Discussions
Happy Christmas and a 2012 full of fun and making!
January 2nd, 2012
Summer Workshops July/August 2011
June 3rd, 2011
Introduction to Stitching
Tues 26 & Wed 27 July OR Mon 18 & Tues 19 July
Starting from scratch we will learn how to sew by hand and with the sewing machine and make fun projects like felt critters and bags. If you have already sewn with Sam then you can make something new – come along with an idea or get inspired when you arrive.
2 day workshop: £86
Textile design workshops
Three days in a row – dyeing, printing and then stitching. Come to all three or mix and match.
All three days: £125 ; Two days: £86 ; One day: £46
Day 1: Introduction to Dyeing with Indigo
Tuesday 2 August
The most iconic colour of our time – indigo is ‘magic’ in a bucket – fabric comes out green and turns blue when it reacts with the oxygen in the air. We will tie, wrap and scrunch fabric before dipping it into the dye to see what happens. Bring a t-shirt or other plain cotton garment, or just use pieces of fabric from the Stitch! Studio.
Day 2: Textile Design – Printing on fabric
Wednesday 3 August
Print your own fabric designs using wood blocks, rubber stamps and our own hand-made stamps as well as other techniques. The emphasis will be on experimenting and trying different ideas, then creating one or more fabrics. If you have some indigo dyed fabric from Tuesday’s session you can work on top of them.
Day 3: Stitching day
Thursday 4 August
Design and make a cushion, bag, pillow case, purse or other item using your dyed and stamped fabrics. At this stage we may combine fabrics and add other embellishments. The resulting item will be totally individual and suit your skill level.
Fun Make Day
Monday 8 August
A day to make whatever you fancy – crazy critters, a bag, cushion, aprons, a skirt or top, zipper purse, fabric jewels or perhaps you have another idea. This workshop is suitable for all – beginners and super stitchers alike. If you have stitched with Sam before, and would like to make a garment, lets talk first so that you can choose your own fabric and design.
1 day workshop: £46
Upcycling : T shirts or jeans
Tuesday 9 August
Start with a pair of old jeans or an old t shirt and take home a bag, skirt, top, cushion or something of your own design. If you have an old pair of jeans or a t shirt bring them with you. This workshop is suitable for those who have at least a basic understanding of stitching – tuition will be given, but the item selected will need to be suitable for your skill level.
1 day workshop: £46
Other details
Dates: See individual workshop details
Time: 10am-4pm
Where: The Stitch Studio, Spindle Cottage, Cuckoo Hill, Pinner, HA5 2BE
Who: boys and girls 8+ years
What to bring: Packed lunch, drinks (water will be available) and snacks. Note that some workshops might be messy so wear old clothes and/or bring an apron where specified.
Unless otherwise stated, we supply everything – fabrics, haberdashery (ribbons, buttons and other bits and bobs), patterns, skill instructions and tuition as well as all equipment, including sewing machines. If you have an idea of something particular which you would like to make discuss it with Sam first to make sure we are prepared for it.
Places are limited to 6-8 children, so please book ahead to reserve a place.
For more information or to book a place contact Sam: sam@stitch-london.co.uk
Newsletter February 2011
March 1st, 2011
Adult’s Classes
Thursday mornings — 10am-12midday
These sessions are for mixed skill levels and although suitable for beginners do not include a full introduction to the sewing machine. See below for a list of dates.
The cost is £23 per weeks or book 4 or more sessions for £21 per week.
Only 6 places available in each class, so please contact Sam to reserve a place.
Next dates:
3 March, 10 March, 17 March, 24 March, 31 March
5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May
Sewing Basics: Make a Cushion
Tuesday Evening — 8 March, 15 March, 22 March; 7pm-9pm
This is one workshop run over 3 consecutive Tuesday evenings and costs £70.
Saturday — 9 April 2011: 10:30am-4:30pm
Full one-day workshop. Tea and coffee provided, please bring your own lunch. Cost is £70.
Make a cushion cover while being introduced to the sewing machine and simple appliqué or embroidery (by hand or machine) or patchwork.
