V&A Storehouse Highlight: Imane Ayissi
 |
 |
 |
Exploring ‘plurality of the African continents through textiles and silhouettes, and creates a dialogue between African, Asian European cultures'. Beautiful handcrafted textures and patterns
V&A Storehouse Highlight: Balenciaga
These 2 toiles were the prototypes following pattern cloning of items from their archive - a collaboration with the London College of Fashion back in 2017 for the Shaping Fashion exhibition. An evening ensemble from 1967 and a skirt suit from 1951.
 |
 |
Celebrating 10 Years at MAC Birmingham - New 2026 Workshops!
In January 2016, I began my MAC Birmingham workshop journey. It's hard to believe that 10 years have passed and I'm announcing the next set of classes!!!
To celebrate 10 years, some firm favourites are back as well as some new additions. Booking has already opened for March and April (direct links below), and will open soon for the summer sessions.
Take a look at whats on below and click the available links to save your place!
See you soon 😊
Sew a Spring Top
> Saturday 7th March . 10am-5pm
For more information and to book your place: Sew a Spring Top (ASC901) | Mac Birmingham
*Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below):
- Scout Tee 0 – 18 – Grainline Studio
- STEVIE TUNIC sewing pattern | Tilly and the Button
- Maven Patterns - The French Dart Top
- The Simone Camisole PDF - Maven Patterns
- The Somerset T-shirt / 8-20 - Maven Patterns
- New Look sewing pattern 6483: Misses Tops, size A, Silk, white, A (6-8-10-12-14-16) : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
- Sew Love Patterns Riley Top – The Fold Line
- Burda Tops 6204 – The Fold Line
Sew a Spring Jacket
> Saturday 25th April . 10am-5pm
For more information and to book your place: Sew a Spring Jacket (ASC875) | Mac Birmingham
*Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below):
- The Ludo Capelet - Maven Patterns
- Jessie Coatigan Sewing Pattern - Sew Over It
- Butterick Patterns 6250, Misses Jacket,Coat and Wrap,Sizes (16-18) (20-22) (24-26), Multi-Colour, ZZ (LRG-XLG-XXL) : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
- Simplicity Sewing Pattern S9124 Misses’ Jackets - Sewdirect
- Simplicity Pattern: S1108 Kimono's in Different Styles — jaycotts.co.uk - Sewing Supplies
Dressmaking Techniques
> Saturday 9th May . 10am-5pm (*Booking Opens Soon!)
Sew a Casual Trouser
> Saturday 23rd May . 10am-5pm (*Booking Opens Soon!)
*Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below)
*Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below)
- The Simone Trouser PDF - Maven Patterns
- Ultimate Pyjamas PDF Sewing Pattern - Sew Over It
- Winnie Barrel Leg Trousers Sewing Pattern | Tilly and the Buttons
- Simplicity Sewing Pattern 1165: Misses' Pull-on Pants, Long Shorts, Size: R5 (14-16-18-20-22), Paper, White : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
- Simplicity Pattern 8134 Misses' Easy-to-Sew Trousers and Shorts, Paper, White, Carpet Uni Dark Beige Size: 60x110 cm : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
- Simplicity Pattern 8389 Women’s Pants with Length and Width Variations and Tie Belt, Paper, White, 22 x 15 x 1 cm : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
Sew a Summer Skirt
> Saturday 6th June . 10am-5pm (*Booking Opens Soon!)
Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below):
Sew a Summer Dress (2 Day Course)
> Saturday 11th & 18th May . 10am-5pm (*Booking Opens Soon!)
*Recommended Patterns (Options hyperlinked below):
- Simplicity Pattern: S1609 Misses' Jiffy® Dress | Vintage 1960s — jaycotts.co.uk - Sewing Supplies
- Simplicity New Look Sewing Pattern 6145: Misses' Dresses, (8-10-12-14-16-18), Paper, White, one Size : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen
- Simplicity Pattern 8049 Misses' Vintage 1960s Wrap Around Dress Pattern NO Zipper Buttons Very Interesting Design - Etsy UK
*However, if you have a specific dress style in mind, please send me an email :)
10 Years at MAC Birmingham!
10 years ago in January 2016, I taught my very first class at MAC Birmingham.
It was an Introduction to Sewing class over 2 days; I can remember taking far too long explaining things from sewing safety to stitch techniques and the final makes being adaptations of commercial patterns i had in my stash 😁Although not my first teaching job, it was the first time I was doing everything on my own - for anyone beginning their teaching journey, this is beyond terrifying!
Hopefully, my teaching style and class content has evolved since then 🤣 but its been nice to look back at where everything started with the original sewing machines that were very temperamental (we have wonderful Janome ones now 😍), overly large class sizes and busy layouts (which i have down to a fine art now) and the very first original class content that sparked all the classes that came after it.
I'll be releasing my 2026 workshop schedule on Monday, but wanted to share some throwback photos of the very first session in 2016.
To everyone who has joined me over the last 10 year, a big thank you for coming on this sewing journey with me. I look forward to seeing you all again this year
Sian
Xx
Xx
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)