Sewing Schools at Chatsworth 2008

Our sewing schools are friendly, informal and fun. Tutored by seamstresses trained here at Chatsworth, they are held in the beautiful 19th century Theatre in the house. Our main aim is to let you see what can be achieved with a little help, and to give you the confidence to go on and use your newfound skills at home.

Full day workshops
The full day workshops offer a combination of demonstrations and tuition, with the emphasis on hands-on practical work. All materials and equipment require for the day will be provided; all you need to know is how to use an electric sewing machine. The price includes free parking, refreshments, a two course meal (or soup and a sweet) with coffee and a signed certificate on completion of the day's workshop. You take home the samples you have made, along with comprehensive notes.

Machine Patchwork, part 1 - FULLY BOOKED
Monday 28 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £90
If you have ever fancied having a go at machine patchwork but didn't know where to start, this is the course for you. Tell us the colours you would like to work with and we will have them ready for you on the day. This is a very practical day and we hope it will inspire you to go on and create all sorts of beautiful things. All materials and equipment will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to purchase the basic tools required at discounted prices.

Machine Patchwork, part 2
Monday 11 August - 9.00am - 4.00pm - £90
To follow on from machine patchwork part 1, we are offering this full day class with a choice of blocks, this time incorporating diagonal pieces.

Machine Patchwork, part 4 - new this year
Monday 4 August, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £90
Thursday 14 August, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £90
To follow on from the previous workshops, part 4 will offer a selection of blocks with a variety of skill levels. Come and enjoy yourself!

Cushion Cover Techniques - FULLY BOOKED
Monday 21 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £105
A very practical day, where we will show you how to make an assortment of shaped cushion covers. You will learn how to make and apply piping and frilling to various shaped cushions. Our students are always thrilled with the work they produce.

Roman Blinds
Monday 14 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £105
Whether you need one Roman blind for your bathroom, or enough to fit out a conservatory, this is the day for you. A very relaxed workshop where you will make a sample blind, incorporating all the techniques required to make any size blind.

Curtain Making Techniques - FULLY BOOKED
Thursday 10 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £105
This one day workshop will guide you through the basics of making lined and interlined curtains. Learn how to measure, calculate and cut your fabric. You will learn how to pattern match successfully and achieve a professional finish.

Fun with Fabrics
Thursday 7 August, 9.00am to 4.00pm - £95
A very practical, hands-on day making all sorts of quick gift ideas on the sewing machine. All our previous students have loved this workshop. Join us and have some fun!

Half day demonstrations
The half day demonstrations offer a detailed demonstration in creating your chosen subject, with comprehensive notes to take home; they do not involve hands-on work for you, and last approximately three hours including refreshment.

Finishing Touches
Wednesday 13 August, starting at 10.00am - £35
All you ever wanted to know about creating a professional finish, which will include how to confidently sew in zips, and other fastenings, make and apply piping, frilling, trimmings, appliqué, and simple machine decoration.

Curtain Techniques
Tuesday 5 August, starting at 1.00pm - £35
How to measure; calculate for quantities, cut and complete traditional lined and interlined curtains. You will learn how to use various headings to compliment your window, and we will cover pattern matching, choosing fabrics, managing velvet and trouble-shooting.

Cushion Cover Techniques
Wednesday 30 July, starting at 10.00am - £35
How to measure, cut and complete cushion covers; including centring patterns, making and applying piping, calculating for frills and borders, mounting embroidered panels and various methods of fastenings and finishing touches for the perfect result.

Roman Blinds
Tuesday 15 July, starting at 1.00pm - £35
How to measure, calculate, cut and complete that professional Roman Blind. All of the above events are booked direct with the Textiles Department.

Fabulous Festive Crafts - new this year
Tuesday 21 October, 9.45am to 12.15pm or 1.45pm to 4.15pm
£25 per person including materials
Join five of the house seamstresses in the 19th century Victorian Theatre in the house, and be inspired with lots of fun Christmas craft and style ideas. Come and join in the relaxed atmosphere, where there will be a mixture of demonstrations and hands-on sessions. We will be using fabrics, ribbons, sequins, card and much more. Take home what you make - all materials and equipment are provided. No experience necessary - just bring a smile! Treat yourself to a light lunch in the Burlington room. Enjoy soup or sandwiches, tea or coffee and a sweet for only £11.50 per person. (Pre-booking essential - This exclusive offer is only available if booked at the same time as your craft session). Please telephone the Chatsworth booking office on 01246 565300 to book tickets for the Fabulous Festive Crafts.