These workshops are for absolute beginners, for a refresher or just to have a relaxing time making a simple sewing project. Learn how a sewing machine works, how to thread it, select stitches, how to sew a seam, basic trouble-shooting and how to plan and make a project from scratch. By the end of the workshop you should feel sufficiently confident to go home and get started on your own machine and you will take home a lovely item.
All materials, equipment and tuition is included. Only 6 places available in each class.
One-to-One
Not able to come along to one of the scheduled classes but want to take advantage of the Stitch facility? Sam has a small number of spaces for one-to-one sessions in the studio to get you started with your own sewing machine or on one of the Studio’s Janomes. We will cover the basics from threading your machine, using its stitches and feet to planning and working on your own creation. The cost is £30 per hour (minimum of two hours).
Children and Teen’s Classes
Easter Holiday Workshop — Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 April
Spring-themed projects will be available for all children and teens – beginners and super-stitchers alike. The aim of the workshop will be to have fun while learning and developing new stitching and making skills.
The cost of the full two days is £86 which is inclusive of all materials and tuition — All you need to bring is your lunch.
After School Clubs
New After School Club starting on Thursday 5 May, 4:15-5:45. This class is for all aged over 8 years. If you are interested in joining, please email Sam and I will send you a booking form.
Saturday Morning and Wednesday after school classes are currently full. However if you would like to join the waiting list please let me know.
There are spaces on the Home Educated group which meets on Wednesday morning. If you are interested in joining this class let me know.
Sew Hip Dec 2010
December 7th, 2010
We were featured in Sew Hip’s news page this month. Have a look at a the article here.
Autumn Term 2010
December 7th, 2010
Halloween
October 9th, 2010
Halloween is coming!!
Make a Halloween pin or garland of spooky felt pumpkins — its up to you.
Download the Instructions and Cat, Devil & Ghost or Skull, Pumpkin & Bat Pattern Pages (all pdf files) and get making.
There are still places available on our Halloween workshop in the October Half term. For details see the Home page – Email Sam for more information or to join.
Photograph your creations and send them back to Sam to scare-up this page!
Don’t forget to enter our Halloween Competition in the current Harrow edition of Raring To Go Magazine
Stitch Newsletter September 2010
September 20th, 2010
Newsletter September 2010
The New Stitch Studio is now up and running!
Over the summer we ran some great workshops making a wonderful diversity of beautiful creations were made. Have a look:
The textile printing workshop was great fun – and the weather held out so that we could string the fabrics on the line to admire them. The next day the fabrics became such a diverse selection of creations from Kezia’s critter, Rebecca’s monochrome pencil case and spiral cushion to bags of at least 4 different shapes and sizes. Inspiring!
As well as having the capacity to do ‘wet’ work it makes a huge difference to have access to all the Stitch bits and bobs for inspiration and problem solving. I am looking forward to a developing a new era of Stitch! classes and workshops.
New Wednesday After School Club in Pinner 4:30-6pm
Starting Wednesday 22 September @ Spindle Cottage. For boys and girls from 8 upwards – including teens. Learn how to sew by hand and with by machine and design and make beautiful things to take home and use.
We supply everything – fabrics, haberdashery (ribbons, buttons and other bits and bobs), patterns, skill instructions and tuition as well as all equipment, including sewing machines. The classes are limited in size to 8 students and the cost is £10 per session, payable for the term in advance (usually 6 weeks – this first term will be 5 weeks).
Saturday Morning Club for teens and children
Juniors classes will run 9:30am-11pm, teens from 11am-1pm. The current classes are fully booked, but let Sam know if you would like to go on the waiting list.
Halloween Holiday class Thursday 28 October 10am-4pm
Spend a fun day learn some embroidery stitches and stitch a goulish trick or treat bag, mask, critters or string of bunting.
This full day workshop is suitable for all children (8+) and teens – beginners and super-stitchers alike. We supply everything – fabrics, haberdashery (ribbons, buttons and other bits and bobs), patterns, skill instructions and tuition as well as all equipment, including sewing machines. Just bring along packed lunch, drink (water will be available) and snacks. Places are limited to 8. The inclusive cost is £42.
