Learn the technique of applique and create a design on a cushion cover.

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Block printing is one of those awesome crafts that always turns out beautifully! Come and experiment with all our blocks and colours and print a teatowel or tote bag to take away.

An introduction to making your own books and notebooks - we'll tackle folded books and a basic Japanese stabbed binding book - relaxing and fun.

Raid our huge button stash, choose a shape (perhaps and animal or letter) and a colour scheme and make a unique piece of art for your home! 

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A relaxing hour of decorating and sticking! Decoupage is fantastic for upcycling so come and make a decorative item and give it a new lease of life! Suitable for all ages and abilities.

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Come and learn how to make beautiful decorative Dorset buttons - an old craft using embroidery threads.

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A scrappy fabric project which is a simple and easy way to use up those scraps.

In our Autumn session, you will have the option to make a Festive version.

Suitable for all ages and abilities.

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An introduction to glass fusion where you will learn to make small jewellery pendants and little decorations using a microwave glass kiln. You will make 4-5 pieces and they will be fired for you to collect at a later date.

Relaxing and therapeutic - take your sewing skills back to basics and make a beautiful, tactile piece of art.

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In this taster class, you'll be making your own willow wreath base that you can use and reuse from season to season. 

In the first part of the class, you'll learn about willow and how to form your wreath base. Then you'll have the opportunity to use a variety of seasonal decorations to adorn it with.

A lovely introduction to needlefelting. You will get to create your own mini landscape picture. We'll provide lots of inspiration and all the materials, but if you have a picture of your own you wish to bring to reproduce, then feel free to do so.

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A brilliant way of using up scrap fabric or rope and creating something useful and beautiful in the process! Learn to make a sturdy rope bowl perfect for gifts or holding all your bits and bobs!

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Come and learn how to make Tunisian crochet. It's a cross between knitting and crochet and some beautiful textures and patterns can be created.

Wet Felting is a fun and exciting way to make felt - as well as one of the most ancient ways to make fabric. Using wool tops with the addition of soap and hot water, felt can be made and sculpted into beautiful shapes. In this quick taster session, we will make a simple flat piece of felt with a picture.

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ONLINE COURSE!

We're taking a break from our online art class as we reopen the Craft Centre and get in-person classes running again. We hope to bring it back later in the year for those of you that can't get to the Craft Centre in person.

Join our online weekly art session for inspiration, friendly chat and an opportunity to relax. All levels are welcome. We will explore different subject matter and media each week in a relaxed and informal way. 

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A once a month club where you'll get a taster of a different art technique every time! Led by our fabulous artist, Meg Bonser, she'll get you experimenting and developing your artistic skills. All abilities welcome. Come along to which ever ones take your fancy, or join us for all!

Here's what we have planned:

 
 

Have you always wanted to paint with Watercolours? Has it been years since you've done it? Have you dabbled during lockdown, but feel like you need some guidance? Then this is the course for you! Suitable for complete beginners, and those who've done the first 5 weeks and want to continue.

Our fantastic art tutor, Kay Carpenter, takes you right back to basics teaching you all the techniques you need to handle watercolours, and begin painting pictures from the very first class! You'll be amazed at what you learn, and how you progress over the 5 week course.

All materials are included in the price of the course, and there is the opportunity to learn more and progress with further courses if you enjoy working with watercolours.

 Do you want to practice and improve your watercolour technique? Join like-minded people in our friendly studio and learn to refine and develop your skills with our fantastic local artist and tutor, Kay Carpenter. You'll paint a variety of subject matter using different techniques over the weeks. All materials are included in the cost of the course.

If you have ever wondered how a design is put onto a silk scarf, then this is the workshop for you!

Spend a peaceful day learning how to place a design on silk, how to create a clear outline of your design and how to apply paint to the silk. You will create a beautiful piece of art work to take home and perhaps even wear as a scarf.

All materials and equipment are provided. 

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This three hour workshop will give you an introduction into jewellery making using the fabulous material of Precious Metal (Silver) Clay.

Silver Clay is made up of very fine particles of pure silver, water and a non toxic binder. When your piece if fired, the binder burns away, leaving you with solid fine silver. It's a magical process!

Guided by Charlotte, you'll learn the basics of working with silver clay, how to handle it, roll, shape and texture it before drying and refining, then onto torch firing, polishing and finally learning how to patina.

You will create one, solid fine silver pendant and it will be ready to take home with you on the day.

All materials are included in the price of the course and is suitable for those who are new to working with silver clay.

Join us on our one day beginners workshop to learn the fundamentals of creating your own beautiful solid silver jewellery. 

