Bugweeds Limited

Learn to crochet a granny square
2023-11-24 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Debbie to learn how to crochet a granny square and try out a variety of designs.
Left or right handed. Everyone is welcome.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your own crochet hook and yarn, any size is fine. Feel free to bring multiple colours if you would like to.
Previous experience required?
This session is for confident beginners. You will need to be able to do double and treble crochet stitches.

Learn to crochet for absolute beginners
2023-11-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Debbie to learn how to crochet!
In this session Debbie will teach you how to make chain, double and treble crochet stitches. You will have the opportunity to practise those and gain confidence, making a square with them.
Left or right handed. Everyone is welcome.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing! Everything will be provided for you. You will have a crochet hook and ball of yarn to use in the session and take away with you.
Previous experience required?
None, this session is designed for absolute beginners.

Learn to knit for absolute beginners
2023-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Catherine to learn how to knit! casting on, knit and purl and cast off. DK 4mm or Aran 5mm. 10 people
In this session Catherine will teach you how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off. You will have the opportunity to practise those and gain confidence with them.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing! Everything will be provided for you. You will have a set of knitting needles and a ball of yarn to use in the session and take away with you.
Previous experience required?
None, this session is designed for absolute beginners.

Colour into weave
2023-11-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Amanda to learn how to make a sample of woven fabric on a weave card.
What will you learn?
Exploration of colour and weave structure to create a colourful patterned piece. You may not finish your piece during the workshop but you will learn all the techniques to finish it in your own time.
Your weave card can be reused to make further weaving samples at home.
The techniques learnt can also be transferred to visible mending projects.
What do you need to bring?
Nothing, all materials and equipment will be provided.
Previous experience required?
This workshop is suitable for beginners
Our tutor Amanda
I studied textile design at university and worked as a textiles teacher in secondary education for over 30 years. During this time, I completed part time courses in embroidery and fashion design. I’ve co-authored two textiles books for students and provided training sessions for textile teachers. A wide range of different textile techniques inspire my work. Currently I’m enjoying producing experimental woven fabrics on an ancient 4 shaft floor loom.

Me & My Little One
2023-11-15 10:00 - 12:30, 2023-11-01 10:00 - 12:30, 2023-10-18 10:00 - 12:30, 2023-10-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Creative time for parents and carers, calm time for babies.
A social time for parents and carers with babies in arms to spend time being creative. You are welcome to come along and use our studio space. We will have toys and playmats on the floor for the babies. Hot and cold drinks for the adults. We also have a toilet and baby changing facilities. It’s all very relaxed.

Create your own arm knitted blanket
2023-11-14 19:00 - 21:30, 2023-10-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Kirsten to learn how to create your very own arm knitted blanket!
Such a fun way to spend an evening, finishing with your very own cosy blanket to take home.
There are 17 colours to choose from, subject to availability. Let us know which colour of yarn you would like when booking.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing just yourself, everything will be provided for you.
Previous experience required
None, this is suitable for absolute beginners

Sewing School: Making a button fastening shirt
2023-11-11 13:30 - 16:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Please note this is a two part workshop. Part 1 will take place on Saturday 11th November 1:30-4pm and part 2 Saturday 9th December 10:30-3:30pm. Payment covers both sessions.
Part 1 Saturday 11th November 1:30-4pm

The pattern we will be using is The Assembly Line Cap Sleeve Shirt. Please click here to view the pattern.
In this session we will accurately take our body measurements to determine what size or sizes we will need to use with the dressmaking pattern. We will then prepare our pattern and cut out our fabric, transferring all pattern markings and finishing the raw edges with an overlocker. This means we will be ready to sew our shirt in the next session.
The size range is approximately UK 8-30 – please use your body measurements compared to the sizing on the pattern, do not use your ready to wear size to estimate the size needed on the pattern as they can vary significantly.

Minor fitting issues such as grading between a couple of sizes, or lengthening/shortening can be dealt with, but fitting issue requiring more complex adjustments will not be possible in the time constraints of this session. If you typically experience fitting issues with ready to wear garments, you should expect that you will need to adjust dressmaking patterns and the adjustments very much depend on the specific fitting issue.
Part 2 Saturday 9th December 10:30-3:30pm

In this session we will make our button fronted shirt. This is a timeless shirt that’s easy to style and wear. It has a wide, straight-cut shape and features grown-on sleeves with a folded cuff and a standing straight collar.

