What’s On

Paper Fabric - Creative Textiles workshop

Is it Paper? Is it fabric? Sometimes it’s neither. Contemporary embroidery has banished all the traditional methods and constrictions about what you can and can’t do. I often include substances such as paper, plastic and metal in my mixed-media textile art. This unusual mixed-media textile workshop will teach you how to create stitchable surfaces from paper and other non-conventional materials. Most of them are already lying about the house. Learn how to create colour and pattern, decorate with stitch (hand or machine), then use your stitched work to make a book or tablet cover.

No drawing experience is required. Free-motion embroidery experience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Must be pre-booked: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/event/paper-fabric-2/
Enquiries: jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or 0773 939 7369

Beginners Sewing Day

This Beginners Sewing Day is a quick and easy introduction to sewing. It provides the starting point to learn some foundation sewing techniques whether you want to progress into dressmaking, soft furnishing or craft projects. You’ll learn how to understand sewing machines, get experience of using different stitch types, learn about stitch lengths, widths and tensions. I’ll explain what the different presser feet are for and you’ll learn how to measure and cut fabric.

Then there’s an easy sewing project to make so you can practice your new skills. (Projects may vary, but will be specified for each event.)

I’ve been sewing since I was a child and that’s a lot of years experience. In that time, I’ve made every mistake in the book. During the Beginners Sewing Day, I’ll be sharing lots of my tips. So you can benefit from my mistakes and learn to sew like a pro. I wish I’d known all this stuff when I was starting out.

Who is this aimed at?
Beginners (if you’ve not used a sewing machine before or if you’ve only recently learned).

What will I learn?
How to use a sewing machine safely and confidently
How to wind bobbins and thread up the machine
Understand the importance of correct thread tension
How to sew perfect straight lines, smooth curves and turn corners
How to take up a hem
An easy sewing project

Must be pre-booked at: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/event/beginners-sewing-day-5/

Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or 0773 939 7369

Jazz & Reggaeton level 2 workshops

Spring Workshops 2019!

Second workshop 24.3.2019 Sunday
@G25 studio, St Margaret´s house

LEVEL 2 DAY “Lets go deeper!”
Notice: Both classes are good for everyone who has danced little bit before or you did the beginners day.

£10 for 1.5 H class or £16 for the whole day 3 H

16.00-17.30 Jazz with Afro flavor!
We will continue from beginner day technical tips and do a new Jazz choreography with African flavor.

17.30-19.00 Reggaeton
Levels in so many meaning, will be our theme for this 1,5 H Reggaeton shake down!

Sign up by sending email to pirita.tuisku@hotmail.com or send PM to Pirita. Places are going fast, so book it soon!

Little bit about Pirita:
Pirita Tuisku is a Finnish Dancer, Choreographer, Dance teacher and aerial yoga teacher based now in Edinburgh, Scotland. She is working as a Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher in Finland as well in Scotland, places like Dance Base, Neu Reekie , Surraa Productions, Oulu Dance Academy. She has also been teaching in National Schools of arts, Moving in to dance Mophatong, Jozi Youth Dance company, South Africa. International dance artist has been running her own dance school Cross Move Company and Surraa Production organization in Finland. Versatile and energetic lady has already over decade of experience working in different fields in dance, her main styles are Contemporary, Reggaeton and Hip hop.

1 to 1 Jewellery Skills

In this workshop you will learn all basic jewellery skills in relaxed, private environment. We will go through basic skills such as piercing, filling, soldering and finishing jewellery to more advance techniques such as stonesetting. You will learn the skills on real projects such as making a ring or pendant. Part of the class is also improving your design skills.​

There will be individual study plan designed specially for each person depending on your needs and experiences.​

There will be flexible start so you can use your pass whenever you want (depending of space availability, please book the dates in advance)​

Dates are flexible, please contact tutor for availability and discuss what you would like to learn:

Mirka – mail@mirkajaneckova.com​

Each class will be 2h long

Please book online: https://www.midasskillsschool.com/monday-jewellery-skills-6-30-9

or enquire: midasskillsschool@gmail.com

Learn to Crochet (March)

Is this class for me?
This workshop is for you are new to crochet or if you just need a wee refresher! The workshop will run with a maximum of 4 people to allow you to learn at your own pace in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

What do I need to bring?
NOTHING! A 4mm crochet hook and a ball of yarn are included in the price. As are tea/coffee and biscuits!

