EMMA DUNN find about about a sewing course

PEOPLE who want a bit of help getting creative with a needle and thread are invited to join Sew Swindon.

The courses, held at Commonweal School, see people of all ages and abilities making a whole range of items with the help of a teacher.

There is a course for beginners and a course for intermediates, both of which have weekly sessions for five weeks.

Jenny Johnson, who launched Sew Swindon in September, said: “I looked around in Swindon and there was nowhere where you could use machines. I bought eight sewing machines and that is how it all started.

“It’s a very sociable group with homemade cakes and teas every week. Some of our ladies will be taking their fourth course in September.”

The beginners course is for people who have either never used a machine or haven’t used one for years.

After finishing the five week course, they can start the intermediate course.

“The beginners learn how to use a sewing machine and then go on to making appliqué bunting.

“Our current beginners have just made cushion covers with zips, and the following week they made them with button holes.

Each session lasts two-and-a-half hours. The beginners classes are on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm and the intermediate classes are on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm.

There are also workshops on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

Classes usually have eight people in.

“Sewing is very rewarding. It’s making something that nobody else will have. You won’t see it anywhere else and that is what it’s all about,” she said.

“You’re having fun creating things and gaining confidence too. It’s amazing to see people coming in saying they’re frightened of the machine then by the end of the course they have actually made things.”

<li> Sew Swindon meet at Commonweal School. Beginners classes are on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm and intermediate classes are on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Courses last for five weeks and cost £80.

The next courses start in September. For more information call 07450 850980, email sew.swindon@gmail.com or search for Sew Swindon on Facebook.