
  • Facings / bias facings
  • Understitching
  • Casings
  • Gathering
  • Button plackets, buttonholes and buttons
  • Hemming

You will need to bring to class your preferred dress pattern, fabric and any other notions required to complete your garment. If buying a PDF pattern, you will need to purchase, print and prepare it ready for use before the first class.


I recommend using the Hinterland PDF dress pattern from Sew Liberated! as it is a lovely basic dress pattern to add to your handmade wardrobe and it’s a great base to work from with making pattern adaptations (also known as ‘hacks’). It includes many of the sewing techniques you will learn in class, so is a wonderful learning dress. If you choose to use a different pattern, you can still learn & practice all the sewing techniques by completing samples in class if you choose. 


Other suitable similar PDF dress patterns include the Pattern Emporium “Meet You There’ dress (a more relaxed fit dress which doesn’t include bust darts), or Megan Nielsen’s Protea Capsule Wardrobe pattern (includes tops and skirt options).


Lessons 1 and 2 will focus on pattern preparation and making a bodice ‘toile’ or ‘muslin’ to test your dress fit, and lessons 3 and 4 will focus on techniques required for your garment construction. You may need to do some sewing at home between classes to complete your work.

Four x two & a half hour lessons, or two day workshop

$200 per person

Pre-requisite: Completion of our Sewing FUNdamentals class, or prior basic sewing experience.

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Shirt Making

Next Class Begins:

November 5th 2024

Tickets not yet on sale​

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Four x three hour lessons or Two day workshop

$230

Pre-requisite: Confident using the sewing machine, with basic sewing experience

Learn and practice classic construction techniques while sewing your own bespoke shirt, including:

  • pattern layout & cutting out
  • fabric pattern matching techniques
  • stay-stitching
  • Front self facings and variations
  • Patch pocket
  • Double-pointed darts
  • Yoke - Burrito method
  • Top stitching
  • Collar & Collar stand
  • Adding collar stays
  • Flat fell seams
  • Placket opening
  • Cuffs
  • Buttonholes and attaching buttons

Next Classes Begin:

Friday October 11th, 2024; 9.00 - 11.30am

Book your place here​

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