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The Business of Craft Workshops

Facilitated by Kate Vandermeer of iSpyStyle

Want to create a business out of craft? You can't afford to miss this workshop!

A comprehensive Workshop outlining the creative/business cycle of Craft.
This workshop is broken into 3 areas with tips and practical advice about how
to build a brand in the creative/design industries;
1. Branding – business cards, logo’s, websites/ blogs, packaging etc
2. Marketing & Promotion – media kits, line sheets, press releases etc
3. Business – cash flow, debt collection, analysis, supporting your stockists etc

Who will this suit?
• Emerging creative’s in the design & craft industries
• Craft & Design enthusiasts looking to make their hobby a business
• Semi-established designers looking to give their business a health check

Founder and Director of iSpyStyle, Kate Vandermeer says "There is a booming craft market in Australia with a new wave of creative folk leading the way. Craft is definitely the new cool and what was once a hobby on the side, is fast becoming a potential part /full time business. Technology has allowed craft a new lease on life by selling online and with sustainability a major issue and the trend towards hand made, there is no time like the present to put down your needle/ glue gun / sewing machine and find your way to this workshop to learn how to make that leap from hobby to business!"

Workshop duration - 1.5 hours plus 15 min registration time

Tickets are $39 inc GST plus booking fees
Tickets available from iSpyStyle

For more information on iSpyStyle visit iSpyStyle.net

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Sewing Basics Mod 1: The Machine & Basic Functions

For those who are completely new to sewing. This class will be led in a simple and easy to follow format. First you will be acquainted with the sewing machine, and its features, dials and buttons. You will learn to confidently set up the machine for sewing - how to insert a needle, thread the machine, and wind and load a bobbin. You will also be introduced to the different stitches and their application for different fabric types. In the second half of class you will make your own sewing satchel, whilst learning handy construction tips.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

Sewing equipment and all materials will be supplied.

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Sewing Basics Mod 2: Zippers, Casings & Buttonholes

Learn to finish your garments with working and professional looking closures. This class will give you the information you need to confidently sew in zippers and buttonholes, and make casings for elastic and drawstrings. You will also practice overlocking edges, to give your garments a long lasting finish. These great-to-know techniques will have you finishing your own garments neatly, and lengthening the life of your existing clothing - now you can replace worn and broken closures yourself.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

Sewing equipment and all materials will be supplied.

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Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Fabric!

Join us at The Fabric Store for an informative adventure into the land of fabrics. Learn to identify fabrics by sight and feel and match the perfect fabric to your project.

Meeting at The Fabric Store – 184 Brunswick St, Fitzroy.

1 x 2 hour session

$40

BYO: notebook and pen to jot down useful tidbits

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Sewing Basics Mod 3: Tote Bag

Use the skills you have gained in previous sewing modules to construct a reversible tote bag. This class will give you the confidence to tackle more challenging projects and the practice you need to begin making your own garments.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

BYO: 1 m of fabric in two different patterns/colours (2meters in total), thread. Recommended fabrics include cotton drill, corduroy or linen. Sewing equipment and interfacing will be supplied.

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Sewing Basics Mod 3: Sling Bag

Want to make your own bag? Bring along your favourite fabrics to create a cool and practical sling bag. Once you've made one there's no stopping you! NEW - Further embellish your bag with a patch pocket and learn two methods for bag closure.
This project will give you practice sewing darts and sticking to your seam allowance, providing the perfect stepping stone between beginner classes and making a garment.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

BYO: Two different pieces of cotton fabric, each 1 meter lengths (2 meters in total). Also bring along matching thread and 1 x large feature button.

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Sewing Basics Mod 4: A-line Skirt

(with exclusive Thread Den pattern supplied)

Now that you’ve got the basics down pat, learn to construct a garment - beginning with an A-line skirt. Gain confidence understanding the sewing terms, and learn to neatly finish garments you’ll be proud to wear.
This great pattern gives you the option to make a panelled skirt with pocket patches, or a traditional plain A-line skirt. Keep it simple and use facing to neatly finish your skirt, or for students with more experience you may choose to sew on a waistband.

2 x 3 hour sessions

$129

BYO: 2m of non-stretch fabric (at least 112cm wide), matching thread, 18cm invisible zip, 15cm fusible interfacing. For skirt with waistband: 1 x medium button (up to 2cm in diameter).
Please note: This pattern is designed for making an unlined skirt. Be sure to take this in to consideration when choosing your fabric - ie. avoid 'scratchy' or see-through fabrics.