Silver clay is made up of very fine particles of pure siver, water and a non toxic binder. When your piece if fired, the binder burns away, leaving you with solid fine silver. The process is truly magical.

Charlotte with teach you how to make two textured pendants and a pair of earrings from solid fine silver. You will learn the process of making jewellery with silver clay from start to finish. The first part of the day focuses upon how to handle, roll, shape and texture it, before drying and refining. The second part of the day will focus upon torch firing, polishing and learning how to patina. 

All materials are included in the price of the course and is suitable for those who are new to working with silver clay.

An interesting new course teaching etching on sterling silver using Ferric Nitrate. You will learn to saw and file a piece of silver, and then how to create a design using etching. You will come away with a silver etched pendant.

A fabulous taster session for silversmithing. You will learn to saw, file, texture and finish a sterling silver pendant. A great way to start a journey into silversmithing.

A fabulous introduction to the art of Silversmithing. This full day course will teach you all the basic techniques of cutting, etching, texturing and soldering and you will design and make your own metal charm or pendant. Our informative tutors will give you loads of information on how to carry on this fascinating hobby. 

You will be given an inch square piece of silver as well as unlimited brass and copper. More silver can be purchased on the day.

If you have attended our silversmithing workshops before, you are welcome to come on this workshop and work on your own projects or learn new skills. Please just let us know in advance if you are a returning student.

All materials and tools are provided on the day - all you need to bring is an idea of a simple pendant design to make - our tutors will guide you through the rest!

"Just want to say a massive thank you for such a wonderful day today in harborough on our silversmithing day. You are lovely tutors & made the day such fun!" Emma

Our popular silversmithing course runs as an evening course over 5 sessions, so you get even more time to create beautiful jewellery! You will be shown how to work with silver, and get to try a variety of techniques including cutting, etching, filing, soldering and engraving. Complete beginners will start by making a silver pendant. Those who have attended one of our day courses or evening courses before can move on to making rings and earrings. More advanced students can have tuition in stone setting.

The course price includes two pieces of silver and unlimited brass and copper. More silver can be purchased from our tutors if required.

Learn how to make stunning pieces of jewellery simply using wire and beads. You will be shown how to use basic jewellery tools and techniques to twist your wire into stunning shapes.

You will have the opportunity to make items such as earrings, a bracelet, cocktail rings or wire wrapped pendants. Feel free to bring along any ideas you may have and let's get creative!

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If you have ever wondered about the difference between patchwork and quilts, or how quilts are made and fancied having a go, then this one day workshop is for you! We will take you through each step of patchwork and quilt making and you will spend the day making your own mini quilt. You will learn how to cut squares of fabric with a rotary cutter, how to fit and sew them together to make a patchwork top (and how important an iron is in quilt making!). You will then add wadding and backing fabric to your patchwork top, and use a sewing machine to learn some basic quilting. You will then finish your mini quilt with a border.

All materials, equipment and sewing machines are provided for your use on the day, as well as plentiful tea and coffee.

There will be a break for lunch so you can bring a packed lunch, or pop into the town for a breath of fresh air.

Click here to go to our shop where you will find patchwork tools and fat quarter fabrics.

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A four week course for anyone who wants to learn to sew! We'll complete a project a week, developing and building your skills as you go.

You don't need your own sewing machine a we have 8 modern Brother machines, but you can bring your own if you want to get to grips with it a little more.

All materials are included in the price of the course.

A three week Christmas-themed course, where we will make a table runner and placemats.

Not keen on precise cutting and pieceing in your patchwork? Come and have a go at crazy patchwork where anything goes with stunning results! Perfect for making applique pieces and using up scraps.

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Pieced Patchwork is a relaxing and therapeutic craft - perfect for using up scrap fabrics and turning them into something lovely!

You will learn how to piece your hexagons and go away with plenty more to carry on this simple but satisfying craft.

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On this fabulously creative course, you will learn free machine embroidery techniques and get to explore texture and pattern using them on normal fabrics and water soluble fabric to create a piece of artwork to take home.

Suitable for all levels of sewist. All materials are provided on this course.

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2021: Each month you will receive a project kit with instructions and materials to learn a different type of hand stitching technique.  If you would like one of the months kits that has already gone, please get in touch as we can make them available.

A once a month club where we will explore a different hand stitching technique each session. Art and Craft is increasingly shown to be relaxing and beneficial to our mental health. Hand stitching helps us to slow down and focus on a pleasingly and beautiful task.