Minor fitting issues such as grading between a couple of sizes, or lengthening/shortening can be dealt with, but fitting issue requiring more complex adjustments will not be possible in the time constraints of this session. If you typically experience fitting issues with ready to wear garments, you should expect that you will need to adjust dressmaking patterns and the adjustments very much depend on the specific fitting issue.

Required sewing knowledge/experience for both sessions
You need to have good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch and a buttonhole. You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners.
You also need a basic understanding of using a dressmaking pattern. This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or making clothes using dressmaking patterns.

What will you need to bring for both sessions?

Your sewing machine and instruction book
Buttonhole foot
A buttonhole foot stabiliser (optional – can also be called leveller plates, compensation plates or fabric feeding plates)
Washy tape
Thread
Fusible interfacing
Six shirt buttons, approx. 1 cm.

Suggested fabrics:
Light to medium weight fabrics, such as cotton shirting.
Fabric requirements:
110-120 cm wide fabric: XS 1.4 m / S 1.4 m / M 1.4 m / L 1.5 m / XL 2.0 m / 2XL 2.1 m / 3XL 2.1 m.
140-150 cm wide fabric: XS 1.2 m / S 1.3 m / M 1.4 m / L 1.4 m / XL 1.5 m / 2XL 1.5 m / 3XL 1.5 m.
If you need to purchase any supplies for this workshop contact our sister company Bugweed’s Fabrics. All purchases need to be done before the workshop to allow the workshop to start on time.

Sewing School: Buttonhole skills session
2023-11-11 10:30 - 13:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
This skills session is all about buttonholes. Gill will share her hints and tips on buttonholes, including how to prepare your buttonhole before sewing, techniques for buttonhole placement, using an automatic button function and using a four-step buttonhole function. By the end of the session you will:

Have sewn a buttonhole using an automatic buttonhole function
Have sewn a buttonhole using a four-step buttonhole function
Learnt techniques for preparing your buttonhole before sewing it, to avoid problems
Sewn at least two buttonholes that are lined up

What do you need to bring?

Your sewing machine and the instruction book
Your buttonhole foot
A buttonhole foot stabiliser (optional – can also be called leveller plates, compensation plates or fabric feeding plates)
2 x colours of thread. A contrasting one to be used in the bobbin
Washy tape

Required sewing knowledge/experience
You need to have good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners.
You also need a basic understanding of using a dressmaking pattern. This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or making clothes using dressmaking patterns.

How to get the most out of your overlocker
2023-11-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
If you know the basics but want to know more about how to get the most out of your overlocker then this is the course for you.
What will you learn on this course?

Make sure your machine is set up properly
Using it for gathering
Adjusting the differential feed for different fabrics
Roll hemming
Unpicking seams
Buying and using extra feet for blind stitch, elasticator or cording

What do you need to bring?

Your overlocker and thread. Please let us know which machine you have when booking

Our tutor
Our tutor Debbie is a textiles teacher with over twenty years experience of teaching both art based textiles and technology. This has led to a wide range of skills in all areas of textiles, from stitching on machines and by hand as well as manipulation of fabrics and materials.

Help I've bought an overlocker
2023-11-10 10:30 - 12:30, 2023-09-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
The perfect course for beginners who want to learn the basics of how to use their overlocker.
What will you learn on this course?

Threading up, in the correct order
Understanding the parts
Understanding and adjusting tension
The cutter
Changing a needle
Looking after your overlocker, including cleaning
Raising the knife
Adjusting the stitch length
Adjusting the cutting width
How to make sure it does not come unthreaded
How to easily rethread in a different colour

What do you need to bring?

Your overlocker and thread. Please let us know which machine you have when booking

Our tutor
Our tutor Debbie is a textiles teacher with over twenty years experience of teaching both art based textiles and technology. This has led to a wide range of skills in all areas of textiles, from stitching on machines and by hand as well as manipulation of fabrics and materials.

Beginners pattern drafting a skirt
2023-11-08 10:30 - 14:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Please note this is a two part workshop.
The first part will take place on Wed 8th Nov 10:30-2:30pm and the second part on Wed 13th Dec 10:30-2:30pm. Payment covers both sessions.
Part 1
You will draft your own pattern pieces based on your own measurements.