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Sewing Basics Mod 5: Sewing with Stretch Fabrics

You don't need to stretch the truth to know that sewing with stretch and knit fabrics can be quite tricky. In this class you will learn tips and tricks for successful sewing, as well as troubleshooting when it comes to overlockers. After you have been armed with the necessary skills you will complete a basic t-shirt.

1 x 3.5 hour session

$75

BYO: 1m x 1.5mof cotton knit or wool knit fabric for the Men's T-shirt.
1m x 1.5m of cotton rib or cotton elastane jersey for the Women's T-shirt.

Patterns provided by Thread Den.

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‘Choose Your Own’ Project class

So you've got the skills to make a garment, set yourself a new challenge, grab the project you've been planning to create and make it happen with the added guidance you need. Useful tips, up-to-date advice and step-by-step assistance will have you completing your project with ease. Please feel free to consult Thread Den about patterns and fabric choices appropriate to your skill level before class commencement.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$237

BYO: Patterns & fabric should be brought to first class, then zips & notions can be discussed and purchased before second class. 

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Winter Coat

Make your own cosy winter coat.
Why spend hundreds on a coat this winter when you can create your own to fit you perfectly and learn some great skills at the same time. This classic style is double breasted (extra warm!) and comes down to your upper thigh. You'll learn how to professionally finish it with facings and a full lining. You'll learn how to set in a sleeve and correctly position buttons. Choose from a few different collar styles and pockets to make it truly unique.

4 x 3 hour sessions

$248

BYO: 3mtrs of heavy coating fabric, a wool or wool blend is ideal, thread to match, 4mtrs mid weight iron-on interfacing, 3mt poly silk lining to match or contrast main fabric-depending on your preference,6 x large coat buttons (24mm or larger)

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Women's Cape

Straight out of a nursery rhyme and into the Melbourne winter. Create this classic winter cape in two lessons. Finished with a hood or top-stitched collar and with a button fastener at the neck, this cape is perfect for the chilly weather and a unique addition to your winter wardrobe.

2 x 4 hour sessions
OR
2 x 3hour sessions & 1 x 2 hour session (8 hours total)

$160

BYO: 4m fabric (suggested wool, jersey, corduroy, velvet, brocade), 1.5m interfacing, 1 x button up to 2cm in diameter OR 1 x frog fastener, matching thread.
Lining: 1.5 meters for lining just the hood and yoke, or 4 meters if you wish to fully line the cape.

Exclusive Thread Den vintage pattern will be provided.

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Tailored 1970’s Women's Trousers

Woolly, winter, wide-legged trousers anyone? Wear them for work or play. These 1970s treasures created from an exclusive Thread Den pattern will have you wondering why you waited so long for the perfect fit. We'll guide you through measuring, cutting, sewing, zipping and facing, as well as letting you in on our favourite sewing secrets (with exclusive Thread Den pattern supplied).

2 x 3 hour sessions

$129

BYO: 2.5 meters of fabric (we recommend medium to heavy weight fabrics - nothing too lightweight. Try denim, cotton, linen, wool and wool blends), matching thread. Zips will be discussed in the first class and will need to be purchased before the second session.
Exclusive Thread Den vintage pattern will be provided.

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Tunic Dress - 'Built by Wendy'

Simplicity Pattern 3964

From New York label Built By Wendy this great tunic dress is perfect for Melbourne winter and summer. Make it in a cosy fabric of your choice and just add tights or choose to create the sleeveless dress option. You could have one in every colour!
Want to master gathering and yokes? Want some great tips on sewing a sleeve? Then this is the class for you.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Simplicity Pattern 3964 in your size, 2.5mts fabric and thread to match. A slightly heaver cotton or cotton blend, linen, flannel or wool fabric will work well for this depending on the look you are after.

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Vintage Style Button Up Shirt

Make this sweet vintage style shirt, with gathered 3/4 length sleeves and buttons at the front. This is a nice cross seasonal piece and great intro for the intermediate sewer to shirt making - with exclusive Thread Den pattern supplied.

2 x 3 hour sessions

$124

BYO: 2 mt of medium to light weight woven fabric (e.g. cotton, linen, rayon) + matching thread, 10 X 11 mm shirt buttons.
Super cute Thread den pattern provided.

