Join our resident upholsterer and textiles maker, Ruth Martin for this exciting new course to explore the creative art of home furnishings.

Over this 6-week course Ruth will guide you step-by-step in creating a personal collection of soft furnishings that will elevate your own home style and showcase your new skills. You will learn essential sewing skills and making techniques that will enable you to create a selection of lampshades, cushions and table linens. You will also develop the confidence to design and make more, either for your own home or to give as beautiful gifts.

This course offers the perfect opportunity for you to develop a wide range of textile skills. The course begins with an introduction to fabrics and basic sewing skills, along with tips and tricks for achieving professional results. With advice on where to source suitable fabrics, you will be encouraged to design each item with expert knowledge and care. Group discussions will also help to offer inspiration and spur your creativity.

Week 1 - Introduction to Fabrics, Designing and Making

We will explore different fabric choices and talk about suitability and sustainability. Ruth will introduce the projects we will make during the course, with guidance on how to choose fabric and design your collection. We will also practise basic sewing machine skills and overlocking, ahead of the projects we will work on over the coming weeks.

Week 2 - Lined Drum Lampshade

We will talk about working with light and lampshade design, with a view to making our first drum shade. Ruth will then offer step-by-step guidance in creating your own lined drum lampshade to a professional standard, finishing with the satisfaction of lighting up your finished product.

Week 3 - Table Linens: Quilted Table Mats and Coasters

Using sewing machines and basic quilting skills to make a beautiful selection of table mats and coasters. This is a very creative week, allowing students to explore colour, pattern and texture for a very personal result.

Week 4 - Piped Scatter Cushion

Elevating our sewing machine skills, this week Ruth will explain how to create a piped scatter cushion. Students will learn how to make piping and create an envelope closure, as well as design tips for a professional finish.

Week 5 - Fabric Lamp Base & Mini Conical Shade

Building on the lampshade created in Week 2, this week we will make a fabric-covered lamp base to complete our bespoke product. Students may also explore creating mini conical candle-clip shades.

Week 6 - Designed Scatter Cushion with Zip

Students can choose to elevate their sewing skills further by designing and making a more advanced cushion, including a zip and decorative trim. Alternatively, students may choose to design another item from their learning so far, with the opportunity to refine and practise their skills with the guidance of the tutor.

By the end of the course, you will take home a bespoke collection of your own handmade furnishings, to serve as a testament to your newfound skills and creativity.

Tutor: Ruth Martin
Day & Time: Tuesday, 10:30am - 3:30pm
Venue: Scissors Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £350.00 (£0.00 VAT)

6-weeks

First Class: Tuesday 15th September
Last Class: Tuesday 20th October

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this course for?
This is an introductory course aimed at beginners, however some experience using a sewing machine will be necessary and manual dexterity is essential.

If you are a complete beginner, we recommend attending the Ultimate Beginners’ Machine Sewing 2-day Masterclass before joining this course.

What you will need:
All sewing machines and basic haberdashery will be provided.

You are required to bring your own fabrics - these are not included. Advice on fabric suitability and measurements will be provided prior to the course. Once you have secured your place, the tutor can be contacted with any queries at: ruth@ruthmartin.co.uk

You will be required to take all your work home at the end of each session.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

Meet Your Tutor - ruth martin

Ruth is the owner of Baskerville & Jones, providing handmade home furnishings to make everyday life more beautiful.

Qualified in traditional upholstery and soft furnishings, Ruth graduated from the British School of Upholstered Furniture in Oxfordshire with distinction for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) Intermediate Craft Certificate.

Prior to that, she studied with the Traditional Upholstery School in Wiltshire and the Ministry of Upholstery in Manchester. Ruth's textile education also includes professional training in making lampshades, quilts, curtains and blinds.

With Baskerville & Jones she offers a range of sustainable and beautiful textile products for the home that celebrate the joy of hand crafts. She welcomes collaborations and commissions to share the fun of creativity.