Gathered Lampshades: A One Day Workshop

Description

Gathered shades are the most relaxed lampshade style and currently very fashionable. They look gorgeous with block printed fabrics, super smart with silk dupion... and there’s plenty of scope for your own ideas too. Join lampshade maker, author of best-selling book Sewing Lampshades and teacher Joanna Heptinstall at the Lampshade School for a creative and industrious day concentrating on gathered lampshade making skills. Joanna will present the core skills in easy stages: binding the frame; how to measure, cut out and mark up fabric; fitting and hand stitching the gathered fabric to the frame; and fitting a classic pleated lining. You will learn the very useful skill of making your own bias trimming too. It’s fun and friendly, industrious and creative, and everyone is taught to a professional standard. Whether you are a beginner to sewing or professional soft furnisher, you will be encouraged develop your creative style, and take home your own impressive handmade gathered shade and the skills to make many more. In order to make this workshop possible in one-day, students are provided with a 10in or 12in empire shade frame, an ideal size and shape for learning on. If you have a shade that you would really love to start making as soon as you get home, do bring it along so that Joanna can help you tackle it with confidence. The Lampshade School is a dedicated, airy well-equipped studio and is part of Joanna’s Traditional Upholstery School. It is based in rural Wiltshire, close to a good network of roads, and has its own parking and kitchen. About the tutor Joanna Heptinstall is a versatile and experienced upholsterer, teacher and maker, with a particular interest in lampshade making. Following the completion of a Fine Arts degree at Sheffield Hallam University and subsequent post-graduate studies in journalism, Joanna worked for several years in magazine publishing before re-training as an upholsterer 26 years ago. She soon developed a love for lampshade restoration, reviving almost-lost skills and writing her best-selling book Sewing Lampshades to share those skills with other makers. Joanna lives in Wiltshire, teaching professional upholstery and lampshade skills in her own school, enjoying making, and walking with her spaniel Nellie. Please bring 1m standard width top fabric. For a gathered lampshade we recommend cotton lawn such as Liberty tana lawn, Indian block printed cotton muslin and light/medium weight silk fabrics. Avoid anything bulky or stretchy. While we have all the equipment you need, we find that students like to bring their own scissors, haberdashery kit and even their sewing machine. Please bring a packed lunch. What's included in the price? Tuition, one 10in or 12in French drum lampshade frame, binding tape, specialist threads and lining fabrics, with refreshments provided throughout the day. While we have all the equipment you need, we find that students like to bring their own scissors, haberdashery kit and even their sewing machine. Further details Please select 'Chat with the maker' if you would like to contact Joanna in advance of booking with any queries about fabrics, or would like recommendations for places to stay. It is possible to arrange this workshop on different dates. Please contact Joanna if this is of interest. Courses are for adults, but younger students may be considered on request.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Traditional Upholstery School

with Craft Courses since 2023

Message the tutor

The Traditional Upholstery School is based in lovely, roomy workrooms near Bradford on Avon in rural Wiltshire. It offers a range of professional upholstery and lampshade making skills workshops. It was founded by Joanna Heptinstall, author of 'Sewing Lampshades'. Traditional Upholstery School is one of Britain's few training centres delivering AMUSF accredited training.