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Aline Skirt with Silk Screen Features

Using your own design you will learn how to create a stencil and silkscreen onto fabric which will then be used as pocket feature, and finally turned into an A-Line skirt.

2 x 3 hr 15 min sessions - class held at North Melbourne only

$149

BYO: To the first class please bring 2.5 metres of fabric atleast 112cm wide (we recomend an unpatterned, heavy weight fabric like denim, linen, cotton, wool or other non stretch fabrics). matching thread and zip will be discussed in the first class and should be purchased before the second class.
The pattern for this class will be supplied by Thread Den and included in the class fee.

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The Perfect Pencil Skirt

Want to make the most of your curves with the perfect pencil skirt that flatters in all the right places? Choose a high waisted or hip-hugging version, both with slinky, slimming design lines.
2 x 3 hour sessions

$124

BYO: 2 meters of fabric (we recommend medium to heavy weight fabrics - nothing too lightweight. Try denim, cotton, linen, wool and wool blends. Something with a bit of stretch is great at hugging your curves), 22cm invisible zip and matching thread.

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Shorts for all Seasons

These sassy seventies shorts are the perfect pair to show off your leggy pins. The perfect length for those hot summer days, or teamed with leggings and boots for those cold Melbourne nights, you can't go wrong!

2 x 3 hour sessions

$124

BYO: 1 meter of fabric, 10cm interfacing, 18cm dress zip, 1 x button maximum 2cm in diameter and matching thread. Exclusive Thread Den vintage pattern will be provided.

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Batwing Top or Dress

Simple to make, easy to wear batwing top or dress. Can be made with a boat neck or v-neck, has 3/4 sleeves, and is hip or short skirt length. Build on your T-shirt making skills, or learn to sew with knit fabrics with this fun and fashionable project.

1 x 4 hour session
OR
2 x 2 hr session

$85

BYO:Bring 2 metres of 150 wide knit jersey fabric in a medium to heavy weight, (heavier than t-shirt fabric) plus matching thread.

NOTE: Must have some sewing experience, but this can be the first knit garment

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Race Wear Dress and Fascinator

Want to have an amazing, individual dress that is tailored to flatter your figure, and a fascinator to compliment your dress for this years races? Why not make your own? In this class you will be guided through all processes of creating a dress and fascinator. You will also be shown how to alter your dress pattern to create your own unique look.

4 x 3 hour sessions

Cost: $248

BYO: 2.5 meters of fabric (we recommend medium weight fabrics - nothing too lightweight or heavy - try dupion silk, cotton, or cotton with a little bit of stretch.) Don’t forget matching thread. Zips, lining, trims and decorations will be discussed in the first class and will need to be purchased for the following week.

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Perfect Fifties Party Frock

Vogue 8184

This pattern has been chosen for its feminine shape, and 1950’s like silhouette. Choose from six variations to suit your personal shape and style. This versatile design teamed with your own choice in fabric, will allow for a unique, personalised look - classic, retro, rockabilly - whatever! In class, we will help you adjust this pattern to fit your body, and offer one-on-one assistance as needed.

Basic sewing skills required, Sewing Basics Mod 2 or equivalent experience with zips preffered.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Vogue pattern 8184, and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the dress variation of your choice.

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Maxi Dress

Here is one classic style that never goes out of fashion. Effortlessly elegant and perfect for both day and nightwear. Choose from a halter or shoulder strap pattern and create the maxi dress you can float through every season in.

3x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Simplicty 2642 (halter) or Simplicity 2587 (shoulder strap). Select fabric based on
the pattern suggested fabrics and your size. Also purchase any notions or interfacing
specified on the pattern. Please contact Thread Den if you require further information.

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1950's Wrap Dress

Butterick 4790

With its classic full skirt and flattering high waist, this 1950’s day dress is fitting for every vintage loving lady. This pattern features an interesting wrap-around style; and what’s more – it doesn’t require sewing in zips or buttonholes. Perfect for all you fiddly-bit-o-phobic folks!

In class, we will help you adjust the pattern to your size, and guide you though the construction methods used to complete your dress.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Butterick pattern 4790; and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the variation of your choice.

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60's Shift Dress

Simplicity 3833

Check out the cutie! Make your own Twiggy-style shift. Learn to adapt the pattern for your body, and how to sew this little gem into something you'll be excited to wear out.
Basic sewing skills required, Sewing Basics Mod 2 or equivalent experience with zips preferred.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Simplicity pattern 3833; and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the variation of your choice.

