The Art of Dressmaking
Sewing workshops and classes to help you make clothing you love! Here you'll find an array of different classes & workshops run to help you tap into your own, unique style & become a better sewer so you can make the clothes and things that fit you well and help you shine. These are the clothes YOU want and love!
Op Shop Alterations
Thursday 2 May 2024
**Please note to avoid disappointment: Bookings close two full days before the class is run.**
If you've found the most loveable top, dress, pair of pants or anything else from an op-shop and it NEARLY fits you, bring your garment to the workshop as we look at options of how to optimise fit for existing garments so you can prepare or sew it in this practical class.
Hanging By a Thread
The Art of Dressmaking - Macksville Kids Term 2 Sewing Class
3:45 -5:15pm Mondays - from May 6 2024
A weekly sewing class run after school during the term for children wanting to learn practical sewing skills. This is done as your child is encouraged to explore their creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
Children are to bring their own sewing machine and white thread for the class (- contact Melinda if you would like to hire a machine).
Hanging By a Thread
The Art of Dressmaking - COFFS Kids Term 2 Sewing Class
3:45 -5:15pm Mondays - from 12 February
A weekly sewing class run after school during the term for children wanting to learn practical sewing skills. This is done as your child is encouraged to explore their creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
Children are to bring their own sewing machine and white thread for the class (- contact Melinda if you would like to hire a machine).
Stitches by the Sea
Invisible zip workshop
Saturday 11 May ~ 9:30am - 12:00pm
**Please note to avoid disappointment: Bookings close a full 2 days before the class is run.**
In this workshop you will learn how to insert an invisible zipper into your garments, learning industry tips and tricks that will give a neat, professional finish as you go.
Hanging by a Thread
Bring Your Own ~ Personal Project Workshop
Saturday 25 May 2024
Bring your current project along to work on under the guidance and tuition of Melinda so you can really gain some traction with your creative projects. While it isn't quite the place to bring all your garments with all of your questions all at once (that's a private lesson), it is a great opportunity to learn how to complete your garment and learn from others with theirs.
Please bring your sewing machine and any relevant sewing equipment along with you.
Hanging By a Thread
Level One Intermediate Sewing Course
Thursday 6 June 2024
Register your interest here by clicking 'book now' and then letting me know via email.
Hanging By a Thread
Private Lesson
Time set privately
Please call Melinda on 0403 867 257 to arrange a private lesson for whatever your sewing needs and desires might be.
To Be Confirmed
Make It Your Size: How to adjust a pattern to your size: Mks
Saturday 27 July 2024
Bookings close a full 3 days before the class.
Are you a size or two smaller up top than you are around your hips? Do the dresses that you sew keep falling off your shoulders?
In this class we will look at taking measures to adjust your bought pattern to fit you body better before you even touch your fabric. No more cutting out badly fitting patterns - now that's what I call more fun and efficient!
Hanging by a Thread
Make It Your Size: Adjust a pattern to your size~ Coffs
Saturday 19 October 2024
Bookings close a full 3 days before the class.
Are you a size or two smaller up top than you are around your hips? Do the dresses that you sew keep falling off your shoulders?
In this class we will look at taking measures to adjust your bought pattern to fit you body better before you even touch your fabric. No more cutting out badly fitting patterns - now that's what I call more fun and efficient!
Stitches by the Sea
Machine Hire
Tuesday 31 December 2024
Please ignore the date above and select this if you are hiring a sewing machine for any workshop.
Machine Hire - Kids Term Classes
Tuesday 31 December 2024
Please ignore the date above and select this if you are hiring a sewing machine for the duration of a term kids class
KIDS INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP: Personalised Bunting~ Macksville
Between Monday 22 January 2024 and Saturday 27 April 2024
Bookings for this workshop close at midnight Wednesday 24 April 2024
In this workshop kids who have a sound knowledge of sewing basics will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make personalised bunting. Children will be fine tuning their straight sewing, corners, learning how to apply letters and hand sew around them. They will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE class and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). ***
IF YOU'D LIKE TO USE YOUR CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHER- PLEASE EMAIL MELINDA DIRECTLY BY CLICKING THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP: Watermelon Pencil Case ~ Coffs
Wednesday 17 April 2024
Bookings for this workshop close midnight Saturday 13 April.
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own watermelon pencil case - perfect for all their creative tools! Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO USE YOUR CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHER- PLEASE EMAIL MELINDA DIRECTLY BY CLICKING THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Stitches by The Sea ~ Coffs Harbour
KIDS WORKSHOP for Beginners: Make scrunchies~ Coffs Harbour
Wednesday 17 April 2024
!BOOKINGS for this close three days before the workshop!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to grow their confidence using a sewing machine to make their own hair scrunchie. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop suits beginners and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with no or little sewing machine experience. (See T's & C's). ***
IF YOU'D LIKE TO USE YOUR CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHER- PLEASE EMAIL MELINDA DIRECTLY BY CLICKING THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Stitches by the Sea ~ Coffs Harbour
KIDS INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP: Watermelon Pencil Case ~ Macks
Monday 15 April 2024
Bookings for this workshop close midnight Saturday 13 April
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own watermelon pencil case - perfect for all their creative tools! Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO USE YOUR CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHER- PLEASE EMAIL MELINDA DIRECTLY BY CLICKING THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread ~ Macksville
The Art of Dressmaking - Macksville Kids Term 1 Sewing Class
3:45 -5:15pm Mondays - from 12 February
A weekly sewing class run after school during the term for children wanting to learn practical sewing skills. This is done as your child is encouraged to explore their creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
Children are to bring their own sewing machine and white thread for the class (- contact Melinda if you would like to hire a machine).
