POLISH/ REVIVE/ REPAIR WITH ANDY HILLS
SATURDAY 3rd October
Furniture Revival with Andy Hills β One-Day Restoration Workshop
Bring along a project, and if it needs any of the following, Andy will guide you to success:
π§ Cleaning
πͺ Repair and Revival
β¨ Polishing & Grain Filling
π¨ Colouring and Waxing (ideal for chairs and small furniture pieces)
This hands-on one-day course introduces you to the art of restoration in all its forms. Whether you're a total beginner or want to enhance your current skills, you'll get expert support every step of the way.
πͺ Bonus: If your piece needs more time and love, donβt worry! Weβre offering additional follow-up days so you can continue the revival of your special item at your own pace.
π¨βπ« Meet Your Instructor:
Andy Hills brings over 40 years of experience in all aspects of furniture restoration. From traditional techniques to practical tips, youβll learn from one of the best in the craft.
Perfect for:
β Upholsterers who want to revive show wood on chairs
β DIYers with a passion for furniture
β Anyone looking to learn, refresh, or explore creative restoration skills
Time - 10am to 5pm - LIMITED PLACES
Andy Hills worked for the London College of Furniture (now LMU) since 1979 - his extensive knowledge of all things wood including, cleaning, reviving, polishing and repair work makes him the 'go to' man with any project.
We can supply all the tools, equipment and materials for your project.
SOFT FURNISHING COURSE - DAY
Only 1 space available - please contact us for pricing mid term 10am to 4.30pm
Discover the art of soft furnishing with our Personal Development courses. π§΅
Our Personal Development courses are designed for adults interested in the art of soft furnishing, making them perfect for those seeking a rewarding leisure activity or looking to enhance their existing skills.
Throughout the course, you'll explore the intricacies of creating:
β¨ Bespoke cushions
πͺ Curtains and blinds
π‘ Beautiful handmade lampshades
π¨ Pieces that reflect your own personal style
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your techniques, our experienced tutor will guide you through each project, ensuring you leave with both new knowledge and beautifully crafted pieces.
π©βπ« Meet your tutor
Your tutor, Maggi, has been working and teaching in the soft furnishing industry for over 40 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to every class.
π What to expect
βοΈ A great introduction to soft furnishing if you're a beginner
βοΈ An ideal space for experienced makers to focus on developing their techniques
βοΈ Your own cutting table, with places limited to ensure plenty of workspace
βοΈ Advice on choosing the best fabrics for your project
βοΈ All equipment provided
βοΈ The freedom to work at your own pace in a friendly, supportive environment
βοΈ Storage for ongoing projects, so there's no need to pack up and transport your work each week
β¨ PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE COURSE MID-TERM
FRENCH CUSHION DAY
MONDAY 28th September
French-Style Hand-Stitched Cushion Workshop
Add a touch of elegance to your portfolio
Learn how to create a beautiful modern French-style hand-stitched cushion in this practical, skill-building workshop. Ideal for upholsterers, sewing enthusiasts, or anyone looking to expand their repertoire of traditional soft furnishing techniques.
πͺ‘ What Youβll Learn:
How to construct and hand-finish a classic French-style cushion
Techniques for precise stitching, shaping, and stuffing
Step-by-step guidance from start to finish
𧡠Materials Provided:
β All inner materials and cushion filling included
β Bring your own top fabric, or use the fabric provided
π§· Youβll need some basic sewing experience and should be comfortable using a sewing machine β weβll take care of the rest!
π¨ Take home your finished cushion, perfect for your portfolio or to showcase your craftsmanship at home.
Time - 10am-4:30pm
A TWO DAY LAMPSHADE COURSE
THURSDAY 29th & FRIDAY 30th October
Create your own elegant bow empire lampshade in this hands-on workshop.
Add a beautiful handmade feature to your home by crafting your very own bow empire lampshade. You're welcome to bring your own fabric to create a truly personalised piece, or choose from our carefully curated selection of fabrics, specially chosen for this project.
Throughout the workshop, you'll be guided step by step as you:
β¨ Construct a fully lined empire lampshade
π Create the elegant bow detail that gives the design its timeless charm
π Shape the classic empire silhouette with confidence
βοΈ Learn professional techniques for achieving a neat, polished finish along both the top and bottom edges of your lampshade
Whether you're looking to learn a new craft or create a unique statement piece for your home, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. By the end of the session, you'll leave with a beautifully finished lampshade and the confidence to recreate the process again.
β¨ Interested? Book your place today!
Time - 10am-4.30pm
Limited spaces
LOOSE COVER CUTTING COURSE
MONDAY 7th September to FRIDAY 11th September
Learn the art of loose cover making and transform a favourite chair.
This fascinating skill is a must for anyone wanting to add to their soft furnishing portfolio. Loose covers are the perfect way to restyle a room while keeping a much-loved, comfortable chair.
Bring along your own fireside chair and be guided through the process of creating a professionally fitted loose cover, learning the techniques needed to achieve a tailored finish.
β¨ Throughout the workshop, you'll learn:
π How to measure your chair and estimate the amount of fabric required
βοΈ How to halve a chair and fit fabric with accurate pattern placement
𧡠How to achieve the correct cuts for a perfect fit
πͺ‘ How to pipe your cover and insert a zip for a professional finish
π How to create and attach a skirt or tie-under to complete your loose cover
Whether you're looking to expand your skills or take on more advanced soft furnishing projects, this workshop will give you the confidence and practical techniques to create beautifully fitted chair covers.
β¨ Interested? Book your place today!
Time - 10am-5pm
5 available spaces
OVERLOCKER DAY
FRIDAY 4th September
Do you have an overlocker tucked away in a box, but no idea where to start?
You're not alone! Many people buy an overlocker with the best intentions, only for it to sit unused because it seems too complicated. This hands-on workshop is designed to take the mystery out of your machine and help you feel confident using it.
During the day, you'll learn:
𧡠How your overlocker works and what all the dials do
π§ How to thread your machine with confidence
π How and when to use the differential feed for professional-looking results
π Essential maintenance and troubleshooting tips to keep your machine running smoothly
By the end of the session, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to start using your overlocker for a wide range of sewing projects.
Whether you're a complete beginner or just need a refresher, we'd love to see you there!
β¨ Interested? Sign up here!
Time - 10am-3:30pm
MACHINE INSTRUCTION COURSE Thursday September 3rd
Build your confidence with your sewing machine in just one day!
Whether you've just bought your first sewing machine or it's been sitting unused for a while, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to develop your skills and gain the confidence to start sewing.
Throughout the day, you'll learn:
β¨ How to thread and use your sewing machine correctly
πͺ‘ How to make the most of its decorative stitches and features
π§ Simple troubleshooting techniques to solve common problems
π§Ό Essential cleaning and maintenance to keep your machine running smoothly
Our friendly, hands-on session is suitable for beginners and anyone looking to refresh their sewing skills. By the end of the workshop, you'll feel much more confident using your machine and ready to take on new sewing skills.
β¨ Interested? Sign up now!
Time - 10am-4:30pm