Make a skirt class

Learn basic sewing techniques by making your own skirt

In my Blue Mountains studio you will be guided step by step through the process of making a simple skirt from your own skirt pattern, created by you, one that perfectly fits your unique bumps and curves.

No experience is necessary, just a love of creativity.

Once you have a basic skirt pattern, you can create all types of vintage and contemporary skirt styles with ease, saving you money and giving you creative pleasure.

Each of the four hour sessions over four weeks will build on the skills of the previous one, and you will work through the following:

• simple pattern drafting
• fabric and lining choices
• the rules so you can confidently break them
• essential sewing tools
• how to measure and cut
• create darts
• zip or button closure
• attaching a waist band 
• basic seams and finishes
• fitting
• hand and machine hemming
• finishing

At the completion of this course you will have a fabulous, fully-finished and well fitting skirt, that will lay the foundations of your own 'designer' wardrobe.

Cost: $320 for 16 hours of tuition over four weeks, four hours each session.

Duration: 16 hours of tuition over four weeks, four hours each session.

Class size: Maximum of 4 students.

Where: In my Blue Mountains studio in Hazelbrook, an easy train ride from Sydney.

When: Sessions running weekly, contact me to find out times.

Contact me for more information: 
Email: enquiries@thetailorsapprentice.com
Phone: 02 4701 9345

Beginners sewing class

You're interested in sewing, but don't know where to start. 

This one day course will teach you basic sewing skills while you make a fun and useful project and meet others interested in growing their sewing skills.

During the course you will learn how to:

• read and use a basic pattern
• cut out pattern and fabric
• be creative with fabrics, trims and interfacings for sewing projects
• feel confident with your sewing machine
• use various machine stitch types such as straight stitch, zigzag, satin stitch and a decorative stitch or three.
• create a simple closure with a buttonhole and/or other fastening type
• stitch on a button by hand and machine, 
• create easy finishings such as blind hemming, self binding and use of decorative trims.

Duration: One days (8 hours)

Class size: Maximum of 4 students.

Cost: $150, includes tuition, project kit, tea and coffee on both days.

Requirements: None, your own sewing machine if you have one.

Where: In my Blue Mountains studio in Hazelbrook, an easy train ride from Sydney.

When:TBA

Contact me for more information: 

Email: enquiries@thetailorsapprentice.com

Phone 02 4701 9345

Who is The Tailor's Apprentice?

Lorna McKenzie is a Blue Mountains home couturier (dress maker) who works one-on-one with you to make your dream gown, you make it as I teach you how.

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember; my mother, Edna, was a couturier in Sydney who made wedding gowns, bridesmaid frocks, ball gowns, debutant gowns, and wedding trousseau's in the most fashionable of styles between the 1930’s until the 1970’s.

I was her tailor's apprentice, she taught me how to make clothes that fitted well and were fashionable. She was adept at creating what her clients wanted and she trained me in these skills as well. 

Why I started The Tailor's Apprentice

For many years, I have worked with friends to create fabulous fantasy gowns, and as they worked with me, they learnt how to be a Tailor and went off to make their own.

I was constantly asked to run classes, so I gave in, and The Tailor's Apprentice was born. 

I want to share my experience and love of creating gowns with you.

Work with me to make your dream outfit, the gown you've always wanted but didn't think you could make. 

You can make a gown like the one on the left, my client had basic sewing skills and we created a Renaissance gown from the inside out, including the corset. We made this together. An original gown, one that no one else will ever have, one you made yourself that can become a family heirloom.

Classes

One-on-one or group sessions are available.

Classes are run throughout the year in my Blue Mountains studio or in your home.

Contact me at enquiries@thetailorsapprentice.com or 02 4701 9345 for bookings and enquiries.

My qualifications

I studied Textiles and Design for 6 years to matriculation level, including practical and theoretical study in costume creation, pattern making, history of costume, embroidery, history of textiles, historical design development, etc.

I studied Textile Design at East Sydney Technical College (now the National School of Arts).

I am a member of the Australian Costumers Guild.

I am a qualified teacher and adult educator and I bring those skills to my classes. I also bring my love of craft, passion and humour.

I have sewn for friends, family and myself for over 20 years. I have taught friends and family the skills of dress creation for as many years.

I keep my skills up-to-date by attending courses in all areas of fashion design and creation.