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Image from Simplicity pattern

1970's Style Shift Dress

New Look 6751 Misses Dresses

Gorgeous and wearable while having the perfect hint of 70’s flavour, this dress is a winner for daywear or parties! Make it from funky floral cotton fabric or a psychedelic knit for that authentic 70’s look, or use lightweight linen to keep it cool for spring.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: New Look pattern 6751; and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the variation of your choice.

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Image from New Look pattern

Screen Siren 1960's Frock

Butterick pattern B6582

For a glamorous vixen or a coy minx, this dress is perfection. Be an instant star in this semi-fitted or flared, genuine 1960s frock with a crossover bodice. The world will be your oyster.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Butterick pattern B6582; and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the variation of your choice.

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Image from Butterick pattern

Cheeky Open Back Dress

Vogue pattern V1102

You can't go past a dress that is at once a fashion statement and the cutest thing you've ever seen. With a raised waistline, a flared skirt and a sexy back, it has everything to get you what your heart desires.

3 x 3 hour sessions

$178

BYO: Vogue pattern V1102; and the suggested fabric and notions to complete the variation of your choice.

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Images from Vogue pattern

Kimono Robe

Make this simple yet striking kimono. It is floor length and features the traditional sleeve.
You could use it as a luxurious house/shower robe (warning: this project takes a fair bit of fabric so a nice cheap cotton would work well). Or make an ornamental wall hanging kimono using that amazing piece of fabric you bought overseas but have never known what the hell you were going to do with it.

2 x 3 hour sessions

$118

BYO:Simplicity Pattern 4080. Fabric as indicated on the pattern sleeve (note A is for the long sleeve version, B is for the version pictured here) and thread to match. Please note, making the obi part is optional and wont be included in this class (fabric required for the obi is listed separately on the pattern sleeve).

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Lovely Lingerie

Now you can finally create that slinky vintage teddy you've always secretly wished you had. This is a classic piece of lingerie that is surprisingly easy to make with all the perfect finishing touches including v-neckline and lace-finished edges. Admit it, you want one! And so simple!

2 x 3 hour sessions

$124

BYO: 1.5m fabric (suggested nylon tricot but works just as well with a slightly stretchy vintage polyester). 80cm of 6mm wide elastic, 5.30m of 1cm wide lace and matching thread.

Exclusive Thread Den vintage pattern will be provided.

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1950’s Waspie Girdle

Simplicity 5006, creating your own pattern variations

Ever wondered how to get the shapely silhouette of the 50s, well it’s all in the undergarments! Construct your own 50s inspired waspie girdle with a seductive satin and lace combination, stretch side panels for comfort and an elastic lace trim.

3 x 3hour sessions

Cost: $178

BYO: Simplicity 5006 pattern in your size, 80cm heavy weight satin, 50cm iron on interfacing, 50cm of black/flesh power net or strong stretch lycra, 3.5m of lingerie elastic, 3.5m rigilene, 50cm hook and bar tape (both sides), matching (good quality) thread.

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Spring Racing Fascinator

The Racing Season is here! Why not kick it off by creating a fascinator of your own design. In a fun, short class, dabble in the art of handmade roses, sinamay and veiling, and let your inner designer 'Spring' forth.
Hedge your bets and wear it again at wedding, cocktail party, or anywhere you want to impress.

1 x 3hour session

Cost: $65

BYO: You must have a fascinator base, however the rest is up to you to create the look you want. Here are some suggestions:
• 0.25m of fabric of your choice if you wish to cover your fascinator base
• 0.5m of woven non-stretch fabric for your roses or bow
• 1m of veiling
• Sinamay
• Beads to sew on
• Feathers

Clegs is great for fascinator materials or you can also visit www.feather.com.au - they have some great prices and deliver within a few days. An email will be sent to you with pictures to give you inspiration when the class is booked.

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Hooded Scarf with Silk Screen Features

Keep out of the winter cold in this reversible detachable hood and scarf, printed with your choice of screen printed design. Can be made from recycled garments, or dig into your fabric stockpile for interesting prints and textures!

