I’m very excited to share with you I have three new courses happening at The Upholstery Cabin this year! If you’re looking to broaden your crafty skills then you’re in for a treat. All three can be booked via my booking system so go check them out.
ROMAN BLIND SAMPLER WITH JUDITH
Join Jules, an expert in machine sewing with over 20 years of experience, including working for Sunseeker. She founded Jules Yard and has taught sewing in her own shop in Ashley Cross. Now, she works on private commissions, and I’m delighted she’s bringing her expertise to The Upholstery Cabin!
The course is suitable for absolute beginners as well as those wishing to enhance their current skills.
What You’ll Learn:
Make an operational interlined Roman blind on a 60cm track
Learn how to assess and measure various window shapes including bay windows.
Fabric estimation and accurate calculations for folds
Which parts are machine sewn and which parts are hand sewn
Alternate ways to make a roman blind
Your course fee includes Lunch and a Roman blind kit and all necessary materials—just bring 1 metre of fabric (or I can provide) and, if you prefer, your own domestic sewing machine (you’ll even get a small discount for bringing your own machine).
You will leave with a finished blind, course notes and the confidence to make your own!
Date: Friday, May 2nd
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: £125 (includes materials – £5 discount if you bring your own machine)
Spaces: 5 available
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH POLISHING & WOODCARE WITH IAN PALMER
I’m honoured to welcome Ian, a master furniture restorer with a lifetime of experience—including restoring furniture at Hampton Court Palace. He trained as an apprentice and spent years working in London before teaching his craft at a local college. Though now retired, Ian has kindly agreed to share his skills in my little studio.
This one-day beginner’s course covers essential refinishing techniques and is perfect for anyone wanting to bring old furniture back to life.
What You’ll Learn:
Health & safety when handling materials and tools
Surface preparation: stripping, neutralising, and sanding techniques
Colour & grain enhancement: staining and grain fillers
French polishing: applying shellacs, touching in, and waxing
Professional application methods using brushes and rubbers
Aftercare: maintaining and preserving your refinished furniture
Date: Friday 9th May 2025
Time:10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: £160 (includes lunch and materials, bring your own small piece of furniture)
Spaces: 4 available
4 DAY UPHOLSTERY WORKSHOP WITH RAY CLARKE
Back by popular demand, Ray Clarke—AMUSF President, TV Upholsterer, and London studio owner—is returning to The Upholstery Cabin! This stand-alone Sit on This! event is an immersive, hands-on four-day workshop. This is a rare opportunity to work closely with Ray and gain invaluable upholstery skills.
What You’ll Learn:
A variety of modern or traditional principles in upholstery
How to use various sundries and techniques and tools used in upholstery
Sketching out cutting plans
How to skilfully apply fabrics to upholstery fillings
Understanding of the fire regulations
Machine and hand stitching techniques
Dates: Tuesday, May 27th – Friday, May 30th 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: £540 (includes lunch, cake and a special goody bag!)
Spaces: 5 available
Materials invoiced separately and charged at trade.
I hope to see you soon on some of my new courses (albeit probably bringing in the lunch and making coffee!). As ever, I am still running my one day courses and six week courses so do please get in touch if you want to finish or tackle a new project.