Bought a Sewing machine during COVID lockdown and need some help to make the most of it? Try this basic class in July and follow up learning how to make clothes, starting with a simple pair of trousers over 5 weeks in September: Trousers Sew-Along.Get 10% off the Trousers Sew-Along course starting September if you attend this class! Ease back into sewing or if you want to start afresh with this easy and satisfying soft, lined tie-top bag. The pattern is really a blank canvas for other textile techniques you can try out as well as a great stash buster […]

Starting Your Sewing Bee Journey With Karen Odinga A five-week course, meeting each Wednesday evening from 15th September to 13th October. £35 for the full course paid in advance, or £7.50 per week (total £37.50). Get 10% off this course if you also attend "Reconnect With Your Sewing Machine & Make a Tie Top Bag" in July! If you are a beginner to sewing, you don’t have to be stuck making endless tote bags to learn the basics.  Sew up something that you can really use again and again like this smart and comfortable pair of trousers with flattering side […]

The Centre will be celebrating three great things on this day! In celebrating our post Covid re opening you can come and see how our new internal layout gives us a new hall with better disabled access and a changed kitchen. We will also thank Dolphin WI for the planting of a centennial apple tree in our new garden and celebrate the achievements of local community heroes by unveiling a plaque - all in one day. Chair of Braintree District Council, Cllr Sue Wilson, will attend together with several community leaders. Many of the user groups will be showing off […]

Mixed Media Landscapes With David Pasfield Use acrylic washes on textured or smooth paper, overlaid with different “stick” mediums, to enhance your original washes. This technique will “free up” your style, producing pleasing and sometimes experimental effects. Equipment & Materials: Acrylic paints – vibrant colours. Watercolour paper – preferable hot-pressed paper (smooth surface) at least 50 x 50 cm square. Large bristle paint brushes / decorator’s brushes. Palette knife. Easel – free-standing. Wax / oil crayons, chalks, soft pastels, felt-tip pens / markers, charcoal, acrylic inks – all colours. Palette – grease-proof paper on cardboard or stay-wet palette. Two water […]

With Karen Odinga A four-week course, meeting each Wednesday evening from 20th October to 10th November. £28 for the full course paid in advance, or £7.50 per week (total £30). Learn to work with stretch knit fabrics to create a tunic or dress. With the basic T-shirt style pattern provided, you will be in control since you will have the opportunity to adjust the length for either a tunic or dress as well as creating a round or v-neck. All styles have sleeves and there are options for a ruffle and adding additional colour bands. Pattern provided is multi-sized so […]

With Karen Odinga A two-week course, meeting on Wednesday evenings 17th and 24th November. £15 for the full course, or £7.50 per week. A loose, drapey, kimono style jacket for any occasion Create an easy to sew classic cover up with drop kimono-style sleeves with the multi sized pattern provided. An easy throw-on style or chic finish to an outfit. Materials to bring: Sewing machine with leads accessories etc. Please be familiar with the basic operations of your particular model. Fabric (see below for size requirements) All purpose thread to match your fabric Dressmaking shears Dressmaking pins Tape measure Your […]