May's Sewing Machine Workshop is Introduction to Free Motion Embroidery

Free motion embroidery is often described as ‘drawing with your sewing machine’ as you are completely in control of how and where your machine sews. During this session you will doodle and practise the technique and when you're ready, you will create a fun and contemporary appliquéd panel that you can frame, or appliqué on to a cushion or bag.

Who is this class for?

This class is not suitable for complete beginners as it is much better if you know how to use your sewing machine and have sewn a couple of projects before. As we make something different each month many people attend the workshops regularly. I run these monthly 3 hour workshops every second Saturday of the month, with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I've also created an event for the morning session.

What will we cover?

1) Prepare Your Sewing Machine (please bring your machine manual for specific adjustment instructions)

2) Different stitches to use

3) Practise by 'drawing' different shapes or by 'writing' words

4) Create a textile “work of art” panel

My first career was teaching and then I set up my sewing based business Molly Moo and Jessica too. I have been running sewing machine workshops for over 2 years now. I limit the sessions to 6-8 people to ensure that I'm not spread too thinly.

What to bring

Your own sewing machine. Please ensure your sewing machine is fully operational before the workshop and that you have the instruction manual. Refunds are not available if you can't take part due to your sewing machine not working.

VERY IMPORTANT - you must be able to drop the feed dogs on your sewing machine or be able to cover them. Feed dogs are two or three short, thin metal bars, crosscut with diagonal teeth, which move back and forth in slots underneath the sewing machine foot. These teeth are extremely important because they help us produce perfectly spaced, even stitches whenever we sew garments, piece quilts, or applique shapes on our machine. However, there is one time that you don't need your feed dogs - free motion machine quilting. If you can't drop the feed dogs on your machine, then please bring the plastic or metal feed dog covers that come with your machine.

A darning foot: This foot, usually rounded, allows you to stitch safely and effectively without your fabric flagging (flagging is when the material gets pulling up with the needle when stitching). The style varies dependent on the sewing machine, but you can usually find out from the model brand website which foot will fit your machine.

An embroidery hoop - if you have one. You don’t need any fancy, model specific hoops for free-motion. A good size is at least 15 to 20 cm (6 – 8″) hoop. Don't worry if you don't have one as you can sew on thicker fabric such as denim.

Embroidery scissors Sharp embroidery scissors will make life much easier when tackling loose and connecting threads. A seam ripper will also come in handy to undo any mistakes.

Trick marker or pencil Use these to draw out your design. Trick markers can be found in your local haberdashery or online and will vanish when washed or left over time. This means you don’t have to worry about getting your designs right on the lines. Or, you can use a good old fashioned pencil.

Embroidery needles size 70/80 or 90 if you can get them

Mug - I'll bring tea, coffee, sugar and milk. Please bring own decaffeinated or herbal teas

Spare extension lead - if you have one as I only have 4 so an extra 1 or 2 is useful

Venue

After the arson attack at Strawson Hall, I've hired a lovely temporary venue: The 1st/2nd Horley Scout Hut by the Gas Works on the Gatwick Metro Centre on the Balcombe Road between the rail bridge and the Kings Head. You turn left at the metal fencing and it's right down the end next to the gas tower. Here is a link to a map:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Gatwick+Metro+...,+Balcombe+Rd,+Horley,+Surrey+RH6+9GA/@51.1762917,-0.1576213,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x4875f07431084665:0x9dea81ba37fc2193

Cancellation Policy

• Please note that I am unable to refund fees if you cancel your booking.
• If you cancel no later than 7 days before the course I will transfer your payment onto another one of my sessions of your choice.
• If you cancel after 7 days before the course date, there will be no transfer and no alternative course offered.
• I reserve the right to cancel courses if circumstances dictate, including insufficient enrolment, tutor illness or weather related circumstances. In this instance, I will offer you a choice of a place on an alternative course, or provide a full refund.

If you have any questions, please contact me, Gemma Payne at paynegemma@googlemail.com