Click to sign up for email news
Welcome to Sew Forest of Dean which is run by me, Jen Johnson. My aim is simple – to get people sewing. If you are a complete beginner, I can help you get started and provide you with all the hints and tips that I have learnt along the way to get great results, right from the beginning. For those looking to further their existing skills, I hope to offer you a wide variety of courses and workshops to challenge you and introduce you to new ideas and techniques.
Bespoke courses can be tailored to individual requirements so if you don’t see what you are looking for here, please do contact me. If I cannot help, I may well be able to put you in touch with someone who can.
BEGINNER’S PATCHWORK AND QUILTING
I made my first patchwork pin cushion when I was 8 – I loved it then and I still love it today. There are many different forms, styles and techniques to this traditional craft and my classes and workshops explore many of the traditional and modern approaches. The beginner’s class is for 6 weeks and will take you through cutting, piecing, quilting and binding – all the key skills needed to make a quilt, bag, cushion or other patchwork item.
If you would like to make a quilt but don’t know where to start I can help you get started and guide you through to ensure that your first quilt is both fun to make and will be cherished for years to come.
Quilts are wonderful things to have and make the most fantastic gifts. I guarantee, you’ll never just make one quilt …….
For more information, click workshops.
LEARN TO SEW
Over the years, I have met countless enthusiastic sewers who have eagerly rushed out and bought a sewing machine, only to get it home and not really know what to do with it. When they sew, the threads get tangled up, the stitches won’t go in a straight line and the whole experience is frustrating and disappointing. It doesn’t need to be this way! My 1 day workshop “Learn to Love Your Sewing Machine” is where my heart lies, to help people enjoy their sewing. I will guide you through all the pitfalls and show you how to get great results from your own machine in just a few simple steps. This is our most popular course and places are strictly limited to a maximum of 4 to ensure that personal tuition is tailored to your needs on the day.
For more information and current dates, see our workshops page.
HAND EMBROIDERY
Hand embroidery is one of the most relaxing and rewarding of all the sewing crafts. Used for decoration and personalisation for centuries, hand embroidery has never gone out of fashion and can be used to embellish anything, from clothing to personalised gifts and home décor. I offer a one day workshop to learn some of the fundamental stitches of this craft and also help guide you with choices of fabric, thread and needles to ensure great results right from the start of your embroidery journey. Other workshops include nature inspired embroidery, embroidered landscapes, freehand embroidery and themed Christmas workshops.
For more information and current dates, click on the workshops page.
CUSHION MAKING
I don’t think it’s just me when I say that you can’t have too many cushions?! Often, changing or adding cushions to a room can dramatically change the mood and style of the room, especially when adding an accent colour or contrast to existing décor. But all too often, it is difficult to find just the right style/shape/size/fabric that you are looking for. My one day workshop will cover all the basics from planning your design, inserting zips, buttons and buttonholes, as well as professional edgings such as piping and pom pom trims.
For more information and current dates, click on the workshops page.