Hanging By a Thread
The Art of Dressmaking - Macksville Kids Term 2 Class Taster
Monday 5 February 2024: 3:35 - 5:15pm
Are you wondering if after-school term classes are for your child? This 1.5 hour term taster class will give you a clearer idea of what we do and how I teach within the term classes.
Children are to bring their own sewing machine and white thread for the class (- contact Melinda if you would like to hire a machine).
Hanging By a Thread
Make A T-Shirt
Between Monday 4 December 2023 and Monday 22 January 2024
In this course, students will learn how to make a T-shirt in their desired size.
Students will be able to directly apply skills and knowledge to use their overlocker - and sewing machine if necessary - to finish their T-shirt necklines and hems in a professional way.
We will also look at slight adjustments to make them look better on you although this will not be the focus of the class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Library Bag
Wednesday 24 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 21 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own drawstring bag (great as a library bag or toy tidy!). Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop suits ALL LEVELS and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. (See T's & C's). *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Forest Friend
Wednesday 17 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 14 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be provided with the materials and guidance to make their own forest friend. Please note this is a HANDSEWING workshop so no machine is needed.
*** This workshop suits ALL LEVELS and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Personalised Satchel
Monday 15 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 14 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own mailbag style carry bag with the chance to personalise it. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE class and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Tunic
Monday 15 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Friday 12 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own wearable tunic. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE class and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Tote Bag
Wednesday 10 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 7 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own tote bag. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is for ALL LEVELS and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). ***
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. PLEASE NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Pair of PJ Shorts
Monday 8 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Friday 5 Jan 24!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own PJ shorts. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE class and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). ***
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about class preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Naughts + Crosses Game
Wednesday 3 January 2024
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 31/12!
In this workshop kids will be provided with the materials and guidance to make their own naughts and crosses travel game. Please note this is a HAND SEWING workshop so no machine is needed.
*** This workshop suits ALL LEVELS and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Personalised Pillowcase
Wednesday 27 December 2023
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sunday 24/12!
In this workshop kids will be provided with the materials and guidance to make their own personalised pillowcase. Children will need to bring their own sewing machine or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire for the workshop if needed.
*** This workshop suits ALL LEVELS & is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. ***
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this class.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make an Upcycled Apron
Wednesday 20 December 2023
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Sun 17/12!
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to to make an upcycled apron. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact me to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
*** This workshop is an INTERMEDIATE class and is Ideal for children 8+ yrs with with appropriate sewing machine experience (See T's & C's). *** By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.
Hanging By a Thread
KIDS WORKSHOP: Make a Pod Tidy
Monday 18 December 2023
!BOOKINGS for this workshop close at midnight Thurs 14/12!
*** This is an INTERMEDIATE level, ideal for children 8+ yrs with with sewing machine experience (See T's & C's for more info). ***
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their hanging pod tidy (think a cool home for bits and pieces). Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact Melinda to arrange sewing machine hire if needed.
By booking this workshop you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions. NOTE: Please watch your inbox for an email about preparation for this workshop.
Hanging By a Thread
Understand a Commercial Pattern
Between Friday 14 July 2023 and Wednesday 6 December 2023
**Please note to avoid disappointment: Bookings close a full 2 days before the class is run.**
Does all the information and the jargon in commercial patterns overwhelm you? Do you question whether you need to actually do what they want you to do? - and just what exactly IS it that they want you to do? This class will help you understand those confusing instructions but also how they relate to the marks on the pattern pieces themselves and why you're doing them.
I will be working through some patterns but bring your own pattern that you have questions about too.
Hanging by a Thread
Beginner's Sewing Course: Make a Cute Blouse
Wednesday 18 October 2023
In this 4 part course you will make a cute puff sleeve blouse where in the process, you'll learn:
1. Sewing machine and tools basics
2. Essential sewing and construction techniques used on creating all garments
3. Fabric selection basics
4. Basic pattern-reading and fabric preparation skills
5. Making sure your garment fits
6. How to sew with sustainability in mind.
These are practical and transferrable skills that you will be able to use in all your future projects, and you'll be given industry hints and tips to give you an even more professional looking finished garment.
Hanging By a Thread
Make a Drawstring Backpack
Wednesday 4 October 2023
In this workshop kids will be given the guidance and materials to be able to make their own functional drawstring backpack. Children will need to bring their own sewing machine or contact me to arrange sewing machine hire for the workshop if needed.
*** Ideal for children 10+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. ***
Hanging By a Thread
Make a Drink Bottle Bag
Monday 2 October 2023
In this workshop kids will be provided with fabric and guidance to make their own simple shoulder drink bottle bag/holder with a shoulder strap. Children will need to bring their own sewing machine or contact me to arrange sewing machine hire for the workshop if needed. *** Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. ***
Hanging By a Thread
Make A Plushy Heart Cushion
Wednesday 27 September 2023
In this workshop kids will be provided with materials to learn and practise hand sewing techniques such as decorative stitching as well as machine sewing to sew the cushion together. Children will need to bring a sewing machine to use or contact me to arrange sewing machine hire if needed. *** Ideal for children 8+ yrs with some sewing machine experience. ***
Hanging By a Thread
