Shift To Fit Sewing Workshop

This month we helped some beautiful shift dresses take shape, using the Laurel dress pattern. The next beginners dressmaking class starts Tuesday the 6th of September. Get more information about the class on our website or call in to the shop if you are interested.

The dress includes learning how to put a sleeve in, sewing details such as darts and pockets, a choice of two different ways to sew a neckline as well sewing a concealed zipper.

Such a pretty pocket! This dragonfly print from Inprint can be found in store at Flo-Jo Boutique.

 A lovely maxi dress version of the Laurel dress by Colette patterns.

And a summery batik version with pockets!

There are so many ways to alter a simple shift dress to make it just your style! What is your favourite kind of shift dress?

Flo-Jo's half term Sewing Class

This morning we had eight keen sewers in the workshop making their own designed purses/pencil cases with felt faces and appliques.

Don't you think that their sketches came to life brilliantly in just two hours? We were very impressed!

Flo-Jo Children's Sewing Club

Next week we have a break for half term so there are no classes on for our children and teen sewers but I thought it could be fun to share what they have been up to this term.

They've made wraps for their sewing tools, practicing different techniques in our Tuesday afternoon classes.

Making pockets, sewing on ribbons for pencils and pinking felt pieces for our pins to go on.

They've also practiced some stitching by hand, adding their initials to the kits and sewing a double fold bias-binding all around the edge.

If you've been inspired and would like to do some sewing yourself, have a look at our different workshops here!

General sewing class starting in October!

On Wednesday the 7th of October our "General Sewing class" starts. Between 6 pm - 8 pm you can bring along that sewing pattern you are having trouble getting on with at home or those alterations you mean to do but need a hand pinning. A great opportunity for those with some sewing experience. It is £120 for 6 weeks and each session will be a mixture of teacher lead and student lead learning. So that you can also pick up some new skills, learning different details and techniques.

If you haven't got a pattern we stock a large range of sewing patterns as well as fabric and when you book on to a course with us you get 10% off your purchase in the shop.

Here is a photo of some sewers in our workshop in action.

We've still got places left so go on! Book online, give us a ring 0117 9041498 or pop in to the shop to secure a space. We can't wait to see what you will make!

Sewing workshops in September

We are getting very close to the start of our September sewing classes, how quickly time flies! On Saturday the 5th of September you can join our "Let's get Sewing" workshop from 10-1 pm. This is a great introduction for beginners, learning how to use a sewing machine and start sewing!

 On Tuesday the 8th of September, 6.30-9 pm we start the 5 week workshop for "Beginners dressmaking" where we are making the wonderful shift dress Laurel, see pattern below. The dress features 3/4 sleeves, a zip fastener in the back, darts and different optional details.

 Colette pattern "Laurel" can be bought in our shop for £14 as well as the backdrop material with roses £6.50 per meter.

Here are a couple of photos of the Laurel dress pattern made up in a striking bird print by Freespirit. It's £14 per meter and you can find it in our shop or here on our website. For more information about workshops you can give us a ring, pop in and have a chat with us in the shop or book online! Click here for more workshops.

Beginners Dress Making

Back again for July, is one of our most popular courses! This time with a new pattern: The Camber dress by Merchant and Mills.

This is a simple shift dress with a tapered A-line silhouette and short fitted sleeves for an easy-wear classic.

The course is run by our very talented, sewing guru Nancy on Tuesday evenings 6.30-9pm. The first session will be Tuesday 7th July for 4 weeks. 

Cost £90

If you're keen to learn how to make your own clothes, then this course is a perfect introduction to commercial patterns, adaption, marking out, construction, seams, finishing and fitting. 

For more information or to book visit our website or call: 0117 9041498

We hope to see you soon! 

Summer School- Beginners Sewing

MAKE A SKIRT- 2 day course

Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July: 10am-3pm £90 inclusive

Day 1: learn all the basic techniques you will need to make a skirt, how to thread a machine, wind a bobbin, use a sewing machine, seams, using a pattern, how to sew in a zip and much more

Day 2: using the skills from day 1 you'll learn how to make a skirt that fits you perfectly and is made from our fabulous fabric. 

At the end of the 2 days you'll have a well made skirt that you'll want to show off to all your friends and make again (we hope anyway). As well as having all the skills to continue being creative and making your own clothes!

Some pencil skirt inspiration from Love Sewing magazine, The Great British Sewing Bee and Pinterest

To book or for more information visit our website or call us on; 0117 9044198

Upcoming workshops and courses

As some of you may know, we not only stock fabric, gifts and haberdashery items. We also run workshops and courses to teach you how to make fabulous things!

Here are a list of the upcoming workshops, which can be found on our website too:

1 space available on our Beginner's Dress making, starting this Tuesday 2nd June 6.30pm-9pm  for 5 weeks, £100.

Lampshade making, Saturday 13th June 10am-1pm £40

Let's Get Sewing:

Level 1- Saturday 11th July 10am-1pm £35- covering the basics of how to use a sewing machine

Level 2- Saturday 20th June 10am-1pm £35- covering zips, pockets, button holes, darts and pleats.


Beginners Sewing- Making a skirt.
2 day course Tuesday 7th July and Wednesday 8th July 10am-3pm £90 all materials included.
Day 1- learn the techniques needed to make a skirt
Day 2- make a skirt using a commercial pattern out of some our fabulous fabric.

Beginners Dressmaking- Tuesday 7th July 6.30pm-9pm for 4 weeks, £90
Using the ultimate classic shift dress from Merchant and Mills.

For more details about any of courses, feel free to drop into the shop, call us or visit our website.
36b Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AR, 0117 9041498, www.flo-joboutique.co.uk

We hope to see you soon!

Let's Get Sewing Level 2

Last weekend we held our first Let's Get Sewing Level 2 with the super clever Peggy teaching the ladies how to sew pockets, zips and darts. The ladies had either been on our Level 1 course, which runs through the basics or had a general understanding of sewing already but they wanted to know how to do more advanced elements for garments and furnishings. 

Here are a few photos from the lesson.

Our next Level 2 workshop is on Saturday 20th June 10am-1pm click here for more details.

Our next Level 1 workshop is on Saturday 11th July 10am-1pm click here for more details.

Getting Ready for Baby? - New Course for the Spring

Join us for our new four week course making this gorgeous baby sleeping bag. Perfect for your own baby or as a gift for a friend or family.
Fully lined and with unbleached cotton wadding, zip and popper fasteners for comfort and access.
Here's hoping for a perfect nights' sleep!

Booking now: Tuesday 3rd March / 4 weeks / 6-8.30pm / £80 / Plus materials

New Year, New You?

Fancy trying your hand at a new skill or want to improve the ones you've already got? Then why not come along to one of our workshops?

We've still got some spaces on:

NEW general dressmaking- starting Thursday 15th January.

Beginner's dressmaking- Tuesday 3rd February

Let's get sewing- Saturday 10th January

Lampshade making- Saturday 7th February

For more information visit our website: www.flo-joboutique.co.uk, pop in and see us or call on 0117 9041498

Here's a few pictures of our fabulously, creative customers throughout 2014. What will you be making in 2015?

We look forward to seeing you and your makes soon!