January - Kashidakari (an Indian form of embroidery)
February - Beadwork
March - Cross Stitch
April - Crewel Work
May - Bargello
June - Raised / Stump Work
July - Huck Embroidery (a Swedish embroidery)
August - Goldwork
September - Ribbon work
October - Nihon Shishu (a Japanese embroidery using silks)
November - Tapestry
December - Free hand embroidery

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Hannah loves making bags, and she wants to pass her skills and knowledge on to you!

Our brand new bi-monthly club will feature a different bag style and techniques each session so you are always learning and improving in a fun and social environment.

Prior to the course, you'll be sent the material and hardware requirements that you need. You can choose to purchase from us - you'll get a 10% discount on products bought for the course - or you can bring your own. You will receive a copy of the bag pattern (either as a PDF of paper pattern) and all the interfacing and fusible foam needed as part of the course.

On the day, you'll be guided through the bag-making construction process with Hannah on hand to pass on all her tips and tricks to create a truly professional finish.

This course will run every two months - if you wish to sign up for all 6 sessions during the year, then you can do so at a cost of £330 - a reduced price of £55 per session. Just give us a call in order to book this option.

Friday 10th September: we will be making the Annette Tote by Swoon Bag Patterns and using cork fabric as part of the exterior and ready-made handles. As this bag has a fair number of pieces, we would ask you to cut out all the bag pieces and interface them before the day. If you choose to buy the material from us, we will be happy to do this for you!

Friday 12th November: we will be making a Tweed Bag designed by us at Leicestershire Craft Centre. We will cut out all bag pieces on the day to make sure the tweed is pattern matched. This bag uses ready-made handles.

Join our expert quilter, Hannah, and learn a variety of quilting skills, tips and tricks so you can complete your patchwork quilt making in style!

In this course, you will work on a few mini square quilts of plain fabric to create samples of different stitch patterns. You will be shown how to plan out each pattern and which tools to use to help you with this. You will also learn how to use a quilter's ruler to make a diamond pattern.

We've combined two of our great starter dressmaking sessions into one fantastic workshop to get you started on the path to successful dressmaking!

We will show you how to begin working with dressmaking patterns: measuring correctly for your body size (the sizings on dressmaking patterns differ from brand to brand, and rarely matches any high street sizing), choosing the right fabric for the pattern, and laying and cutting correctly.

We'll look at different types of fabric, when to use them and give you lots of tips to cope with some of the trickier sorts.

A great intro recommended for anyone who is new, or returning to dressmaking after some time. You'll go away dying to get started on a project!

Foundation Paper Piecing is a fabulous patchwork technique allowing you to create complex patterns and pictures in a relatively simple way.

Come and learn all about the method of FPP with Katharine and make your own sample pieces - I promise you it's an addictive craft!

For those who have never used a machine before, or have not done so for a long time – come and learn the basics to give you the confidence to get going. You will learn to wind your bobbin, thread your machine, and then use your machine to make a simple tote bag or bunting. All materials are included in the cost of the workshop.

We have eight lovely modern Brother sewing machines for you to learn on, but if you have a sewing machine at home that you wish to get to grips with, please bring it with you for this class and we will show you how get started. Please also bring the instruction manual as each machine is different and understanding how to use your instruction manual really helps when you are sewing solo!

Thinking of buying a sewing machine? We have a range of Brother Sewing Machines in store for you to try. Click here to find out more.

Always wanted to tackle a larger quilt but been afraid to try? Want to join a like-minded, social group stiching together.

Over 10 weeks we will make a large quilt from start to finish. You'll be guided through the whole process of cutting, piecing, quilting and finishing.

This course is suitable for beginners.

Our Autumn project will be a medallion quilt. You will be sent material requirements for this course so you can choose your own fabrics, but wadding and thread is included in the price.

A once-a-month session where we will cut and piece a different patchwork block each session. Develop and build up your patchworking skills - we will try lots of different techniques and patterns that you can take away and practice further.

Each month we will create a different block trying out different patchwork patterns and techniques each month - a great way of building up your patchworking skills.

 instructions every month.

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Have you just bought yourself an overlocker? Not sure where to start?

Book a 1-1 session with us and we will help you get your machine threaded and set up ready to sew.

Call us on 01858 466692 to book your session.

Bring your own pattern and fabric and embark on a dressmaking project in this lovely, relaxed class with full tuition. This course is suitable for all levels from complete beginner to those looking to work with trickier fabrics and techniques.

We sell patterns and fabric at the Craft Centre and we are always happy to advise you on suitable projects and fabrics to choose. Just pop in and have a chat with Katharine or Hannah.

Suitable for all levels.

