Back at the beginning of August I had a lovely weekend getting to know my sewing machine on the beginners sewing machine course at the Textile Workshop.

Although I’m not a complete beginner I thought this course would be useful to make sure I have the basics down before I move forward. Indeed it was useful.

It felt like I discovered things I never knew my machine could do! I even felt a little bit guilty for not having let my machine live out its full potential.

If you’re a self-taught sewing machine user like me I would definitely recommend a class like this. Its those extra pieces of knowledge you learn in a class that make all the difference.

Although I knew how to set up and thread my machine I wasn’t sure how to recognise if the tension wasn’t right and how to adjust it. Nor did I know what type of stitch to use for which type of fabric or job… Now I do.

Although my machine came with various attachments and feet, I didn’t know what they were and when to use them. Now I do.

I didn’t know what it was like to ditch the feed dogs and go freestyle, to applique curved shapes and use the machine to embroider in all directions on fabric and paper. Now I do.

At the end of the course we were given the opportunity to use our new skills and make something. Of course, I made a bunny, my first ever soft toy.

This beginners sewing machine course was lead by Claire from Pinky and Boo for the Textile Workshop. You can find dates for sewing and other craft courses on both websites:
www.pinkyandboo.co.uk
www.thetextileworkshop.co.uk