2 x 3 hour sessions

$130

BYO: 2 different and woven fabrics (150cm wide fabric: 0.60cm of each fabric or 115cm wide fabric : 1.3m of each fabric), 4 x 2cm buttons, matching thread and an image (or two) preferably silhouette style to cut your stencil from.
You might like to choose a mix of woolens with texture and plain and patterned cottons to print on. You can use more than two different co-coordinating fabrics if you like; just make sure one is plain cotton to print on, and stick to a colour scheme of 2 or 3 colours in different tones.

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Magical Stitchery Scarf

We know you'll be as astounded as we are by this project. Using dissolvable fabric (yes it's true!), you can machine embroider a unique scarf of your own design, using your favourite fabric off cuts and wool. The result will leave you pleasantly intrigued and continually amazed, on any winter's day.

1 x 3.5 hour session

$70

BYO: 30cm length of fabric of at least 90cm wide (light weight cotton such as patchwork fabric is ideal, nothing too stiff or heavy), 2 reels of good quality coordinate thread (the better the thread, the easier sewing will be), 1.5m dissolvable fabric (can be purchased at Spotlight).
Optional: scraps of embroidery threads, wool and ribbon.

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OH BABY BABY! Baby Clothes

You don't have to have a little one to enjoy this fun class (Just think of all those gorgeous and original gifts you can create). In this class we will make a sweet onesie and a little pair of bloomers by mixing and matching a few different fabrics. These little projects are a good refresher on skills inserting elastic and gathering and are very satisfying to make 'cause they are so damn cute!

2 x 3 hour sessions

$124

BYO: 1mt of main fabric. 1/2 mt of contrast fabric. light to medium cottons are best. (go for one plain and one print, and as an option check out the op shops for embroidered hankies or napkins they make great feature panels). 1.2 mt of 8mm wide elastic, 0.8mt of 20mm wide elastic. Thread to match.

Pattern provided by Thread Den.

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Fabric Sewing Accessories Caddy

Get organised with your very own sewing pouch to store all the gadgets in your kit. Vinyl covered for easy cleaning, bound edges, made from your favourite off cuts, with a zip pocket, penholder and scissor compartment.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

BYO: 30cm fabric (we recommend cotton, drill, light weight or cord), 30cm thin clear vinyl, 30cm heavy weight interfacing, 4m bias binding (no narrower than 1cm wide), 1 x 20cm zip, decorative button for closure, 2 press studs, 20cm thin hat elastic matching thread.

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A5 Journal Cover

Construct an attractive and waterproof cover for your journal or notebook that will last for years. Personalise it with the fabric of your choice and re-use the pattern to cover anything you want! (Pattern provided by Thread Den)

1 x 3h class

$65

BYO 30cm fabric (recommended cotton, drill, linen), 30cm clear lightweight vinyl/plastic (easy to get at Spotlight), 2m bias binding, matching thread

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Clutch Hand Bag

Create this cute clutch for day or night. It fastens with a belt buckle and is small and light enough to hang over one shoulder.

1 x 3hr session

$65

BYO: Half a meter of patterned fabric, half a meter of plain coloured fabric, one buckle between 5cm and 10cm (new or vintage), matching thread.

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Recycle your favorite tee print into a tote bag

Do you have a favorite tee that you no longer wear but love the print too much to part with it? This lesson will help you give the print a new life by turning the front of the tee into a tote bag

1x 3 hour session

$65

BYO: t-shirts, 1 mt of fabric for your tote, matching thread and 1 mt of lining if you want to line your bag.

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Cooking with Heat 60s Apron

The perfect way to keep that dinner party outfit pristine while you cook up a storm. Straight out of 1967, this sleeveless apron is both stylish and practical, with a front sectioned pocket and finished with braiding or bias binding. It almost makes you want to bake. Almost.

1 x 3 hour sessions

$65

BYO: 1.7m fabric, recommended - cotton, denim, linen, poplin, homespun, 2m bias binding or fold over braid, 1.4m ric rac (optional), Thread to match fabric.

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European & Floor Cushions

Create your own fashionable floor cushion or 18" envelope style cushion, or both! Test your skills, decorate your home, impress your mum or just feel a deep sense of self-satisfaction. You can't lose, and you will take home cushions that cost a fraction of those you buy in stores. Choose your own fabrics and use our simple pattern to make up to three cushions in this class.