In this session you will draft your own pattern for a gathered skirt with either an elasticated or fitted waistband. You will create the required pattern pieces using your own body measurements, adding ease and seam allowances. You will have the option of adding an additional gathered tier and pockets to your skirt.

All internal seams will be finished with pinking shears.
What do you need to bring?
Everything will be provided for part 1 but do check below for details of what you need for part 2.
Part 2
You will sew your skirt using the pattern pieces you drafted in part 1.
What do you need to bring?

Your sewing machine and instruction book. If you need to borrow a machine let us know when booking.
Fabric – this will depend on your measurements and the style choices you want to use on your skirt. A rough guide is the length you would like your skirt to be, plus 30cm multiplied by two e.g.: A skirt length of 70cm, plus 30cm = 1 metre, multiplied by two = 2 metres of fabric.
Recommended fabric: Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, such as linen, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn
Matching thread
If you would like an elasticated waistband, then you will need a length of fabric and elastic in your desired width that fits your waist.
If you would like a fitted waistband, you will need a zip at least 20cms long and a small amount of interfacing in a weight to suit your fabric

If you need to purchase any supplies for this workshop contact our sister company Bugweed’s Fabrics. All purchases need to be done before the workshop to allow the workshop to start on time.
Required sewing knowledge/experience
You need to have good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners.
You also need a basic understanding of using a dressmaking pattern. This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or making clothes using dressmaking patterns.

Folded log cabin patchwork
2023-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Amanda to learn how to prepare fabric for a Log Cabin Patchwork technique and construct a square unit of the patchwork. Fabric and thread will be provided for you to use.
What do you need to bring?

Your sewing machine

Previous experience
This workshop is suitable for confident beginners. You should be comfortable using a sewing machine, understand how to wind and insert a bobbin, thread a machine, sew a straight stitch, change a foot and a needle.
Our tutor Amanda
I studied textile design at university and worked as a textiles teacher in secondary education for over 30 years. During this time, I completed part time courses in embroidery and fashion design. I’ve co-authored two textiles books for students and provided training sessions for textile teachers. A wide range of different textile techniques inspire my work. Currently I’m enjoying producing experimental woven fabrics on an ancient 4 shaft floor loom.

Children's Pom Pom Wreath
2023-11-03 13:00 - 15:00 | North Yorkshire
Join Helen to make your very own pom pom wreath.
What will you learn?
Helen will show you how to make pom poms, decorate your wreath frame and fix your pom poms to the frame. You may not finish the whole wreath in the session but you will have been taught the skills to finish it at home.
We recommend this workshop is suitable for children ages 6+. Tickets are per table so families are welcome to share a table. Parents/carers will need to stay with the children.
Previous experience required?
No experience necessary, this session is suitable for beginners.
What will I need to bring?
Nothing, everything will be provided

Children's Beginners Sewing
2023-11-03 10:30 - 12:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Do you have a child who wants to learn how to use a sewing machine?
What will you learn?
Join Helen and she will show you the basics of using a sewing machine. You will learn how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, understand basic stitches, how to change the foot. You will be able to complete the sewing machine driving test!
Everyone will have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice by completing a small project.
This workshop is recommended for ages 8+. Tickets are per table so families are welcome to share a table. Parents/carers will need to stay with the children.
Previous experience required?
None, this is suitable for beginners
What will I need to bring?
Nothing, everything will be provided

Be you and craft
2023-11-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
A monthly session for socially anxious teens and their parents/carers.
Join us for some creative time in a safe, accepting place.
This is a pay what you feel social session.

Block of the Month
2023-10-28 13:30 - 15:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
This month Helen will show you the art of free motion quilting and appliqué.
What do you need to bring?

Sewing machine which must be able to drop the feed dogs or this will not work
Attachment darning foot for your sewing machine
Contrast thread
Scissors
Quilt sandwich 15″ square
0.5mtr Bondaweb for appliqués
Fabric scraps for appliqués at least 6″ square

How learning to sew helped me transform my life. A talk with Gill Thomas
2023-10-21 11:00 - 12:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Gill Thomas will share her sewing journey, why and how she learnt to sew, taking part in the Great British Sewing Bee and how learning to sew helped her face her biggest fears and transform her life.
Tickets are £10 per person and all the profits will go to charity.

