Description
Wednesdays: 6 Sept – 29 Nov
6pm – 9pm
£350
(11 weekly classes)
Craft Central, High Street, Dunblane
Workshop Description:
As avid champions of sustainable crafting, we’re super excited to have Cass Belanger, who is an international authority on the subject, teaching this specially devised class on sewing clothes the zero waste way. Cass is a founding member of the Zero Waste Design Collective, and has put together this course that explores specialised patterns that utilise every inch of your fabric, as well as ways to upcycle old garments and accessories into new textiles ready to make new again. Projects you’ll complete througout the course include
- zero waste shorts or trousers, perfect for the coming summer, or super comfy as jammies,
- a super useful zip pocket bag that you can wear accross your shoulder or as a bumbag,
- a full set of super cute paper samples of different garments that you can progress to make on your own, including jackets, trousers, dresses, t-shirts and more,
- creating new fibres and textiles from old to use in your zero waste projects,
- and finally a garment of your own choice, using all the amazing sustainable skills you have learned
The first half of each lesson will be focused on learning a new zero waste garment by making paper or quarter scale samples as well as specific sewing techniques for making zero waste garments and accessories. You will be taught how to minimise waste in conventional sewing pattern cutting layouts and how to recycle any waste that you do create, from the smallest scrap of fabric or length of thread. The second half will be a time where you can work from a zero waste sewing pattern of your choice and make a garment for yourself.
All body shapes and sizes welcome. We are a LGBTQI+ friendly and safe space. People of all genders, sizes, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend this course.
Course cost includes:
- 11 x 3-hour lessons
- Use of 230DC Janome computerized sewing machine each
- Use of 6234XL overlocker (shared between students)
Course cost excludes:
- Cost of pattern
- Cost of fabric and haberdashery
Skill level: Beyond beginners – Must know how to use a sewing machine and have previously made a minimum of one garment from a sewing pattern.
Student Testimonials
“This course is the perfect introduction to zero waste design thinking, combining theory with practical exercises and rewarding sewing sessions. It shows where textile design is heading, how sewers can reduce waste while being creative, and appeals to sewers with different skill levels!”
“This course was totally different from any other sewing class I’ve taken – not only learning some sewing techniques, but also really getting to understand Zero Waste concepts. On top of this, I met some really lovely people and gained loads of confidence with my sewing. Highly recommend!”
About Your Tutor
Cassandra’s work is an invitation to a more sustainable future. It challenges home sewists, designers and educators to think through the social and environmental impacts of their practice, exploring issues such as zero waste, transparency, embedded storytelling, feminism, sizism, and body image.
We all wear clothes, which means we all contribute to the consequences of the fashion industry on our planet and the people who make our clothes. The fashion industry has caused both environmental and social crises and many of us are now learning about the ways we can change our actions to ensure a better future. One of these solutions is by sewing, designing, and making zero waste garments.