When is the class?
It will run on all of the Mondays in the month (4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March) from 2pm to 4:30pm, so you’ll have a total of 10 hours of tuition.

What will I learn?
We’ll cover
– foundation chains for straight work and sliding loops for circular work and “granny squares”
– the main crochet stitches
– how to increases and decrease
– how to join a new ball or colour
– how to read basic crochet patterns and charts
– tips to make (crochet) life easier and some troubleshooting if things don’t go to plan!

Travel to St Margaret’s House
There are lots of buses that stop alomst outside the door LRT 4, 5, X5, X7, 26, X26, 44, 45, 104, 113 & 124. The main pedestrian entrance is on London Road via a footbridge with two sets of steps. Parking during the day is available on the surrounding streets and around the building from 6pm. The vehicle entrance is via Restalrig Road South (aka Smokey Brae) and you have to follow the road round both buildings and the blue door is the entrance. Please use the lifts to floor 2 and follow the cat’s face to studio 2.03!

Booking is essential as there are only 4 places available. Book via the link below or on Eventbrite by searching for “Crochet for Beginners (March”

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crochet-for-beginners-march-tickets-54351411535

Contact Jane Buxton on 07469 887 958 or at jane@wildcatcrafts.co.uk if you have a query about the course. Follow me on
Facebook – Wild Cat Crafts
Instagram – wildatcrafts
or visit my Etsy shop – WildCatCraftsShop

Intuitive Painting Course

“Intuitive painting is a powerful spiritual and creative practice designed to connect people with their intuition, and inner guidance”

The classes combine intuitive painting, meditation, and writing. They provide a safe and positive space for free expression, with the aim to develop an intuitive approach to the creative process. Art is used as a tool for pure self-expression, healing, and transformation.

Participants have the chance to work on any subject, emotion or thought they wish to explore through the process, however, a general theme is always provided. A short guided meditation opens and closes the practice and helps to relax the mind and the body.

The course includes some introduction to the acrylic painting technique as well as some guidance through the creative process. No experience is required and all the materials will be provided.

WHEN: Mon 11th of March – Mon 22nd of April, 6-8pm (6 weeks course – please note that there is no class on the 25th of March and that is why we have an extra week in April)
WHERE: Edinburgh Palette Studio G5, 151 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6AE
EXCHANGE: £130.00 All the materials are included.

For more information and to book your space simply visit https://www.creativeflowart.com/intuitive-painting-class or phone 07556575645.

Learn to Knit (March)

Is this class for me?
This workshop is for you if you have never knitted before or if you just need a wee refresher! The workshop will run with a maximum of 4 people to allow you to learn at your own pace in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

When is the class?
It will run on all Mondays in the month (4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March) from 2pm to 4:30pm, so you’ll have a total of 10 hours of tuition.

What will I learn?
We’ll cover
– casting on and casting off
– knit and purl stitches
– how to combine knit and purl stitches to create lovely fabrics, including cable and lace
– how to increases and decrease
– how to join a new ball or colour
– how to decipher basic knitting patterns
– tips to make (knitting) life easier and some troubleshooting if things don’t go to plan!

What do I need to bring?
NOTHING! A pair of 4mm knitting needles and a ball of yarn are included in the price. As are notes to take home with you and tea/coffee and biscuits during the workshop!

