Learn how to use a sewing machine and an overlocker accurately.
Learn all the different stitches used to create and enhance garments.
Very small group tuition, a maximum of 4 people per course gives you the attention you need to kickstart your sewing journey.
Learn how to read and alter commercial patterns.
This will be a game changer in your sewing journey as it will save so much time, and troubleshooting trying to find the right fit for you.
Commercial patterns are made to standard sizes and we are all individuals with our own beautiful, unique shape and size.
Sewing is a very mindful experience.
Not only will you learn how to sew and make garments, you will also experience the hidden benefits of sewing in alleviating stress and anxiety.
Sewing also enhances well being and gives you confidence, whilst you're learning new processes and skills achieving making garments and learning different processes.
The benefits of sewing
Complete control over your style! You choose fabric colour, pattern and and texture, design features to suit your individual body type, personality and preferences.
Cost effective especially if your tastes are designer and unique.
Quality clothing and items. You choose fabrics and techniques used to make your clothes. This will result in items that last longer and are better quality.
Sewing provides a creative outlet for self-expression and artistic exploration.
Promote sustainability. You can repurpose old garments and fabrics, upcycle thrifted materials and alter clothing to fit.
Sewing is a relaxing and meditative activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety. The repetitive and tactile nature of sewing can create a feeling of calm and enhance mental well being
Sewing is a very versatile skill to have. Your new skill will allow you not only to create garments that you love and that fit well, you'll also be able to hem your jeans, make custom curtains for your home and take on many DIY projects, giving you more creative freedom.
Here's what people are saying about the Beginner Sewing Course
"Colleen is fantastic, I really have a great time in my classes, learned a lot making a beautiful pants
She has a very good eye for the details and is very patient to explain over and over as a beginner !!!
I’ll definitely will be back 💖"
Luisa - Google Review
"I am pretty new to sewing and recently completed some freestyle classes and then the 8 week beginner course with Colleen and loved it all! The small class size (3 people max) is great and gives you time to ask questions along the way. Colleen will help you sew anything you like in the freestyle classes - I made a dress and skirt from a commercial pattern and Colleen showed me how to adjust/alter it according to my measurements, and again once I sewed some and could try it on. I wore the skirt yesterday and received some compliments, which was a nice feeling! Colleen is a great teacher, and genuinely a lovely person. I would recommend her classes!"
Lauren - Google Review
About your Instructor
Previously working as a nurse and midwife for 27 years Colleen was burned out and needed a change.
She quit her job and continued her studies in fashion design, landed a job in the fashion industry, and worked freelance as a sample maker and pattern maker.
She created her own fashion label 'Addison Ash' in 2015.
Recently, she realised how healing it had been to be creative, and felt that she could help others with their creativity.
“I started Freestyle Sewing and Pattern Making Tuition because after working close to people in a team for 27 years in the health industry, I discovered it to be quite lonely creating Addison Ash by myself, although I loved the freedom and creativity it involved.
I thought back to a time when I was stuck, unable to proceed with creative ventures as I wasn’t sure what to do next. I had an epiphany that I could help people to fulfil their creative dreams while still fulfilling mine by sharing the knowledge I had learned over the years.
I love working with people and helping to unleash their creativity.”
View the full course details and schedule here
Ready to join us?
Don't wait there's just 3 spots available
Get your questions answered
What if I cant attend one of the sessions?
If you can’t make it to a class, you can come to a catch-up freestyle session at a convenient time within the 8 weeks, and I can teach you what you missed.
However, I do prefer to keep the course together if possible.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Do you have a detailed description of the course
Yes, click the link above that says Full course schedule for a detailed account of the course contents and what you'll achieve during the course
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
What do I need to bring?
Patterns
Bring along 2 commercial patterns to examine and learn from (one marked easy or very easy that you love and actually want to make, and one not marked easy or very easy).
I recommend selecting a pattern that can be made up in cotton, or a stable blended fabric – most of these are part cotton, try not to buy slippery fabrics at this stage as they’re more difficult to sew with. Slippery fabrics can be rayon, viscose, satin and any really fine flowy fabrics.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Fabric and notions
On the envelope of your pattern, you’ll find details of what you need to construct your garment from the pattern (under notions). If still in doubt consult the shop assistant, or we can discuss this in week 1, and you can bring the fabric before or on week 3.
I have 1 domestic sewing machine which has a lot of stitches, a reasonably advanced machine, 3 other basic entry level domestic machines, and two industrial machines. There are plenty of machines, as I only teach 4 people at one time.
If you prefer to learn on your own machine to learn how it works, feel free to bring it with you.I also have three overlockers, two domestic and one industrial which we can use and learn about.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Do you have a course cancellation policy?
When you pay your course fees you secure your spot (1 of a possible 4) in the course.
At least 1 week's notice of cancellation is required to facilitate a refund of 80% of the course cost.
Cancellation of the course within 1 week of the course starting date will result in full loss of investment.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Do you have a general class cancellation policy?
*Freestyle class terms
Cancellation within 72 hours of the class start time will result in a $50 cancellation fee when rescheduling.
If more than 72 hours notice of cancellation is given, rescheduling to another date or time of your convenience is facilitated.
This policy relates to all booked classes, single Freestyle classes and classes booked as a part of a block of classes, course sessions or make up classes for courses.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Where is the course located?
The studio is in Shop 38 Regent Arcade, 101 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000
Located in the city centre convenient to all bus routes, train and tram.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
What is the price of the course?
The course is $690 which is the early-bird price. The price is $790 if purchased after 16th September.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Ready to launch yourself into the world of sewing clothing and items that you love and are proud of?
Experience the many benefits of sewing.