Sewing School: Making a skirt with a zip fly part 2
2023-10-14 10:30 - 15:30 | North Yorkshire
In this session we will make a skirt with a zip fly. There is a choice of two patterns,
Tilly and the Buttons Ness or
Cashmerette Ellis
which you will have chosen for the part 1 session.
Our main focus in making the skirt will be the practical application of inserting the zip fly, and we will prioritise our time to ensure you do this successfully. Other additional features on the pattern may not be covered in the workshop, as it will depend on the length of time it takes to insert the zip fly to your satisfaction. The features we might not cover include belt loops and decorative top stitching. We will also be using a metal snap fastening on the zip fly rather than a button and buttonhole. You can of course include these additional features in your own time, or on a future make as the pattern is yours to use again and again.

Minor fitting issues such as grading between a couple of sizes, or lengthening/shortening can be dealt with, but fitting issue requiring more complex adjustments will not be possible in the time constraints of this session. If you typically experience fitting issues with ready to wear garments, you should expect that you will need to adjust dressmaking patterns and the adjustments very much depend on the specific fitting issue.
Required sewing knowledge/experience
You need to have good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. You also need a basic understanding of using a dressmaking pattern. This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or making clothes using dressmaking patterns.
Fabric and tools required
Feel free to bring your own sewing machine and supplies with you. Please ensure your machine has a zipper foot. If you would like to borrow one of our studio sewing machines please let us know during the booking process so we can have one ready for you.
You will need to bring your pattern and fabric pieces that you prepared at the last session ready to sew together. You will also need your matching thread, denim/jeans needle; metal jeans zipper – size depends on which pattern you have chosen.
If you need to purchase any supplies for this workshop contact our sister company Bugweed’s Fabrics. All purchases need to be done before the workshop to allow the workshop to start on time.

Quilt for Care Leavers Open Studio
2023-10-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Do you love quilting and want to give back to our community?
Why not come along to our open studio day and quilt for one of our nominated charities, Quilt for Care Leavers.
Bring your own blocks and fabric to work on or feel free to use fabric from our stash. Block patterns are available for inspiration.
All finished quilts will go to a loving home.
The studio is open all day. You are welcome to stay for as long as you like. We have plenty of space for you to spread out. Ironing equipment for the perfect press. Hot and cold drinks and a toilet.
The studio is available free of charge. We do ask you to book a place so we know how many people to expect.

Baa Ram Ewe Launch Party!
2023-10-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join us to hear the story of the relaunch of Baa Ram Ewe and enjoy exclusive discounts on the night!
Fizz and nibbles
Craft and chat with @krafty_kris3, the colourful crochet Queen.
Bring your crafty project.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Demystifying pattern packets and grading between sizes
2023-10-11 10:30 - 14:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
In this session Gill will demystify pattern packets. You will learn how to measure yourself, find your size on the pattern, grade between sizes if necessary and lengthen or shorten a pattern piece if required.
Minor fitting issues such as grading between a couple of sizes, or lengthening/shortening can be dealt with, grading between a larger number of sizes may not be possible, this may require more complex adjustments, it will depend on the type of garment and the pieces.
What do you need to bring?
If you have any of the following feel free to bring them with you otherwise you are welcome to borrow ours.

Fabric tape measure
Pencil
Paper
Ruler
Highlighter

Required sewing knowledge/experience
This session is suitable for beginners.

Create a Moorland using recycled fabrics
2023-10-07 10:30 - 16:00 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Create a Moorland with recycled fabrics using straight stitch and free machine embroidery.
Justine will teach you the skills and techniques you can use to create your own unique moorland. You may not finish your moorland during the session but you will have learnt the skills to finish it in your own time.
Recycled fabrics will be provided for you to use but feel free to bring your own.
What do you need to bring?
Your sewing machine which must have a free machine embroidery foot
Thread
Any recycled fabrics you wish to use (optional)
Previous experience required
You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners.
About our tutor
Justine is a mixed media and textile artist based in the Howardian Hills. She uses recycled fabrics and found objects to create landscape work based predominantly in the North of England. She works from her own studio/gallery and delivers a wide range of workshops. Justine was a selected artist to take part in Landscape Artist of the Year 2022 and is represented by The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.

Block of the Month
2023-09-30 13:30 - 15:30 | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
This month Helen will show you how to create an English paper piecing Christmas Tree using traditional hexies.
What do you need to bring?

Scrap fabrics at least 5″ suitable for Christmas tree and trunk
Needle
Thread
Scissors
Glue pen for fabric
Background fabric 14″ square