How do I book a place?
Booking is essential as there are limited places. Book on Eventbrite via the link below or search thier site for “Knitting for Beginners (March)”

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/knitting-for-beginners-march-tickets-54348438643

Contact Jane Buxton on 07469 887 958 or at jane@wildcatcrafts.co.uk if you have a query about the course. Follow me on
Facebook – Wild Cat Crafts
Instagram – wildcatcrafts
or visit my Etsy shop – WildCatCraftsShop

Stained Glass Skill classes. Advanced and intermediate

This workshop is available for those who have done a course and want to develop there own project under expert supervision.

You can book packs of 5 sessions (five Tuesdays). It doesn’t need to be correlative but you have to use in maximum 5 months from the first session.
There is also a limit to the size of panel which can be undertaken due to storage space.

Write Rite - creative writing sessions

Looking to introduce regular creative writing to your 2019? Not sure where to start, or looking for a dedicated space to flex those writing muscles and get some wit exercise? You may need a Write Rite.

New Years Resolution or no: if you have decided that you’d like your 2019 to contain more, or more focussed, creativity in some form, then I invite you to contemplate creative writing as an option, and use our Write Rite to help introduce it to your year.

On Tuesday afternoons and evenings in St Margaret’s House, we’ll hold a space for anyone looking for a calm place to write. We’ll start with a cuppa and a chat, have a gentle stretch and a few minutes of mindfulness/meditation to get in the zone and engage the senses. After that, you are free to work on your own stuff, or use any of the provided materials for writing prompts and exercises. If you’re stuck, we’ll set you a challenge. Focussed writing starts at 1:30 pm / 7:30, if you prefer to skip the socialising part.

Level: Any. Creative Writing can feel like “something Other People can do”. But if you’re keen, I promise we can find a way for you to access the stories inside you.

Attendance: The Write Rite space will be open for 10 weeks of habit-forming joy. Come along to the Kick-Off Meeting on Jan 22 to discuss what you’d like the space to be. Drop-ins welcome at subsequent sessions, if there are spaces left.

Cost: I want to keep this as accessible as possible, so I ask for a donation of any size towards the cost of the space. But to help you stick to your plans, please book and pay for each session in advance! For information how to book, please consult the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/309603526428480/ or send an email to kitwit.studio@gmail.com

Pilates Classes

PILATES 4 ALL by Clare Shillinglaw

I run fun and friendly Pilates classes held in the Drawing Room, 3rd Floor on Tuesday evenings 5-6pm.

Pilates is amazing for improving posture, balance, flexibility and easing any muscle and joint niggles. Regular practice can help you build long and lean muscle, strengthen the core from within and relax the mind. It is suitable for a wide range of people, from beginners to professional sportspeople, and including pregnant women and seniors so please come along!

Kids After-school sewing course

This Kids Sewing Course level 1 will teach your child foundation sewing skills. And they will make some easy sewing projects. Ideally your child will have completed my 2-hour introductory sewing class to learn how to use a sewing machine.

At age 8-12, children have the mental capacity to learn the basic concepts and sufficient manual dexterity to operate a sewing machine. It’s actually the perfect age at which to learn. Sewing is an ideal creative activity for children. It develops their manual dexterity, hand/eye co-ordination, and encourages focus and concentration. Completing a sewing project from start to finish fosters a sense of accomplishment that can boost a child’s morale and self-confidence. And it’s really great fun! Plus it gives them a huge sense of achievement and self-worth.

Because they’re having such a great time, they don’t actually realise how many valuable sewing skills they are learning which will stay with them for life.

Who is this aimed at?
Improvers aged 8-12 years. (Younger children will be considered). They must be able to reach the floor when sitting at a table 74cm in height (approx standard desk height)

What will my child learn?
>further sewing machine skills
>cutting and sewing fabric
>each project offers progressive challenges.
>Projects may include bunting, a lined tote bag, and an applique cushion.
>tuition and all fabrics (Materials used are worth approx £15)

Course arrangements
I provide sewing machines and all equipment or child can bring their own
I am insured and I hold a PVG (Disclosure Scotland) certificate

Taught by a lifelong sewist since age 7. Recently rated ‘Best sewing classes in Edinburgh’

Must be pre-booked at: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/event/kids-sewing-course-level-1-6/
Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or call 0773 939 7369

Japanese Pattern Cutting

Feb 27th – April 3rd 6.30pm – 9pm

Spend 6 evenings in the studio learning Japanese pattern cutting techniques and create a beautiful, elegant and unique garment.

