I can offer tuition on a range of sewing related subjects:
Brother PE-Design Software - Basic.
I can give you a quick and easy guidance through all aspects of this brilliantly versatile software. This course covers the basic use of all programs included in PE-Design. I will go through a built-in design using the programme default settings, then re-editing using stitch direction, stitch density, different stitch types to make improvements. Photo stitch and cross-stitch, writing multiple designs to a card, and importing designs and creating your own infill stitches are also included.
Training courses are mainly on Brother PE-Design software Version 8 & PE-Design Next, however courses can be run on older versions on request. Instructional notes will be given.
Brother PE-Design Software - Advanced Techniques.
Taking you further on from the basic course and covering cutwork, appliqué, shadow work, different coloured outlines, stitch to block and manual punching, and much more. You will be shown how to utilize the new facilites in the latest versions of the software to create unique designs, and be inspired to progress further. Instruction notes will be given.
Please see samples of some of this work in my PE Design Gallery.
You will be advised to do the Basic Course before doing this one.
Brother PE-Design Software - Further Advanced Explorations.
This course will take you further into exploring the design possibilities of this versatile software package. We will study all the stitch patterns, shapes and techniques possible so that you will be inspired to create your own unique pieces of work. (Please see samples of Gradiation Stitch & Chenile work plus a collage of shapes and stitch patterns in my PE Design Gallery). These are only two possibilites, we can explore much further than this.
You will be advised to do the above two courses prior to doing this one.
Getting to know your own Sewing Machine.
(All Brother models from basic upwards, plus more basic models of all other makes).
I will show you how to use all accessories with the machine, and all the stitches from basic straight stitch, zig zag, overlock, blind hem, and button hole right through to embroidery. This course should then give you confidence to explore further possibilities, and use your sewing machine to its full potential.
If you have a Brother computerised Embroidery Machine, then I can cover all aspects of importing embroidery designs and sewing them off.
Dressmaking Classes for Beginners.
I can guide you through all stitching techniques and help you to understand and follow a pattern so that you will soon be making your own clothes. This course is usually given over a series of 2 hour sessions until you are satisfied that you have learnt enough. This enables you to progress on with homework given so that you can practice techniques taught, and do the bulk of the work in your own time at home before you learn the next stage. These classes are very flexible so please ring me to discuss what you would like to do.
I also run courses on the following Textile Embroidery techniques:
Free Machine Embroidery/Textile Art Classes for Beginners.
If you have ever admired the work of Textile Artists and wished you could try it for yourself, then I can guide you through the preliminary stages of free machine embroidery and beyond so that you will soon be inspired to try and create your own masterpieces.
This covers a comprehensive range of free machine stitch techniques and uses. You do not need a complicated machine to do this, most machines with straight stitch and zigzag are OK. Please ring me for details.
I can cover many aspects of Textile Art and Surface Decoration either on a "one to one" basis, or as a group class. Please see samples of my work in my work gallery.
Specialised Textile Art Courses:
Getting to know your Embellisher.
An Embellishing machine can help you to design wonderful backgrounds for your work, and create fantastic embellishments to enhance your projects. If you have an emblellisher, then this course is designed to help you understand how it works, and get the most from it.
Cutwork, Applique, & Shadow Work.
I can show you how to build up a design using all the above techniques, so that you have a finished sample at the end of the day. (Notes will be given for this). This will hopefully inspire your enthusiasm to try out your own ideas on future projects. (Please see the Cutwork Sampler and Cushion in my work gallery).
NB You may wish to attend the Free Machine Embroidery course before doing this one, as we will be using some of those techniques. Please also note that this course is completely different to similarly named techniques in the PE-Design software course mentioned earlier.
Fabric Bead Making - "BEADS N'MORE" - NEW COURSE
This course uses a range of different materials, including sheer fabric (organza), Angelina Film and Fibre, Kunin Felt. Felt fibres, and Friendly Plastic. Many of these techniques are brand new discoveries developed by yours truely, and therefore a new course has been set up. They are designed to give you plenty of inspiration for enhancing your own textile art projects, but are also very suitable for jewellery making. It is a course for every level of expertise from beginners upwards. (Please see the new pictures in my work gallery - these beads were very easy to make, and I will be delighted to show you how).
COURSE DATE AND VENUE - TUESDAY 13TH MARCH 2012 - AT ART VAN GO, KNEBWORTH, HERTS.
NB. I apologise for the change from the orginal date (23rd Feb.) as listed previously.
PLEASE RING ART VAN GO DIRECT ON 01438-814946 FOR DETAILS AND TO BOOK THE COURSE, OR ring me on 01707-324413 for more information.
Sewing with Metal.
I can show you that it is possible to sew through a variety of soft metals such as copper and brass shim, and wire mesh etc. We can also explore possibilities of distressing the metal with heat and other techniques. This is an exciting, popular and very inspirational course. NB You will need a heat gun and all safety issues will be covered. (Please see samples of sewing with metal in my work gallery).
Working with Kunin Felt.
Kunin Felt is not like ordinary felt, it can easily be sewn into then distressed with the use of a heat gun. It is made from recycled plastic bottles, therefore making it very environmentally friendly to use. I can show you the creative effects that this can give to your work. (Please see a sample in my work gallery).
Please ring me for more information on these techniques, or any other textile art techniques that you would be interested in learning.