Regular Workshops
COVID UPDATE
We understand that social distancing might be with us for quite some time!! We are lucky that we have one of the largest workrooms in East Anglia ( I'm daring to say 🙂 ) We have removed some tables, spread the remaining out and can seat 8-10 whilst still adhering to the social distancing rules.
Each table now has their own ironing and cutting board - to minimise peoples movement in the room - and you will be required to bring your own iron and cutting equipment. We will provide lots of hand sanitizers and we now also have a kitchen with a sink with hot water to wash your hands if you prefer. There will obviously be lots of cleaning before and after every workshop to keep everybody safe and to follow any given rules by the government.
We have rescheduled the cancelled classes and some students already rebooked for the new dates. You can now check all the workshops on offer on our website.
We have changed the payment process for the time being - to secure your place on a workshop you can only pay a £10 deposit - we will then assess the situation 10-7 days before the workshop and if it's safe and allowed to go ahead we will call you to ask for the remaining £32. The deposit will, of course, be fully refundable or transferable to another class should we have to cancel because of the COVID.
We hope you find it fair and understanding.
Our Workshops
We run classes in the shop every week. The projects change throughout the year, for the exact details, dates and prices and to book a workshops click on the badge.
If you are unable to book online you can reserve your place on any of the workshops by calling in at the shop, phoning 01449 741 530 or emailing us here.
Requirements for each course are listed on the page. The cost of supplies and fabrics are not included in the cost of the workshop unless stated. If you purchase your supplies for the workshop at OliVen you will receive 5% discount.
Terms and Conditions:
Cancellation with 2 weeks notice - we will refund your payment or offer you a place on a future workshop.
Cancellations within 13 - 8 days of the workshop – we will refund 50% of the payment.
Last minute cancellations, ie. 7 days or less before a workshop – we’re afraid we cannot refund any payments as from experience we’ve found it impossible to fill places at such short notice.
Full refund for cancellation under 14 days possible if we replace you.
Thank you for understanding with these formalities.
Scissor Sisters Sewing Club
An informal sewing day with like-minded people, sharing ideas, helping each other and having a good time – that’s what our sewing club Scissor Sister is all about! Whether you want to start a new project or need to finish one started a long time ago, whether it’s a piece of clothing, cushion, bag or a quilt, whatever the project, no matter how big or small, let’s finish it together! Sometimes just being around other sewers is an inspiration to get the job done, so if you need a reason to try something new, or incentive to finish off an old UFO, sign up and see how quickly those projects will be completed.
Vendulka is available all day for advice.
The club is run fortnightly on Wednesdays and Thursdays and monthly on Saturdays.
You can pay for 1 full day, 6 full days, 1 half day or 6 half days. Click here to book
Sewing for Charity
Once a month Vendulka offers her workshop and scrap fabrics up to sewers to come and spend a day making items for charity. Since its inception in March 2016, a group of ladies have been meeting up and enjoying a day of sewing, chat and creativity whilst having the added pleasure of doing something which is charitable.
Throughout 2016 the group made up to nearly 80 tactile twiddle quilts for local care homes and dementia groups. These were so well-received and the sewers themselves had had such a good time that this group activity has been extended to 2017.
In the second year we the projects included heart-shaped cushions for breast cancer patients – we made total of 100 cushions, sanitary pads for girls unable to source them in Africa (so they don’t need to drop out of school when their period starts) – final count 60 and pillowcase dresses for children in Africa – altogether 115. Our ladies have been very busy!
In our third year of charity sewing, we are going to concentrate on quilts for children as part of Project Linus which supplies quilts for children in hospitals from birth to 18 years old. We will be making them using the quilt-as-you-go technique, simple and fast method which uses leftovers of fabric. All you need is to know how to sew a straight stitch!
This is a very informal class, which is free to attend, all you need to bring is your own sewing machine, all other materials are free, but booking is advisable as spaces are limited.
We welcome everybody no matter your sewing experience!
Or you can help us by donating cotton fabrics or wadding leftovers.
