Classes & Workshops
Summer Holiday Workshops
The Smarty Girl Book Bag
Well who’s a smarty girl then? You will be, of course.

The Smarty Girl book bag by Heather Bailey – all smarty girls will love it as big, thick books (the type that smarty girls read) fit in it perfectly. Make it out of durable fabrics like denim or even some of our new hemp/cotton mixes. Check out our sample and “book” in soon. We think you deserve a gold star!
Workshop on: Wednesday January 5th from 9:30am – 1:30pm
Cost: $30
Like a kit for this project? We can help.
It’s a Hoot Throw Quilt or Sit n Sew Workshop
Our “It’s a Hoot” quilt throw is such a perfect start to trying patchwork because it uses pre-cut Jelly Roll fabric strips. You will have this quilt sewn in no time. We love the cute owl applique!
Would you like to Sit n Sew on a project of your choice? Then come along and do your own thing. Stitch a cushion, a bag, kids clothes, a skirt, a quilt, anything goes. your tutor, Jan Smith will be there to cheerfully assist and offer expert sewing advice while you complete your project.
Workshop on: Friday January 7th from 9:30am – 2:30pm
Cost: $30 plus requirements
A Short “Learn to Paint” Class with Theodora Cleave
A creative workshop painting fabric and buttons with Barb
In this workshop Barb will help you paint some gorgeous birdy buttons to add to your little wool felt project and then surround with some simple stitched flowers. You will also get to try fabric painting and see how Barb has used this technique in projects and framed samples. It;s suitable for novices and nervous ones too!
Workshop on: Friday January 14th from 10am – 12:30pm
Cost: $33 includes Barb’s paint supplies and buttons, plus some other basic stitching requirements
Silk Ribbon Embroidered Wool Felt Needlecase
Another gorgeous beginners project with Bernie V!
Learn to fold, twist and stitch a cute little silk flower garden on the front of a useful needlecase. We love Bernie’s use of colour and texture. What a nice present to yourself or for a stitching friend.
Workshop on: Wednesday January 19th from 9:30am – 2:30pm
Cost: $45 includes wool felt for needlecase. Ribbons and some requirements needed.
Wild Wool Felt Bags
A creative workshop with Bernie Varkevisser

Select a wool felt shoulder bag or clutch purse to embellish in this slightly crazy, but definitely fun workshop. Anything goes! It’s all GOOD.
Workshops on: Friday January 21st from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $23 plus requirements
Finishing School – Thursdays or Fridays
Here’s a solution for those of you with sewing projects you would like to work on at your own pace. Why not set aside one morning or afternoon each month to finish (or start) a project? Jan will be there to offer her usual cheerful encouragement and provide any help that is needed. These groups are VERY POPULAR, so book early to grab a spot.
Thursday morning group meets from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Thursday afternoon group meets from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Dates: Thursdays February 10th, March 10th, April 7th, May 12th, June 9th, July 7th, August 12th, September 8th, October 13th, November 10th
Friday morning group meets from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Dates: Fridays February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th
Membership is $125 for the year.
Silk Ribbon Embroidery with Bernie Varkevisser
Work at your own pace!
Join Bernie V to learn how to fold, twist, stitch and knot silk ribbons into fantastic embroidery art. In each lesson you will be introduced to the basics and move onto more advanced procedures. You can work on a set project or do your own thing. Bernie is such a creative and generous teacher, be sure to give silk ribbonwork a go! You may join these lessons at any time.
Workshops on: Wednesdays – February 2, March 2, March 16, April 6, April 20
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Cost: $23 per lesson
New York, New York with Jan Smith
Let the Fireworks begin! Jan’s foundation pieced quilt/wall hanging was created using a collection of gorgeous batik fabrics. The quilts star patterns appear to be a burst of fireworks. All stitching is done using foundation paper with your sewing machine. It’s like painting by numbers. too easy!
Workshop on: Friday February 4th from 9:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: $38 plus basic requirements
Bernina – Quilt of Stitches with Jan
This workshop is a perfectly fun way to learn more about your fabulous Bernina Sewing Machine and create a cozy throw to snuggle under. The quilt of stitches lets you experiment with various decorative stitch options and interesting thread colours. there are only two fabrics needed to make this project. No expertise required, just some curiousity and a spirit of adventure.
Workshops on: Friday February 11th and Friday March 11th from 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Cost: $35 plus requirements
Silk Ribbon Embroidered Needlecase
Another gorgeous beginners project with Bernie V!
Learn to fold, twist and stitch a cute little silk flower garden on the front of a useful needlecase. Bernie’s mix of colour and texture is always exciting. What a nice present to yourself or for a stitching friend.
Workshop on: Wednesday February 16th from 9:30am – 2:30pm
Cost: $45 includes wool felt for needlecase. Ribbons and some requirements needed.
Sewing for Beginners with Kelley
- Stitch it Up!

Learn to make clothing with Kelley our resident and very talented seamstress! Just purchase one of our garment patterns and come along to sew. Kelley will guide you in cutting and constructing your project. Prefer to just try making a cushion or bag? That’s OK too. Kelley will guide you in cutting and constructing your project. An excellent workshop for anyone who would like a few extra tips and hints.
Workshops on:
Wednesday January 12th from 9:30am – 12:30
Friday February 18th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Friday February 25th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday March 9th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday March 30th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday April 13th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Friday April 15th from 9:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $15 per lesson
Wool Felt & Silk Ribbon Needlebook
Absolutely Fabulous with Bernie V!
This fold up needlebook will keep your sewing needles/tools neatly organized. Personalise your needlebook with funky buttons, silk ribbon blossoms and embroidered name badge. Why not make one for a friend?
Workshop on: Saturday March 12th from 9:30am – 1pm
Cost: $38 includes wool felt for needlecase.
Daiva’s Foundation Star Quilt
A leisurely quilt workshop over 4 months
Daiva created this stunning queen size bed quilt using foundation piecing. There is a large central star medallion that is then surrounded by traditional log cabin blocks and smaller star blocks. You will be amazed at the accuracy that you can achieve by stitching the central star on the pre-printed foundation. Learn to draft up your own log cabin foundations to end up with a perfect block every time. The smaller stars are easily made with half square triangles. be sure to see her Star Quilt hanging in the shop on your next visit. It’s amazing.
Workshops on: Saturday February 26th, April 2nd, April 30th and May 28th from 9:30am – 1:30pm
Cost: $80 plus basic requirements
To book in for any of our events, just drop into the shop or phone us on 02 44 74 5150
Please remember
Information about our classes:
- Book early and pay a 50% deposit to secure your class position as numbers are limited.
- Classes may be cancelled or postponed at our discretion and any deposit will be fully refundable.
- You may cancel a class up to 10 days prior to the first class session and receive a refund of monies paid. NO class fees will be refunded after that time.
- All classes will require a Basic Sewing kit – i.e. scissors, threads, needles, washable marking pen, tape measure
- Some classes will require a sewing machine and accessories in good working order.
- Copyright laws prohibit sharing and photocopying. Some classes will require each student to have their own pattern or book.
- Mobile phones should be turned OFF or set to ring very, very quietly as a courtesy to other students.
- Children and guests are not allowed in classes.