The art of Japanese pattern cutting transforms simple 2 dimensional shapes into sculptural 3 dimensional forms with elements of origami you will learn how darts, pleats and pattern shaping creates a garment.

Lots of styles of garments to choose from and step by step guidance along the way.

Must have sewing experience and would help if you’ve worked with patterns before too.

£150

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4056866

Dressmaking Course - 12 Weeks - Evenings

This dressmaking course will teach you how to make your own unique clothes that fit perfectly. Or if you’ve already done a bit of dressmaking, then you can improve your techniques. I’ve been dressmaking since I was at school. I’ve also studied Bridalwear and Tailoring so I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks that give your projects a polished look. During this course, I’ll be focussing on teaching technique so your clothes won’t look ‘Homemade’, but ‘Handmade’. No-one will believe you made them yourself.

If you’ve already familiar with dressmaking techniques and commercial patterns and you’d like to learn pattern cutting, then you can do this here too.

You should be able to use a sewing machine confidently, have had practice making at least one or two craft projects, and have an awareness of basic seams and hems. If you do not, then I recommend you take one of my Beginners classes first.

What will I learn? I’ll coach you along the way in the following:

How to choose an appropriate pattern for your level of ability,
Taking measurements, cutting and fitting the pattern, understanding pattern markings and instructions
Altering the pattern for a perfect fit
Sewing tips and techniques to achieve a professional finish

Course arrangements
A small class size (Maximum 4 students) ensures I’m able to give you lots of individual attention on your own choice of project, and I tailor your tuition accordingly.

Must be booked in advance at: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/event/dressmaking-course-8/

Contact for enquiries: jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or 0773 939 7369

Curtain-making class

New for 2019! This curtain-making class will give the skills to make your own professional-looking curtains.

Having curtains made costs a fortune. But ready-made curtains come in standard sizes and usually don’t fit well. And the colours and patterns available can be restrictive.

Learn to make your own curtains and be able to choose from a larger range of fabrics, as well as making huge savings.

This 1-day class will teach you how to:

>measure your windows
>calculate pattern repeats
>cut fabric to the correct lengths required
>how to join widths if necessary
>how to take up the hems
>apply your chosen heading tape

Must be pre-booked at: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/how-to-make-curtains/
Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or call 0773 939 7369

Free-Motion Embroidery

Free-motion embroidery, also known as Free-Machine embroidery, is a useful core skill for Textile Artists, Quilters and Felters. Many of my other creative workshops involve free-motion embroidery so if you’re not sure which one to take, then I recommend this workshop as a starting point. No ‘drawing’ experience is necessary.

This workshop will teach you how to use a sewing machine as a creative tool. Whether you want to quilt, create mixed media art, make cards, or embroidery on your clothes, this course will show you a variety of ways to do it.

Who is this aimed at?
Quilters, Would-be textile artists, dressmakers or crafters looking for something a bit different!

What will I learn?
This workshop aims to teach you the basic techniques of free-motion embroidery:

setting up the machine for free-motion embroidery
guiding the needle to draw with thread
how to obtain a variety of patterns and texture effects
use of fabric stabilisers
the afternoon project will help you practice, to create a small stitched picture.
Course arrangements
All materials and sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own machine. You will need a darning foot suitable for your make and model of machine and I recommend using size 14 or 16 Topstitch needles. Please check that you have your power cable/foot control, bobbins and your instruction manual.

Craft Warning: Described by Kirstie Allsopp as ‘the crack-cocaine of craft’ Free-motion machine embroidery can be seriously addictive!

Must be pre-booked at: https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/event/free-motion-embroidery-2/. Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk or 0773 939 7369