Making your own clothes is a superpower

Is 2026 the year you get into creating your very own wardrobe? In our SIMPLE TOP sewing workshop on Saturday 28th February 9.30am-4.30pm you'll get to make and sew a lovely Winter top with the help of Debra Drake from Sewing with Style and the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee.

“My workshops are for beginners and intermediate sewists," says Debra. "Improvers can also come along to expand on their skills. I believe that everyone has the ability to sew, you just need a helping hand at the beginning to raise your confidence and know your way around a sewing machine! Start on simple projects until you master the techniques, then build your dream wardrobe.”

Debra’s tips for improving your sewing skills:

• Know yourself: I usually tackle a difficult technique in the morning, when I'm at my brightest, then work on the simpler part of the garment later.

• After each seam is sewn, press well with a muslin cloth, which gives a much better finish to the garment

• Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Debra believes, “Making your own clothes is a kind of superpower. I always say that you can still be yourself, but an elevated version, in well-fitting clothes!” Her creative inspiration comes from fashion shows, from nature, and from watching people make their own clothes and designs in her classes. Her main influence is Coco Chanel, both the original designer and Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld. Her other favourite designer is Erdem Moralioglu.

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