It's horrible being stuck, isn't it?
I know, I've been there myself - and I've come across it countless times in class.
But I also know it's not as big a jump as you might think: going from feeling stuck, to having the confidence to give it a go.
See this as a gentle nudge to help you learn to trust yourself, listen to what you know already, and believe that your sewing machine is on your side!
No matter what sewing machine you've got, if you have the manual, and a few bits and bobs of fabric, thread, paper and paint, you already have everything you need to start.
This isn't a project or a workshop, although we will (hopefully) finish with a completed piece of work. This is a chance to start right at the beginning, loosen up, start to experiment, and realise you know more - and can do more - than you think.
Think of it as a voyage of discovery with your sewing machine: five lessons to take you gently from not knowing where to start or believing you can - to I can't believe I made that!
You'll (hopefully!) have a finished piece at the end - but more importantly, you'll have a different relationship with your machine, your materials, and your own innate creativity.
There are five lessons comprising two or three separate tasks. Each task has its own video and full instructions:
It's time to re-acquaint yourself with your sewing machine, and fall in love all over again 😍
Who's afraid of the blank white page?! Make those first marks, and relax into playing with colour 🖍️🎨
Let's start stitching! I promise - it's all going to be OK - you've got this 💪
It's time to trust that little voice inside, your creative instinct - and show us who you really are ✨
Let's put it all together, then step back and admire your wonderful, completely unique creation 🌸💗
Yes! I want to make friends with my sewing machine, my materials - and myself.
This was a great course, optimum length and amount of learning for me, and that's going to be really helpful when I think about signing up for any courses in the future. I still have a couple of strips to finish and will look forward to doing that before too long but I also feel that I have successfully finished the course. Thank you, Izzy, it's been a lot of fun!!
I feel a lot more confident about experimentation. I’m often driven by production of a perfect end product, so to let that go, and just enjoy the process was very good for me. I’ve got ideas buzzing now for future projects, things I’ve wondered about doing, and this course has shown me I can make them work. 👍 Thanks so much Izzy!
Fun, easy to follow steps and inspirational.
Thank you Isobel!
Thanks for the confidence boost Izzy. I really enjoy your teaching style and even though I do tend to procrastinate I have actually finished!
Thanks again
A good introduction into mixed media and machine sewing.
All the videos, notes & pictures of your work are very comprehensive & give the right balance of guidance with lots of scope for us going our own way with the work - both during the course & afterwards.
There are five lessons, and each lesson has two or three tasks. All course material will be right here, on this website.
When you sign up, you'll create a log-in (if you don't already have one for my courses). You can then find the course on your 'dashboard' whenever you log-in.
When you sign up there's warm-up tasks available immediately, with the first lesson available a day later. Thereafter lessons are released every other day, for a total of two weeks duration to follow the course. You'll receive an email when each new lesson is released.
After all lessons are released, you can then dip back in wherever and whenever you like for as long as you like!
You'll need:
your sewing machine
the manual
the standard accessories needed for maintenance - brush, oil, new needles etc. I use 90/14 topstitch needles.
Sewing materials
calico/plain cotton fabric
machine thread in black, white and a few of your favourite colours. This can be all-purpose polyester; thicker cotton machine thread is also good. Embroidery threads if you have them.
a few lightweight fabric scraps in your favourite colours
1 or 2 sheets each of:
cheap copier paper
cartridge paper/drawing paper (something more substantial than the copier paper above)
thin card (or just more cartridge paper)
Paints and pencils etc
kids crayons
watercolours (just a few)
anything else you like (not charcoal)
brush, water pot
Miscellaneous
pencil, biro
ruler
paper scissors
dry glue stick
craft knife and mat (optional)
double sided tape and/or PVA glue (optional)
Do the tasks!
Adapt the tasks according to your preferences
Be open and accepting of whatever happens
Be curious and willing to experiment
Try your own ideas instead of worrying if they’re “allowed”
As long as my courses are hosted here, on Podia. I have no plans to leave!
You've read this far, you already know...