Brentford Together

Spring SEWING

The spring season brings a fresh feeling of renewal and brighter colours in our wardrobe, kitchen and garden and is an ideal time to get ‘out & about’ in different ways! Since the ‘Brentford Together’ community project started last May, more than 300 local residents of all ages have taken part in free classes and workshops - trying out sewing, knitting, cooking, gardening and bike maintenance. The ‘Brentford Sewing Bee’ takes place weekly on board the Cathja barge on the River Thames. As a sewing tutor and vintage fashion stylist with a background at Liberty and Harrods, I enjoy teaching traditional techniques such as blanket stitch and pattern cutting and sharing the joy of making your own clothes, updating classic items or customising ‘charity shop finds’. We are a small, friendly group including mothers of young children who benefit from a change of scene, retired people seeking to develop their interests and we all like to socialise! Members bring in homemade Portuguese cakes, Czech biscuits and at Christmas we went to a local carol service together wearing some of our class creations - joined by family, including toddlers and pets. Louise made a comfortable green cord skirt for walking her dog, Pavlina a stunning LBD for parties, Sarah Jane a poncho and pyjamas for her children and Quina a stylish summer skirt with a 30 year old piece of fabric! We will also be holding ‘taster’ themed workshops, all free to attend. Classes are open to anyone interested in meeting people or learning a new skill. Class details as follows: Day: Tuesdays Time: 6-8pm Venue: Cathja Barge (on the river behind South Street, Isleworth ) As there are a limited number of spaces available, please get in touch to book onto a session. Mary from ‘Brentford Together’ shares her sewing skills in community classes