CityEast Community College

This course celebrates the beauty of the 50’s party frock with its swing-skirt and kicky weekend feel. Using a tried and tested easy pattern developed by the tutor create your dream ‘Mad Men’ dress and come away with your perfectly fitted 50’s pattern to take home and use over and over again. Please note: basic sewing machine skills, including how to insert a zipper, are required. If have not inserted a zipper before we suggest you book into one of our one day Sewing Machine Skills ... [More]

Create a family heirloom as you make a beautifully crafted sampler quilt. Learn about colour and design, piecing, appliqué, drafting and how to assemble and finish your quilt. By the end of the course you will have a small finished quilt top and have learnt techniques for machine or hand quilting. Materials required for the first night 1 metre each of 100% cotton quilting fabric: 2 solid colours, 1 small print and 1 medium print. Purchase the best quality fabric you can afford. fine... [More]

Create what is arguably the most controversial garment in he history of fashion, the corset. Learn about the history of the corset as you are lead through the basic steps in corset making, including; taking measurements, pattern alteration, fitting and finishing of your individually tailored corset. Materials Please bring the following to the first lesson (where you will choose from a basic block pattern and take your measurements) Fabric scissors Paper scissors Tape measure Tailor’... [More]

Get the most efficient use out of your sewing machine in this one day workshop. Starting with the basics of sewing a straight line you will progress to make a simple bodice top, which includes straight seams, darts, inserting a zipper, sleeves and facing to finish the work. Materials Sewing Machine (optional) - it is preferable to learn on your own machine. College machines are available to use; however, you may need to share with other students. manual for your sewing machine (opti... [More]

A basic course in making adults’ or children garments. Work at your own speed and ability to produce a simple garment from a commercial pattern, or for advanced students, tailoring: all at a price you can afford. Discover how to read patterns, learn cutting and sewing techniques and experiment with fabric layout and design. You just need enthusiasm: we’ll show you the rest. Materials Pattern: Beginners should choose a simple pattern – straight skirt, draw string pants/shorts, sleeve... [More]

Whether you are a complete crochet novice or have been crocheting for decades, there is always something new to learn. Become inspired by images and examples of contemporary crochet and needle felting, particularly work from the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. This is a great place to start if you are new to crochet or need to brush up on the basics. Here you can learn: all the basic stitches, including chain, double and treble stitches; how to match the hook size to the type of yarn... [More]

Knitting is undergoing a major revival. In this beginner’s class experiment with a variety of yarns as you learn to cast on and off, the basic stitches (garter, purl, rib and stocking stitch), how to read and follow a pattern and change colours. Also covered are the elements and principles of design in knitting and how to enrich your knitted surface with beads. Materials 1 set of big needles (7.5mm -10.5m) knitting needles 1 X 50gm ball of pure wool (8ply) Pen and paper Melinda will... [More]

Now that Summer is nearly here, why not save some money by adapting some favourites from your existing wardrobe. By simply taking up the hem of your favourite skirt, letting out or taking in the waist of your shorts, adjusting sleeves or replacing broken zippers, etc, you can step out in new style this season. Enrol in this workshop and your alterations will take on a professional appearance. Feel confident when called on to take-up trousers or skirt hems (by hand or blind hemming s... [More]

Straight skirts and ‘A’ line skirts are easy to make, stylish and versatile. Starting with your own body measurements you can either make your own pattern or use a commercial pattern. While making your skirt you will learn how to measure yourself, cut out fabric, sew darts, apply a zipper or waistband, apply facing and finish your hem. Materials FABRIC: Decide on the length of your skirt. Whatever the length you will need to double it and add 1/2, i.e: for a skirt 1meter in length y... [More]

Learn to copy and adjust commercial patterns and make a new pattern from a favourite garment. Have you ever thought what a waste it is as you cut into a commercial pattern? Instead learn various techniques to copy the patterns and make common adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. That way you can use the pattern over and over and for the complete range of sizes. Even if you love sewing from commercial patterns, nothing fits like a piece of favourite clothing. Bring along a simple, fa... [More]