Sewing Lessons

Sewing Lessons 

Introducing techniques based, individualised sewing lessons.

For complete beginners to intermediates who would like to improve on their current skill set.

I can teach you a range of skills and how they can be applied in a range of different projects. I can guide you at your pace and give you a selection of techniques that you can use to achieve the results that suit you.

Contact me to arrange lessons at a time that suits you and cover skills you would like to learn.

 

Price and Location

$35 per hour (Recommend at least 2 hours at a time)

$100 for 3 hours

Held at my home studio in Bundall on the Gold Coast.

Contact me via social media or email bycatdesign72@gmail.com to organise a time or ask further questions.

Suggested Lesson Topics

Introduction to sewing and sewing machine basics

Basic tools and notions

Fabric selection and preparation

Getting to know your machine (stitches, feet, attachments)

Understanding commercial patterns

Pattern modification

Working with downloadable pdf patterns

Garment construction basics, collars, cuffs, curved seams, fastenings, pockets, waistbands, gathering, pleating, facings, hems and more.

Introduction to working with knit fabric (with and without an overlocker)

Basics of mending and alterations

Do you have a project you are stuck on and need some assistance to move forward?

Wanting to start a big project but need some help getting started?

About Me

I started sewing at a very early age and like most country girls my first teachers were my Mother and Grandmother. I loved clothes but because we had no close shops I turned to sewing as a way of exploring this interest. My first formal sewing lessons were in high school but I was more focused on science and sewing was just a hobby for many years. I continued to sew for myself and family for quite a number of years but got frustrated with my stagnating skill set. I decided to do a formal sewing course to sharpen my skills and learn new techniques.

I completed a certificate II in Garment Construction at The Academy of Design on the Gold Coast. I have continued to add to my skill set with online courses and the use of my increasing sewing reference library.

You can see my work on the following platforms

Facebook By Cat Design 72

Instagram @bycatdesign72

Etsy ByCatDesignByCatDesign

Begining Again

Welcome back!

I decided that I should brush the dust off this old blog and see what I can do with it.

I've updated some of the information and added links to my Etsy store and my Facebook page.

I thought that rather than fill up my personal Facebook page with long posts I might throw my progress and random thoughts back on this site. I will also be able to link to it then you can read in more detail if you want to.

Feel free to check out my old posts, some are cute, most are long winded and boring. I am not blessed with the ability to tell stories. Though I do like to be reminded of my sewing history, it makes me happy to see what I have achieved.

I Have My Sewing Mojo Back!

(At least for now!)


I made some more stuff today. Including a red cami and undies set.
And PJ bottoms to match the robe:

Feeling happy and productive!

Summer Robe

New Look 6657



I have been wanting a new Summer Robe for a while and have just got my hands on quite a few metres of this fabulous tropical cotton. I needed to try out this pattern from New Look. I felt that a red contrast would make the print pop. I am quite happy with the final result. I made the medium size, long length, short sleeve with pockets.

This is the pocket detail with some ribbon trim.

Back:
Side:
Front:

Patchwork Baby Skirt

For My Niece.


I saw this fun patchwork skirt that vegbee had posted on her blog (justtutes)and had wanted to make one. A while ago Spotlight had a sale on fat quarters and I had picked up 10 different pinks with this project in mind. Each square is 5 inches, the first tier is 10 squares, the second is 20 squares and the third tier is 40 squares. Quite a full skirt by the end.

Here it is modeled by teddy:

Again by Teddy Standing:



And Laid Flat:


Will try to get it in the post over the next few days.

Retro Apron

Simplicity 4282



I had bought these patterns a while ago and finally got around to making one. View A, size large. The fabric is a furnishing fabric remnant bought for 50c per metre with gold satin bias binding. I have wanted a red apron for a while and finally got around to making one.


Front:



Side:
Back:
I decided to cross the back straps because I felt they would always fall off my shoulders. I also sewed them in place rather than using buttons.

More Dresses for Very Little Girls

I made all this from New Look 6794. The above shot is of view C over view B. This is all made from printed cotton and eyelet lace. Overall I am quite happy with this pattern but I think it is quite a bit bigger than I thought it would be.

This is view B on its own.

View C on its own. I liked the method of covering the collar seam with bias binding, it gives a very neat finish.

This is view C over view D with view B next to it. I think this is a really cute look too.



This is view D, the bloomers. I didn't have enough eyelet lace left to go around the legs of the bloomers so decided to gather some of the striped fabric so there was a combination of the same fabrics in these as well. Apart from the size being quite a bit larger than I thought it would be I think it all turned out rather well. Hope SIL likes it too.