Adults Classes
Relaxed and friendly sessions learning new techniques while making something you can take home and enjoy! Unless otherwise stated everything is included – fabrics, patterns, bits and bobs, tuition, use of machines and, of course, tea and coffee. Now we are based in our cosy purpose-built Stitch studio you will be surrounded by bits and pieces to inspire.
Thursday mornings 9:45-12:00
These sessions are for mixed skill levels and although suitable for beginners do not include a full introduction to the sewing machine. The cost is £46 for each pair of weeks. You can book 4 or more sessions for £42 per fortnight. Only 6 places available in each class.
Make a door stop 23 & 30 September
Choose from 3 different shapes – square, cylindrical or pyramid. Patch together your fabric or use a plain fabric embellished with appliqué or embroidery.
Upcycle Jeans 7 & 14 October
Find out how easy it is to be an ‘eco-stitcher’. Start with a pair of old jeans and take home a bag, skirt or cushion. If you have an old pair of jeans bring them with you or choose from our selection. (If you want to make a skirt you will need to bring along an old pair of jeans which fit you around the waist and bottom).
This workshop is suitable for those who have at least a basic understanding of stitching and using a sewing
machine – tuition will be given, but the item selected will need to be suitable for your skill level.
Christmas Gifts 4, 11, 18, 25 November & 2 December
Come to all or one or two of these workshops and choose from a selection of gifts to make for presents: purses, bags, scarves, creatures, Christmas ornaments – either make one of Sam’s projects or bring one of your own. Learn new techniques like hand and machine embroidery, patching and quilting while making personalised presents.
Tuesday Evening Getting Started Workshops 7pm-9pm
Both of these workshops are for absolute beginners or those who want a refresher or just to have a relaxing time making a simple sewing project. You will learn how a sewing machine works, how to thread it, select stitches, how to sew a seam, insert a zip, basic trouble-shooting and how to plan and make a project from scratch. By the end of the workshop you should feel sufficiently confident to go home and get started on your own machine and you will take home a lovely item. All materials, equipment and tuition is included. Only 6 places available in each class.
Each workshop is over 3 consecutive Tuesday evenings and costs £70. If you book both workshops a special price of £42 per fortnight.
Get Started with your Machine: Make a tote bag and zipper purse 5, 12, 19 October
Introduction to the sewing machine – how it works, as well as how to make a lined tote bag and matching zipper purse. You will learn how to plan the size of the items as well as how to construct it.
Sewing Basics: Make a Cushion 2, 9, 16 November
Make a cushion cover while being introduced to the sewing machine and simple appliqué (by hand) or patchwork.
Adults Saturday workshop 23 October, 10:30am-4:30pm
Get Started With a Sewing Machine: Make a Tote Bag
An introduction to your machine – how it works, how to thread it, select stitches, how to sew a seam, basic trouble-shooting and how to make a project from scratch. By the end of the workshop you should feel sufficiently confident to go home and get started on your own machine and you will have a lovely tote bag and zip purse.
All materials, equipment and tuition is included. Tea and coffee provided, please bring your own lunch. Only 6 places will be available in each class.
Adults – One-to-One
Not able to come along to one of the scheduled classes but want to take advantage of the Stitch facility? Sam has a small number of spaces for one-to-one sessions in the studio to get you started with your own sewing machine or on one of the Studio’s Janomes. We will cover the basics from threading your machine, using its stitches and feet to planning and working on your own creation. The cost is £30 per hour (minimum of two hours).
Home Educated Group
There are places in our weekly Wednesday morning workshops for home-educated children. If you are interested in joining please get in touch.
Great Marlow School Technology Day 2010
September 3rd, 2010
On the 2nd July 2010 I went to Great Marlow School to help out at their Technology Day. A group of about 40 students were given the task of creating a ‘landscaped park’ using a variety of textile techniques.
The kids were put into groups and given a tile towards the garden and another group was put in charge of making the 3D elements. I worked on the 3D table helping to construct all manner of flowers, trees, cacti, birds, peacocks – and even sting ray for the pond and a lion complete with his own pillow – as all parks need.
