Learn & Create

14/08/2026

Do you have a sewing machine but not sure how to use it?
Did you learn to sew as a child but want a refresher?
Or do you fancy doing one of our other sewing courses & want to build confidence?

The INTRO TO SEWING MACHINES is for you. We have monthly sessions scheduled & all equipment and materials are included

Visit https://www.learn-create.org.uk/service-page/intro-to-sewing-machines for more information

13/08/2026

With the launch of Mend the Trend coming up I am doing some Vinted shopping!! It's a great way to find clothing items to reuse! Lots of upcycled samples coming soon!!

13/08/2026

Well even though the sky looked like this yesterday we still gave it a go!! Felicity had been working on her Brownie Space badge anyway so made a pinhole viewer

At least we know it worked!!

12/08/2026

12/08/2026

So I was teaching last night.
I have not watched The Great British Sewing Bee
NO ONE SAY ANYTHING!!!

11/08/2026

We've been having fun with wool & cardboard this morning!

We have spaces Tomorrow & Thursday for kids crafts (ages 6+)

Visit https://www.learn-create.org.uk/service-page/threads-beads or message to book

06/08/2026

KIDS CRAFT ACTIVITIES 11th - 13th August
https://www.learn-create.org.uk/service-page/threads-beads
We have combined our final weeks of crafts into a bumper week of beading & simple sewing crafts

We have spaces available all three days, sessions run from 10-3.30pm & includes everything needed for over 6 different crafts each day. Ideal for ages 6+

One Day £55
Two Days £95
Three Days £135

04/08/2026

So - Mexican Week! Spoilers ahead 🪡

I'm never too sure about the international weeks, I like the idea, I like to see sewing inspiration from other countries - but there's never anything I would sew...

Until we see the Mexican Folkloric Top in this week's pattern challenge!! I really like the style and love the ribbon additions! I can totally see me making a black or grey version with rainbow ribbons... And a quick search led me to the Victoria and Albert Museum website which actually has a free pattern for this style of top with some awesome frida kahlo inspo!! Really liked Emma's (I liked the thin ribbon) & loved the colours of Lewis's. I can see why Beth won the challenge but the colour combination isn't for me

Slight aside - someone get poor Patrick a sudfed & tuck him up in bed!

Transformation is right up my street - I've sewed a fair bit with oilskin fabric in the past and it's not easy so seeing how they manipulate it is really interesting. I've no idea what I'd sew because I really don't do 'structured' garments... While they were sewing I really liked the look of Heather's but the green colour made my eyes hurt! Rebecca did a fab job, really met the brief 😍 I wasn't a fan of Tim's or Emma's & I felt Lewis let himself down a bit. Minnie's was the most wearable I thought but still super structured. And as I'm now watching the judging my comments actually fit the results 🤣🤣

Hmm Made to Measure ... The theme's not appealing to me & there are so many different ideas it's going to be hard to judge I think. Immediately worried for Lewis because his is more basic. It's really hard to get an impression of the garments while they're sewing due to the amount of trims... I'm surprised at Anna's so far, it looks a little plain.. Really glad Rebecca went for not-pink! I plan to use the phrase 'slightly on the wonk' in future classes, thanks Patrick
My faves are definitely Emma, Adele (fabric is fab!!), Heather's (would wear that skirt if I wasn't a short arse)
Lows for me are Tim's (fabric does all the work), Lewis (poor boy!) & shockingly Anna (just didn't like it).

Sad for Lewis but makes sense. Heather's garment it the week very well deserved

04/08/2026

We are looking to set up some new social crafting groups & would love to get your input on days & times 🪡🧶🖌

- Mending Socials - Part of our year long Mend the Trend project focusing on repairing and reusing to reduce clothes waste
- Stitcher Socials - Craft social dedicated to embroidery, cross stitch & any kind of hand stitching
- Rainbow Crafternoons - Craft socials with an emphasis on being a welcoming safe space for members of the LGBTQI+ community and its allies (in partnership with Cairngorms Pride Social Spaces Network)

Please fill in this short survey to let us know your thoughts: https://forms.gle/EdwMN8GuTvsZsYvy8