1 x 2 hour session

$45

BYO: For Floor cushions: 1.5 meters of fabric per cushion (medium to heavy weight cotton, denim or furnishing fabrics recommended). Matching thread and a 56cm or 60cm invisible zip also required.
OR
For European cushions: 110cm fabric (cotton, linen or lightweight denim recommended). Matching thread, 3 buttons per cushion (maximum 2cm diameter). Depending on the width of fabric, this length can make up to three cushions.

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Door Stops & Draft Stoppers

Spruce up your nest this winter by sewing your own draught stoppers and door stops in fabric of your own choice.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

BYO: 50cm of woven fabric at least 100cm wide (we recommend mid to heavy weight cotton, canvas, homewares fabric, denim (non-stretch). Bring another 50cm in a different design if you want to make another set.
Stuffing: 2kgs dried beans per door stop, and a bag full of fabric scraps/rags for your draft stopper.
Also bring along matching thread.

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Revive Your Vintage Finds

Got a great eye for treasure hidden within a vintage garment that doesn't quite fit right? Now is your chance to make the changes you want to make under the skilful guidance of a Thread Den designer. This class will teach you to bring those refashioning ideas to life!

1 x 3 hour session

$59

You will need to bring:
Any garments you'd like adjust, matching thread, and any other notions needed (eg. zips, buttons etc).

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Tips and Tricks from a Designer

In two short hours we'll have you expertly replacing buttons, adjusting trouser hems, patching holes or anything else you can think of! You will learn the basic mending tricks that will have your mum rubbing her eyes in disbelief. All sewing equipment will be provided, but bring along any items you would like to mend or alter.

1 x 2 hour session

$45

All sewing equipment will be provided, but bring along any items you would like to mend or alter.

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Fabulous Finishings

A class designed for students who want to learn different seaming and bias binding techniques.  You'll never need an overlocker again! Finish your garments so they are beautiful both inside and out.
Some basic sewing experience is required.

1 x 3 hour session

$65

All sewing equipment will be provided, but bring along any items you would like to mend or alter.

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Knitting for Beginners & Beyond

(For knitters of all levels)

When was the last time you picked up your needles? A year? More? Never? Ten minutes with Vicky and you'll remember everything you've forgotten, or learn enough from scratch to commence your first project. The basics for beginners, tips, tricks and advice for the more experienced, look no further for your knitting needs.

1 x 2 hour session

$39

BYO: knitting needles, wool & any knitting project that you are working on or would like to get started.

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Crochet: Beginners to Intermediate

If you haven't discovered the magic of crochet then this class is a great introduction. Learn the basic crochet stitches of chain, double crochet and treble, then move on to create your own flower or book mark. Once you get started the possibilities are endless!

1 x 2 hour session

$39

BYO : 1 x large hook (4.00, 4.50 or 5.00mm), any colour combinations of wool (please note that the brighter the colour the easier it is to pick up the stitching technique)
Thread Den will also have some materials on hand.

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Introduction to Patchworking

(for anyone who can sew a straight line)

If you are addicted to fabric this is the class for you. Learn how to create a patchwork belt, scarf or cushion with your own unique fabric combinations. This class will inspire you to put fabrics together that you never thought possible!

1 x 3 hour session

$69 (includes a patchworking materials kit)

All materials provided.

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Patchwork your own Table Runner

Sick of your boring table? Use your love of colour and fabric design to create your own unique Table Runner that will be the envy of all your friends.

2 x 2hr sessions

$79

BYO: 30cm backing fabric - this can be a print or homespun plain colour, 15cm of two fabrics for centre panel, 30cm fabric for outer border and binding, 10cm of fabric for first border. It is best to use 100% cotton as this is easier for beginners to work with.
Participants can bring the fabric for the top cover and then purchase the backing for the next week after discussion in the first class.

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Lights on - Lights off

Taking an old lampshade base and recovering it in a new fabric, hard backing cover and a few embellishments will make staying indoors this winter all that more enjoyable. You'll reconstruct your lampshade frame using a combination of sewing and glueing techniques.

1 x 3 hour session

$70

BYO: Students are to bring a lampshade frame (not a ceiling shade – the best options to work with will be a cylinder or drum frame. You can however still work with an empire or coolee frame with straight sides). Also bring along enough fabric to cover the circumference of your frame (best fabrics to work with are cotton, linen, canvas and damask - no man-made fibres thank-you!!), an A1 piece of heavy weight translucent pressure sensitive styrene paper from a good quality paper supply store (try Deans Art and Lincraft), 20 pegs, 1 roll of double sided tape. 1 – 1.5 meter of trimming, bias binding, beading or fringing, and matching thread.

