The Make Lounge has certainly been mentioned on BitchBuzz before, but this was the first session I’d personally attended there, other than the Urban Writers Retreat (which is fabulous, but could be held anywhere similarly central and quiet).
The Cushion Cover and Floral Corsage workshop is one of three absolute beginner level classes using sewing machines. The other options at the moment are a small apron and a canvas tote bag.
The evening session was running from 6:30-9:30 by a very lovely Laurel, who also takes some of The Make Lounge’s other sewing sessions. She’s a friendly and approachable soul, whom you first meet as you come in and riffle (neatly) through the racks of material to choose the woven fabric you’ll use for your cushion cover.
Although it varies with the group, you’ll usually complete your cushion cover and get about half-way through your corsage by the end of the evening, but you’re welcome to take your cloth scraps, thread, button decorations, instructions and safety pin clasp home to continue your work as that bit is all hand sewn.
I’ve never used a sewing machine at all before, and am a bit cack-handed, so it was lovely to have each step carefully demonstrated and explained. We were provided with patterns to pin on and cut around, and the room was carefully laid out with pins, bobbins, very good scissors and backup instructions.
Once the fabric was cut out and pressed, we learned to fill a bobbin, thread and set the machine, and then practiced running out a few lines of front and back stitch before taking up our painstakingly cut pieces and trying not to make a total mess of things. Despite a few errors, Lauren unflappably provided hints and explanations, demonstrating how to fix the problem and ensuring that every single person in the group from the most hamfisted (me) to the quickest learner (the girl next to me, natch) turned out a perfect cushion cover to be proud of.
With cushion pads neatly nestling in our envelopes of fabric, we burrowed into the scraps bin to get on with the corsage. All the materials are included in the cost of the course which is £47. The next one with free places is Sunday 31st January 2010, so I’d head over and book now.
Whilst sewing away there was also a chance to smile and chat with the other folks, although the concentration means that while it’s a congenial atmosphere, it’s fairly quiet. And, as one woman pointed out, it’s not a great place if you’re after a male date: “My friends did say I won’t meet a hot young man learning to use a sewing machine!”. But then I doubt that’s why most of us were there! Water, wine, tea and coffee were provided, and the venue itself is just off Islington’s Upper Street, in a lovely airy room.
Purely because I have two left, erm, hands, I’d probably do another beginner level course before progressing to some of the more complex sewing machine sessions, but I would say that quick learners could confidently move on to the next stage.
For a lovely sociable evening and a chance for some expert guidance through a new skill, it’s excellent value. My session was an early Christmas present, and I’d recommend vouchers for craft-inclined friends as a good gift.
Image via Izabela Habur for The Make Lounge