Hello,I didn't mean to add clickbait in last week's newsletter... my personal news was just that I have a new job and I forgot to add the details! I've started working for Birmingham City Council as a Community Support and Development Officer. (wooo!) This newsletter / my comms all remain my own views... etc. and between the keyholders and me (now mostly behind the scenes at the moment while I work out my new routine) we will still be open as usual, 9-5, Mon-Fri. This week's newsletter is a closer look at Stirchley Sewing School, what is it, who's behind it, when is it, etc. With the usual local links and a playlist. I have mentioned the Sewing School *every* newsletter since they moved in back in July, but have never gone into great detail. So here we are!Have a good week! — Kerry
The Old Post Office is home to Stirchley Sewing School founded by Charlotte Stacey. Charlotte started the sewing school while on maternity leave, hiring the coworking space one or twice a week - and I'm SO HAPPY that it's now turned into her full time job with multiple courses through the week and now weekends too. Charlotte is an experienced fashion and textiles lecturer, sewing tutor and independent dressmaker. Having taught classes and courses ranging in different levels and abilities at many different locations in Birmingham, Charlotte decided it was time to use her years of teaching experience to form her own sewing school.
Charlotte teaches various courses - if you've never touched a sewing machine or completely forgotten how you can join the Absolute beginners course on which you'll:
Learn how to use a sewing machine, thread it up and wind a bobbin.
Be shown how to complete your own stitch samples of different types of seams and techniques.
Fill in a stitch portfolio with your sewn samples and information on how to do/where this would be found/uses.
Cut out and make a cushion cover and tote bag using your newly developed skills!
For people who have created some simple sewn pieces before, and want to be guided through creating a dress or top, you can take the Confident Beginners course.Highlights of the confident beginners course;
Understanding how to read and cut a pattern to your size
Inserting a sleeve
Gathering fabric
Hems & necklines
And not to make this *all about me* but I'm personally really happy that the coworking space is used in this way out of hours, as that was part of the initial vision - it was never just about the 9-5 and laptop based working - as a space for creativity, conversation and community. I'd love to be able to make my own clothes in fabrics and styles that I like, repair and repurpose my existing clothes - now who wants to babysit so I can go along?!Charlotte has a discount code on courses, running until Tuesday at midnight; she celebrated her birthday at the weekend and is giving 10% off on all orders - use code ‘BIRTHDAY’ at the checkout.For course info & more visit: www.stirchleysewingschool.com
From one new skill to another - join us at the coworking space for a Wreath Making Workshop on Friday 1 December from 6pm-8pm. Start your festive season with creative florist Isherwood and Co. Read all about it on eventbrite! (image for illustrative purposes only)
Links
It's the DESIblitz Literature Festival all this week - events include Stitched Up – Stories of Life and Death from a Prison Doctor, Desi Poetry & Tappay with Abda Khan and a Festival Finale 2pm, Saturday 28 October at Handsworth Library. More on the DESIblitz Literature Festival website
Nissa suggested including UKCharityCamp here - which is sold out but has a waiting list, but will definitely interest some readers of the newsletter
I saw Rachel post about Shift Birmingham on Linkedin - "Join our free training programme for people across Birmingham, exploring how power and resources in the city can be rebalanced to improve local economies across Birmingham." Apply by 2 Nov
Tereza shared F*LK in an 'art working parents' whatsapp group that we're part of - "An alternative and performative life drawing event, exploring UK & Slavic rituals and traditions" Friday 10 November 7.30pm at Gulp - more info on eventbrite
Equity Drag are "The Trade Union for performers and allied creatives. Organising Drag Artists to work collectively for better conditions and a sustainable industry." there's a West Midlands branch forming
XYZ projects is a Trans/Non-Binary-run film collective in Birmingham creating a healthcare training film to be circulated throughout NHS England staff networks to improve gender-affirming healthcare services. The film is part of the NHS Untold Stories initiative with the BFI and AHRC - and XYZ are fundraising to top up their budget
Something to share? Reply to this email and let me know
This week's Music to work to playlist is by Charlotte Stacey, founder of Stirchley Sewing SchoolThanks Charlotte! Here's a link to Charlotte's playlist on Spotify
P.s. I have a whatsapp community for coworkers - there's a broadcast only list, one for coworkers chat, one for crafternoon, another for a bookclub we've not yet got off the ground, one for plus size clothes swap and TOPO the Pops was a music league, which I'd like to do again in the new year! Reply with your number if you'd like to join?and P.p.s Book your desk for coworking via this link