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Marvellously Made Tea towels

Create your own handcrafted set of personalised Tea Towels, using an image of your choice. Silkscreen a repeat image, and then cut your fabric to size adding that professionally sewn finish.

1 x 3hr session - class held at North Melbourne only

$69

BYO: 1 to 2 metres of Prewashed Linen Fabric (fabric does not need to be white!), matching cotton, a small selection of black and white images on paper (your own designs or photocopies to make into a stencil - no bigger than A4 in size).

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Screen Printing

Take your own designs and turn them into something unique to wear, or to decorate your home. Using your own design, you will learn to screen print this image onto your chosen fabric or piece of clothing. Personalise your own tea-towels or placemats, or print onto a singlet or tee for the perfect personalised gift or to keep for yourself.

1 x 3 hour session - class held at North Melbourne only

$69

BYO: A light coloured t-shirt, a piece of fabric, or other items you wish to print onto. Your own designs or photocopies to make into a stencil.

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Illustrate, pattern make and create your own design

In this class students will make a simple shift dress or top of their own design. In the first lesson you will learn to illustrate your design and draft your own basic pattern. In the second lesson you will cut out and sew up the garment bringing your idea to life. This gives a fantastic overview of the entire fashion designing process
with students practicing all steps from an idea to a finished product.

2x 4 hour sessions

$168

BYO:
For the first class: 2b pencils, sharpener, rubber, A4 art quality paper and your choice of coloured pencils, paints, pastels or charcoal.

For the second class:2mt fabric (students will be encouraged to chose a fabric themselves that best suits their design, so wait until after the first lesson to buy it) and thread to match.
1 x 50cm invisible zip. 0.5mt light fusible interfacing.

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Fashion Illustration: Folio Preparation

Learn to stretch the human form to create a series of dynamic templates to design on.
This class covers the basics of figure drawing and some useful tips for realising your own designs. Don't fall at the first hurdle get those designs out of your head and down on paper. Start to build your own fashion portfolio now!

1x3 hour class

$65

BYO: Pencils, sharpener, rubbers, some good quality drawing paper, some not so good quality paper and whatever you'd like to colour with.

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Pattern Making from Existing Garments

Learn to make patterns from your favourite pieces of clothing. Bring along a simple garment such as a skirt or basic dress, and we’ll show you how to reproduce those classic numbers so you’ll be able to make them again and again.

1 x 5 hour session

$105 until September 30
$126 from October 1st onwards

BYO: Please bring along a selection of simple garments to learn to make your pattern from.

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Commercial Pattern Adapting 101: Frankenstein’s Pattern

A class designed for students who want to adapt commercial patterns to suit personal taste and fit. Why not create your own Frankenstein pattern by taking all the good bits from different patterns and incorporating them into one complete design? Perfect for sewers with a pile of old patterns and a good eye for design.

1 x 5 hour session

$105 until September 30
$126 from October 1st onwards

BYO: Design ideas and some patterns to adapt. 
Thread Den also have a variety of vintage patterns available for purchase.

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A Skirt Just for Me!

The class covers adapting a commercial skirt block to fit you perfectly, then adapting the basic pattern into two variations - an A-line and a gored skirt. In the lesson you will make and adjust a calico toile leaving you with a skirt block and one or two complete patterns.

1 x 5 hour session

$105 until September 30
$126 from October 1st onwards

All sewing equipment supplied.

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Fits like a Glove

Do you have a pattern you want to try? Or have you got a pattern you love or is ill fitting? Learn to correctly construct and fit a pattern of your choice by making a calico toile (mock-up) in class with guidance.

The perfect follow-on class to any of our patternmaking classes.

1 x 5 hour session

$105 until September 30
$126 from October 1st onwards

BYO: Pattern (could include a pattern you have made yourself), fabric, thread & any other notions that may be needed to complete your sample garment.

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Thread Den Social Night

Due to popular request Thread Den is bringing back the Social Night - a night of sewing, craft and skill-sharing for those who like to craft in good company.  Light refreshments will be served by your hosts, the Thread Den ladies, but feel free to pop on your pinnie and whip up a plate of your own treats to share. 

FREE – Bookings essential

Bring a plate and a project.

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