Please Note: This course is currently full and has a waiting list - please contact us to register your interest.

Come and spend a day dressmaking with Katharine. You can bring whatever project you like, and get help with what ever techniques you need. It's a great opportunity to learn some new things in a friendly, sociable environment with like-minded people. Plus we'll have lots of tea and cake!

A block of five evening sessions where you will learn how to follow a dressmaking pattern and make an item of clothing of your choice (it doesn't have to be a dress!) guided by our expert dressmaker. We will give what help you need at each stage, whether you are a complete dressmaking beginner and just starting your exciting journey in making your own clothes, or whether you have some dressmaking experience and would like to further your skills.

You will need to bring your own pattern, fabric, thread and notions to this course. We have eight wonderful Brother sewing machines to use for this course, so you don't need to lug your machine here each week (unless you want to, of course!). We will also supply a sewing kit to use in the class (scissors, measuring tape, etc), so you have everything  you need to make a fabulous garment.

We sell patterns and fabric at the Craft Centre, so if you want advice on suitable projects to begin with, please come and visit and we can help you find something suitable.

This one day course will show you how to use your own measurements to draw a fitted bodice block. This will then be used to make a toile, which we will further fit and you will be shown how to transfer changes back onto your pattern.

This course is suitable for those with existing sewing knowledge who want to understand more about their own body shape and made-to-measure dressmaking.

Why not add on the Sleeve Block the following day?

If you have completed our bodice block pattern cutting course, come and learn how to draft the sleeve to go with it.

You will need to bring your bodice block with you, or attend the bodice block course on the previous day to be able to do this course. Once completed, you will know how to draft a sleeve for any garment using a few simple measurements!

Recommended for experienced sewers.

Come and perfect putting in an invisible zip - once you know how to do it, you'll never use ordinary zips again! You'll be shown how to put in an invisible zip in garments both with and without a seam to match. Then you'll make your own samples to take away!

Come and spend a day making a man's waistcoat, under the expert tutelage of Mark Francis of Sewing Bee fame.

You can choose to make your waistcoat by upcycling a pair of large men's jeans or trousers, or you can choose new fabric if you prefer.

The pattern will be provided and you will require;

0.7m main fabric (or pair of trousers) - cord, canvas, denim or wool are all suitable
2.0m lining fabric - cotton, linen or lining weight
1.3m interfacing
5 buttons

The chest size of the person you want to make the waistcoat for if they are not attending!

Do you struggle to find well-fitting trousers on the high street? Then this is the course for you! 

Using your own measurements, we will draw a trouser block pattern - flat-fronted with a dart and side zip. We will then make this up in a calico toile, make any adjustments and transfer those back to your pattern. So at the end of the day, you should go away with a usable trouser block pattern.

This course is suitable for those with sewing experience.

All materials are provided, but please bring your lunch.

A fabulous beginners make, this A-line skirt flatters every size and shape. You will make a knee length skirt with darts, invisible zip and facing.

We are so delighted to have Mark Francis, a Great British Sewing Bee Quarter Finalist in Series 6, join us for a Tie Making Workshop.

Learn how to make this classic piece of menswear, and get all the inside gossip on the Sewing Bee!

This workshop will give you all the skills you need to make your own cushions at home! You will measure and cut the fabric needed to make a cushion, sew in a zip fastening, and add a piped edge for that perfect finish.  All materials and a cushion pad is included in the price of the course, and the biggest part of the fun is rifling through our fabulous selection of fabric, making the difficult decision of which fabric to use!

Suitable for Confident Beginner Sewers and upwards.

This workshop will teach you how to make your own mattress cushion. The skills learnt across the weekend can then be transferred into making your own at home for a window sill, day bed, floor cushions, garden seat cushions or even dog bed.

The sample we make in class will have a foam insert covered in wadding and will measure approx. 40 x 40 cms.  You will start by cutting and covering the foam in wadding before machine stitching a box cover.  An ideal fabric for this is a linen or linen union fabric.  Students will need to provide their own choice of fabric. 1 metre should be enough.  You will then mark out and use French mattress stitches to create that lovely edging before finally making your own covered buttons or traditional tuft buttons to finish it off.

This class is designed for students with some sewing machine experience.

In this fabulous course you will learn how to make a professionally-finished 20cm or 30cm drum lampshade. All materials are included in the price of the course, however if you have fabric of your own you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it along. You need half a metre of lightweight fabric (craft cotton weight).

