The day will begin with tea, coffee and cakes, provided by Alison at The Oast Bakery, while we get to know each other. We will then start by learning the different parts of the sewing machine, how to thread it up, wind up a matching bobbin and try various different stitches and seam finishes. Once this is all familiar, we will move on to choosing and cutting the fabrics for our tote bag. You will be taught how to understand the qualities of different fabrics, the grain of the fabric and how to cut accurately, as well as how to insert a lining and attach handles perfectly. While we are doing all this, Alison at The Oast Bakery will be beavering away in the kitchen with local organic ingredients, whipping up a delicious lunch. After we've eaten we will assemble the tote bag, learning how to sew straight lines, turn corners accurately and finish the bag neatly with a lining. Please feel free to bring your own fabric, or choose from our selection of remnants. A medium weight cotton...

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