The finished thing was brilliant – particularly since many of the participants were rather reluctant to participate. Have a look…
Stitch! Exhibition
January 12th, 2010
Come and see some of the work of Stitch! Children and Teens
Exhibition Dates
Saturday 16 January – Sunday 7 February 2010
@ Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA
Admission FREE
This exhibition of stitched objects celebrates the creativity and talent of the diverse group of young makers, aged between 8 and 14 who attend Stitch-London workshops.
The work is a selection of the children’s favourite work curated by Sam Harvey. It includes aprons, bags, cushions, drafty snakes, wall tidies, needlebooks, pin cushions and crazy critters. Although based on standard patterns or projects, each piece has been designed individually by the boy or girl who made it and each shows character as well as skill.
Sam Harvey, curator of the exhibition and Stitch! teacher said: “The children grow in confidence with each project they create and as they do their designs become more individual and skilful. I wanted this exhibition to celebrate these lovely creations and give the children and their families and friends the opportunity to see them as pieces of art, as well as bits of stitching. The feedback so far been very positive.”
Stitch!-London runs Stitching Clubs at the Harrow Arts Centre and other venues in the Pinner/Harrow area for Children, Teens and beginners workshops for Adults. The classes are focussed on making things and having fun – and quietly learning at the same time.
For further information about the exhibition or Stitch-London contact Sam Harvey: on sam@stitch-london.co.uk or 0750 300 1024.
For further information about Harrow Arts Centre, contact the box office on 020 8416 8989 or www.harrowarts.com.
December Newsletter
December 1st, 2009
Stitch Newsletter December 2009
The first window on the advent calendar has been opened!
Last Thursday we began a 3 week adults workshop making jolly christmas decorations like these which Claire and Jeannine made. If you fancy coming along between 10 and 12 on Thursday to make some decorations, let me know as there may be a space available.
January is set to be a busy month!
The first STITCH! Exhibition at Harrow Arts Centre
An exhibition showcasing work by Stitch! Teens and Children will be held at the Harrow Arts Centre between 16 and 30 January. A ‘private view’ will be held at the Arts Centre between 12:30 and 2 on 16 January. Let me know if you would like to attend.
The work will be displayed in the corridors of the main building at the Arts Centre. You can come along and have a look at the work at anytime that the building is open during the exhibition dates. If you are unsure about these times call the box office on: 020 8416 8989.
Teens and Children 8-11 years
The new term at Harrow Arts Centre starts on Saturday 16 January. Children 9:30-10:45; Teens 11-12:15. Limited places are available, contact me for further details.
Adults – Get Started With a Sewing Machine
If your new year’s ambition is to get to grips with your sewing machine – or perhaps you have one on your Christmas list – then this is the workshop for you.
Three different workshop sessions start in January. All will be held at the Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End. You can take the workshop either as:
Three Tuesday evenings: 19, 26 January and 2 February 7pm-9pm (£75)
Three Thursday mornings: 21, 28 January and 4 February 10-12pm (£70)
Two Saturday afternoons: 23 and 30 January 1:30-4:30 (£75)
Over the three evenings or mornings or the two Saturday afternoons we will make a lovely tote bag and matching zip purse while learning how to use a sewing machine. All materials, equipment and tuition is included. Only 6 places will be available in each class.
Adults – Get started with a commercial sewing pattern
Make a pair of PJ pants for yourself or a child and have an introduction to working with commercial sewing patterns – how to read them, measure yourself (and translate this into the measurements to which the pattern refers) and how to turn the instructions into a garment ready to wear.
The workshop will be run over two Saturday afternoons: 6 and 13 February 1:30-4:30 and will cost £70.
You will need to provide your own fabric for this class – all other requirements, pattern, equipment and tuition are included.
Please note that you will need to be able to use a sewing machine before attending this course. If you need a refresher or beginners overview come along and make a bag in our Getting Started with a Sewing Machine class.
Designer Crafts at the Mall 2010
I will be participating in my first exhibition since graduation this year is at the Mall Galleries (near Admiralty Arch/Trafalgar Square). If you are in the area between Saturday 9 January and 17 January drop in and have a look – there is usually some lovely work on display. For further details follow this link, or get in touch.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2010 with plenty of stitch fun.
