Hi Reader,

Have you got my latest free seam and hem finishing guide yet? Read to the end to get the link.

The Longest Yarn

You have to see this if you're into crochet or knitting.

The Longest Yarn exhibition is like Legoland model village but knitted and crocheted.

It's a series of sets (60 metres) that walk through the story of how WW2 unfolded for Brits on the home front, from the announcement of war, to gas masks, rationing, bombing and taking shelter in the underground stations, through to VE day and the celebrations that followed.

It's a touring exhibition and for this month August, when we celebrate Victory in Japan, it's on display at the Chiltern Open Air Museum where I do costuming work. You can see it for free with a normal entry ticket to COAM.

​Here's my video summary of the exhibition which doesn't do it justice, but you get the flavour.

More Sewing Classes in Reading

I have a new venue added to my repertoire of classes.

Woodley Hill House is based in Earley, Reading. It's under the Activate umbrella, and is the new home to my popular Monday evening 'Introduction to Sewing' class which used to be in Reading College.

Woodley Hill house is an old school house that is now a dedicated adult learning centre and our sewing room has 8 new Brother Innovis 15 sewing machines which are lovely to work with.

This class is suitable for absolute beginners or those who feel they need a refresher of the basics. You learn how to thread a machine and in 5 weeks you'll have successfully sewn a pin-cushion, a tote bag and an adjustable apron.

​Book a place now to secure your place.

Then when you've mastered the basics, you'll be ready to sew garments and thanks to demand, from January I'll be running a second Garment Making for Beginners and Improvers class at Woodley Hill House on Tuesday afternoons in addition to the evening Garment Making at Reading College.

​Bookings are open now and if you buy before 1st September then you'll be taking advantage of the early bird discount.

Surrey Sewing Classes

There's still a few places left for my Monday classes in Guildford (Sunbury classes have sold out).

Starting Monday 8 September from 10am to 12noon is what Surrey now call LEVEL 2 Sewing class - it assumes you know the basics, can thread and have sewn some things on a sewing machine (like a pin cushion, tote bag and apron). You bring your own pattern and fabric. Under my expert guidance and sewing tuition you'll improve and master your garment sewing techniques, from interpreting patterns and finishing techniques. It's a 7-week course and currently there's just 1 place left. If that place has gone, then consider starting the next course which starts Monday 3 November for 6 weeks.

Starting Monday 8 September from 1pm to 3pm I'll be running a 13 week course 'SEWING - ESSENTIAL SKILLS' which is suitable for absolute beginners. It's heavily funded by the Henrietta Parker Trust whose aim is to support adult skills development and is open to anyone regardless of gender, educational and financial background.

Online Sewing Classes

If you can't get to an in-person class, then join my Sew Bee Yourself Online Sewing Club. We meet online twice a month to sew as if we're in the same room. I'm on hand to answer your sewing questions, interpret pattern instructions and cheer you on. There's a growing library of on-demand classes, from tops, shirts, skirts, trousers, dresses and now self-drafted shorts as well as tutorials on how to hack and fit patterns.

It's just £35 per month. Full details here www.sewbeeyourself.com.

Our next online session is tomorrow (Sunday 10 August 2pm to 5pm UK time)

FREE GUIDE

My latest free guide is Finish with Flair - 10 Essential Seam and Hem Finishes for Up-Cycling Success. If you haven't got it yet, then go grab it now from here.

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