MAKE A DRESS (BEGINNER PLUS) - Wed 15th July - 10am-4pm

MAKE A DRESS (BEGINNER PLUS) - Wed 15th July - 10am-4pm

£115.00

WORKSHOP LOCATION: CAST Helston. Google maps link here.

SESSIONS: 1

DATES: Wednesday 15thJuly 2026

TIME:10am-4pm with 1 hour lunch break

MAXIMUM PARTICPANTS: 5

LEVEL: Beginner Plus

All images copyright of Merchant & Mills

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In this class you will learn how to make a beginner friendly dress. We will be making The Trapeze Dress by Merchant and Mills. It is a flared dress, just below the knee, with small neat shoulder and shallow rounded neckline. Please note we won’t have time to make the button back version of this dress. It is available in size ranges 8-18 or 20-28, please let us know your sizing when you book so we source the correct size for you.

TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN

Learn how to use a pattern
Check which size to make
How to prepare and lay the fabric
How to cut correctly
Sewing techniques
Learn to finish seam allowance with zig zag
Learn to follow instruction booklet in pattern.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The pattern (worth £18.50), which you can take home and use again
Tea and coffee!

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Fabrics and notions are not included in the price, see images with size chart for what you need, depending on the pattern you choose. If you need any help with this, please email Helen: hello@dotncross.com
Please bring plain block colour fabric, not stripes or checks, as we wont have time to ‘pattern match’ when cutting out in the lesson.

It’s a good idea to have pre-washed your fabric so that you know the shrinking is done before you sew a garment. Wash the fabric on the temperature you normally wash your clothes, or a bit higher.

Fabric suggestions:

Linen, linen blends, tencel, tencel/linen, denim, cotton chambray, indian handweaves, fine wool.

Please have a look on the Merchant and Mills website for their suggestions and to also view more photos of garments made up in different fabrics.

Fabric quantities:

See size charts in the images. Click here to be taken to Merchant and Mills website.

If you need any help with this, please email Helen: hello@dotncross.com, stating what size bracket you fall into and which option on the pattern (sleeves length etc).

Equipment:

A sewing machine in good working order.
Please ensure you bring the foot pedal and the various presser feet that came with the machine and the manual if you have it. Get in touch if you’d like to borrow a sewing machine - I have got one spare per class.
A basic sewing kit if you have it, including pins, scissors, tape measure etc. This is not essential as we have equipment you can borrow.

WHO IS THIS CLASS SUITABLE FOR?

This class is suitable for confident beginners. Ideally you will have done our ‘Introduction to Machine Sewing’ workshop, but this is not essential. You should know how to thread up a machine and sew basic seams. We will be going through how to use a sewing pattern, and the basics of dress making, such as how to sew following a seam allowance and how to finish off seams. It is also suitable for those who have tackled a few sewing projects at home, but want to improve their dressmaking skills and start to understand dress making patterns.

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Helen Shine is a pattern cutter and seamstress who has worked in the fashion industry in London for 12 years. She has cut patterns for several high-end designer brands, including Victoria Beckham, Mary Katrantzou and Karen Millen. She loves sharing the knowledge she has gained over the years with others, to help them on their sewing journey.

WORKSHOP LOCATION

This workshop is held at CAST in Helston.

CAST is a visual arts organisation, based in Helston, Cornwall. Their ambitious programme includes exhibitions of artists’ film, talks, screening events and workshops, as well as learning programmes for schools and creative activities for children, families and young people. CAST also provides studios for artists, an open-access ceramics studio and an excellent Café.

The class room/accessibility:

My classes are held in Studio 4, which is on the ground floor, close to toilets and the cafe, which are all on one level. There is a step free access at the front door. However, if you are parking in Wendron Street car park (see below), there are steps from the car park to the back door entrance to the building, then steps down to the ground floor once you are in the building.

Some classes are held in Studio 15 which is upstairs - please check with me before booking if you have accessibility needs.

Address:

CAST (Cornubian Arts & Science Trust)
3 Penrose Road
Helston
Cornwall
TR13 8TP

Parking:

The rear entrance to the building can be reached by steps from Wendron Street car park. Click here for Google Maps link.

It costs £4.60 for 12 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: You must put in your car registration number accurately to avoid a fine. Make sure you pay for enough time to cover the workshop to avoid a fine.

Bus:

The U4 runs hourly between Falmouth and Helston.

The 34 runs hourly between Redruth and Helston.

The U4 runs hourly between Penzance and Helston.

CAST is a 5 minute walk from the Seven Stars bus stop, on Coinagehall Street.

CAST Cafe:

When I was looking for a new venue for my workshops, I purposefully chose somewhere with a great onsite cafe! CAST Café is open Wednesday – Saturday | 10am – 4pm

TESTIMONIALS

Had a great time at the beginners workshop making a tote bag. Although I have a little knowledge of using my sewing machine it was great to start with the basics to make sure I use the machine correctly and to have an opportunity to ask lots of questions. I soon learnt areas where I needed to correct my technique and I now feel so much more confident that I have the basics in hand and I can go ahead and practice some different patterns. Helen was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and I’m looking forward to my next workshop to improve my skills further!

Natasha - Beginners Intro to Sewing

I attended a beginners course on using a sewing machine and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Helen is a fantastic teacher who thoroughly understands her way around a sewing machine and was full of helpful tips and encouragement. The course handbook is really useful and simple to follow. I would encourage anyone wishing to get to grips with machine sewing to sign up now.

Jonathan Dinnewell - Beginners Intro to Sewing

Had such an amazing time. Never touched a sewing machine before and then felt really confident by the end of the day. Helen is a wonderful teacher. Definitely now found a new hobby!

Rebecca de Havas - Beginners Intro to Sewing

I absolutely loved the Sewing for Beginners workshop with Helen. She created such a warm, relaxed atmosphere and explained everything so clearly, even for complete beginners. I left feeling confident and inspired.

Emilie Fontaine - Beginners Intro to Sewing

Helen is very knowledgeable and the course was practical. My sewing machine has stood unused for ages because when I used it the thread broke or got tangled and I had all sorts of frustrating problems. I learned enough to be confident about using my machine and have since made one small item and done some mending. I’m delighted!!

Pam Hall - Beginners Intro to Sewing