Sewing classes new girls night out

STACY SQUIRES/The Press

GOSS AND SEW: Kim Thomas made this summer dress in class - dressmaking classes are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand.

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A dressmaking night class has plenty to offer sociable girls - in the United States, sewing classes, or "stitch 'n' bitch" courses as they are trademarked, have exploded.

I thought I was just going to learn to make a nice frock when I joined Hagley Community College's dressmaking night class. Little did I know I was also joining an international club that practised the great female traditions of gossip and glamour.

The concept is simple. While learning to sew, women also get to gossip. It's like a booze-free version of a girls' night out, with the bonus of making something fabulous to wear that no-one else will have.

In New Zealand, the buzz seems to be slowly growing. At Christchurch's Hagley Community College, dressmaking courses have been quickly booked out and extended from one to two nights a term.

Before starting my first sewing class, I was dubious whether I would last the distance over the eight-weeks course, but the first three-hour class went surprisingly quickly, and I found that I could get my sewing machine to lay down neat little stitches while I nattered with my classmates about topics such as divorce, morning sickness and internet dating. Sewing-class members bring fabric and a pattern for whatever they want to make, and the tutor helps them to achieve it.

The last time I sewed was about 20 years ago in high school, but within weeks I was on my way to finishing a dress. Standing on a table getting it hemmed was a proud moment as my classmates cooed over how pretty it looked. It cost about $30 to make.

In eight weeks, I learnt to make a simple dress pattern and an A-line skirt. The other classmates, all novices like me, made baby jumpsuits, hooded sweatshirts and funky tops and dresses.

This term I'm going back, and hope to make curtains and cushion covers to liven my lounge.

* Hagley Community College's next dressmaking course starts on February 14. Cost: $35. Phone 379-3090. Classes are also offered at Hornby High School, Mairehau High School, Linwood College and Papanui High School.

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