Sewing Lounges
Sewing skills used to be passed down from generation to generation. Sadly, this is not the case anymore. I don't know anyone who can sew a button on or mend a hem, including myself. A few years ago, I had to sew sequins on my daughter's dance costume. They flew off half way through her routine.
Sewing seems to be making a comeback though. Even my eight year old has expressed a desire to learn how
to sew. Well, now she can - and I don't need to spend a lot of money.
Sewing lounges are popping up everywhere; places where one can learn how to sew, pick up some new techniques, and socialise with other sewers. These sewing lounges provide the workspace and the equipment, so you don't have to.
Urban Sewing Lounge
Urban Sewing Lounge (5 Longlands Street, East Brisbane) was created by Linda Mahoney, who has been sewing as long as she can remember. Her sewing studio, opened in 2010, is a suburban sunroom stocked with easy to use sewing machines, cutting mats, overlocker, quilting machine, sewing library, and kitchenette. Adult classes are restricted to five while children's classes are limited to four.
www.urbansewinglounge.com.au
Linda's school holiday classes are incredibly popular. Young sewers learn how to sew by hand and machine; creating something special to take home. Classes are appropriate from 7 years up. All day classes cost $50 while a half day class cost $30. Fees include tuition, morning and/or afternoon tea, use of equipment, and small incidentals. Patterns and fabric are extra. After school classes during school terms are also available. Cost is $20 plus materials, including an afternoon snack.
Linda's adult classes ($40) cover the following: basic sewing, quilting, patchworking, appliquéing, and soft toy and cushion making.
For more information, click
here.
Piece Together
Piece Together (2/33A Logan Road, Woolloongabba) is located upstairs in a beautiful heritage listed building in the
Woolloongabba antique precinct. A studio, workshop, and marketplace, Piece Together is the place to go to create handmade items, meet like minded people, and purchase crafty things.
All equipment, including sewing machines, is provided. The classes, limited between eight and ten participants, reuse vintage goods or pre-loved items if possible. Sewing, knitting, and craft classes are available. Over 8's can choose from the following school holiday workshops: 'Sew a simple skirt', 'Beginner knitting', 'Upcycle rag rugging', and more.
www.piecetogether.com.au
Piece Together is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm. You can also attend an evening or weekend workshop when scheduled.
'Stitch 'n Bitch' social sessions are ideal if you're already working on a project. The sewing group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm, while the knitting/crochet group meets every second Thursday at 7pm.
Click
here for workshop details and prices.
The Secret Sewing Lounge
The Secret Sewing Lounge (653 Logan Road, Greenslopes) will make its debut on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Located downstairs in Brisbane's worst kept vintage secret,
Can You Keep a Secret?, The Secret Sewing Lounge will be fully equipped with vintage sewing machines, vintage patterns, and recycled materials.
Workshops will include everything from basic sewing (how to hem without a stapler) to upcycling clothing (creating something new from a pre-loved garment).
Vintage sewing machine at The Secret Sewing Lounge
'Bridging the Gap' will bring grandmothers, mothers, and daughters together to share their sewing skills and spend some quality time together.
'After Hours Sanity Sewing Group' is a social get together for sewers. Drink some tea or wine, have a chat and a laugh, and work on your sewing project in a fun, relaxing environment.
School holiday classes for children aged 8 and up are also being planned; sew a simple skirt, top, apron, or cushion from a pre-cut project pack.
Their workshops will range from $30 to $60, with some materials included.
Visit their
Facebook page for more information.