"Wanted to say a BIG thank you for the tutorial last night. Thoroughly enjoyed it and think that it may just be the start of many lampshades to come!"  Trish

"Just to say that I very much enjoyed last night's lampshade class - well instructed in a friendly atmosphere and pleased with my finished shade." Joy Gilbert

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This course is designed as an introduction to upholstery. Both days will run from 10am-4pm. This weekend is suitable for anyone wishing to dip their toe into the wonderful world of upholstery and see if they enjoy it as a craft. No previous experience is necessary. Students will learn about tools and materials alongside tutoring in the basic techniques of traditional upholstery.

Over the weekend students will learn how to upholster a small project such as a drop in seat for a dining chair. Other suitable projects could be piano stools or pin cushion seats. If students have an alternative small project, they would like to work on over the weekend it will be essential they contact us beforehand.

During the course students will learn how to professionally strip down the chair and then re-upholster it using traditional methods and materials. You will learn how to strip back the frame, then build up a hair pad using webbing, hair, hessian, and calico finally covering with your choice of top fabric. Note: a drop-in chair is where the seat pad can be pushed out of the chair or stool frame.

Students will need to supply their own piece of furniture and top fabric. Usually no more than 1 metre will be required for a simple drop in chair. A good union linen or cotton would be perfectly adequate for a chair such as this.  All tools will be provided.

For Health and Safety reasons please do not wear open toe shoes or stiletto heels and tie long hair back. Bring an apron if you have one or wear clothing that you don't mind getting messy.

Watch out for new dates for this course in the Spring! 

Learn how to make a Roman Blind on this three hour course. You will learn how to measure and calculate your folds, position patterns on your fabric, and then you will go on to make a complete sample blind. You will then have all the techniques at your fingertips to be able to make blinds for your own windows.

We are delighted to welcome Nina, essential oils expert, to provide us with a Christmas workshop that will enhance your health and well being. Essential oils from doTERRA help with wellness for all the family. Pure therapeutic grade essential oils can be used to support sleep issues, boost immunity, digestive issues, anxiety over work and life, encourage focus and much more. 

In this workshop, you will learn a little about essential oils and then choose a blend to make into a room spray. We will go on to make a paper Christmas decoration that can be sprayed with your blend to scent your room for the festive season.

Come and learn how to make your own scented candles for gifts.

You will learn about different waxes and scents and make a glass candle and travel tin candle to take home.

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Learn all about the making of essential oils and creating your own relaxing blend with the help of Wellbeing expert Nina!

Essential oils can help with health and wellness for all the family and pure therapeutic grade essential oils can be used to support sleep issues, boost immunity, digestive issues, anxiety over school, work, aid focus and much more.

All materials included.

Come and learn how to make your own raw delicious chocolates infused with doTERRA essential oils such as wild orange, citrus bliss, salt and black pepper, peppermint and lime and ginger to name a few. Get creative making your own chocolate using a variety of different chocolate moulds in a relaxed environment. While the chocolates set you will learn how you can use these incredible medicinal essential oils to care for you and your loves ones and make a gift box to take them home in.

We all need a bit of pampering now and then! This workshop is just what the doctor ordered: aromatouch hand massage and raw chocolate all infused with the incredible medicinal properties of doTERRA essential oils. 

You will have the opportunity to enjoy these treats as well as make your own natural pampering products beautifully scented with your choice of doTERRa oils. 

Finally, make yourself an extra treat to take home - earrings or a bracelet.

Come and spend a relaxing evening learning about essential oils and their benefits, whilst using them to make your own home-made soap.  

There'll also be a mini craft make focusing on packaging and presentation, so you can make these wonderful soaps as gifts too.

A fabulous wreath using the arm knitting technique! Bang-on-trend and it'll last for years.

The yarn is vegan friendly acrylic jumbo yarn, so also suitable for those sensitive to wool.

Perfect for Easter, Christmas and all year round!

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This is a 2 week course perfect for crochet beginners, or those who have come to our crochet taster workshop.

In this course, we will teach you the most commonly used crochet stitches, show you how to begin and finish a piece of crochet and talk about colour choices of yarns. You will learn how to read a crochet pattern, how to make granny squares (which can be put together to make a cushion cover or blanket) and become more confident at selecting crochet projects to move on.

Included in the price of this course is a crochet hook and ball of yarn in the colour of your choice, and a clearly written pattern for a granny square.

If you have attended this course already, or have some experience of crocheting, you are very welcome to come and we will develop your crocheting skills further with more complex pattern reading, crocheting in the round and learning more complex stitches. Just mention at the time of booking if you would like to be stretched further!

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A beginner level course, come and spend a couple of hours learning the double crochet stitch and how to use it in the round.