If you have any questions not answered below then please do not hestitate to contact me via the contact form or by email: oodlesofcraft@gmail.com.
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
What’s inside the box?
Each box will contain the following:
- Beautiful fabric (different for each project)
- Coordinating thread
- Other relevant resources for the project (i.e. interfacing, bias binding, zip…)
- Step-by-step photo instructions
- Password protected online video tutorial
- Printed pattern
- Invitation to join my Facebook community
- Bonus gift to help you along the way
What skill level is required?
The boxes are intended for beginners, so do not worry if you haven’t used a sewing machine before. There are starter videos to help you feel comfortable with your sewing machine on my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@oodlesofcraft
What resources do I need to have already?
Most of the resources will be in the box. However, you will need to have the following resources at home before you begin:
- Sewing machine
- Craft scissors (to cut paper pattern pieces)
- Fabric scissors (sharper than craft scissors)
- Pins or sewing clips (to hold fabric layers together)
What age range are these suitable for?
Every child is different. Generally speaking, I recommend the boxes for children aged 10 and above. My in-person classes start from the age of 8, so it is definitely possible to start early with support. Beginner adults are also very much welcome!
How do I subscribe?
You can subscribe easily here. Orders for each box close on the last day of February, April, June, August, October and December. These are then posted out by the tenth of the following month.
If you would love to gift a subscription, then you can sign up here. Further details can be found on this page.
What happens when I subscribe?
When you buy a regular subscription, your card will be debited that day, and then on the 1st of each subsequent project month: January, March, May, July, September and November. You are not tied into a contract and are free to cancel your subscription at any time.
When are the boxes sent out?
Boxes are sent out by the 10th of each project month: January, March, May, July, September and November. If it’s a gift subscription and you need it earlier, then a gift card will be sent out first.
Can I send a box or subscription as a gift?
Ab-sew-lutely! You can buy a gift subscription at any time. Find out more details here.
When can I expect my first box?
Boxes are sent out by Royal Mail by the 10th of each project month: January, March, May, July, September and November. Therefore allow 3-4 days after that for delivery. If it’s a gift subscription and you need it earlier, then a gift card will be sent out first.
Where do you deliver to?
Subscription boxes currently only ship to UK addresses.
Do I need to reorder?
When signing up for a regular subscription, your card will be debited that day, and then on the 1st of each subsequent project month: January, March, May, July, September and November. You are not tied into a contract and are free to cancel your subscription at any time.
If you have paid up front for a gift subscription, then the boxes will cease being sent once the selected payment period runs out. You will be sent an email notification and the recipient will receive an invitation to sign up themselves if they would love to continue.
Can I skip a kit?
Of course - life can get busy! If you would like to skip a kit, or pause your membership for any reason, then you can do this in the customer portal. As we make kits to order at the start of the project month (January, March, May, July, September and November), you would need to skip/pause before the end of February, April, June, August, October or December.
How do I update my address/bank details or cancel my subscription?
If you’d like to change your card details, address or cancel your subscription, then you can do so in the customer portal here. If you need any help, then please contact us at oodlesofcraft@gmail.com.
When you cancel your subscription, no further payments will be taken, but any boxes you have already paid for will be posted to you.
Classes
When do they take place?
Regular children’s sewing classes take place on Thursdays after school and Sunday mornings. You can find out more about the classes here.
One-to-one sessions are generally held in your own home.
Where do they take place?
My sewing studio is based in Beckenham, SE London.
What do I need to bring?
For primary aged classes, I provide everything. For secondary aged classes, you can either follow my curriculum where I provide everything or bring your own project to work on. If choosing to bring your own project, then please bring all the necessary materials and additional requirements, i.e. zips, interfacing, bias binding…
What’s included in the price?
Use of sewing machine
Material
Fusible fleece, zips, interfacing, bias binding etc…
Thread
Tuition
What age range are your classes suitable for?
Primary classes: Year 4-6
Secondary classes: Year 7-10
What projects are made?
Each term builds on the skills from the previous term. Example projects include:
- Padded folder cover
- Drawstring bag with French seams
- Bed organiser
- Patchwork and quilting
- Zipped pouch
Does my child need to bring their own machine?
No. I have sewing machines that are speed controlled and regularly serviced. If I am running a one-to-one session, then I will teach using your own machine (or mine if you haven’t yet purchased one).
Does my child need to have their own machine at home?
No - there is no need for you to have a machine of your own at home. However, I cannot guarantee your child won’t badger you for one for their birthday or Christmas! I have a guide that can help you out with purchasing your first machine and related equipment. This can be downloaded here: Sew Happy - Essential Guide to Get Started.
Can I park near the studio?
The studio is on a residential road with no parking restrictions.
What happens if we cannot attend one week?
Payment is taken half-termly before we start. If your child cannot attend a session, then please let me know so that we aren’t waiting for you. There is no deduction made before the half term starts, nor refund for the missed session.
How do we sign up?
Bookings can be made on this page. Current students get first refusal on places, but please do sign up to join the waiting list. I may start a new group if the list grows.
My child is in your classes, how do I ensure their place for next half term?
Current students get first refusal on places. You will be notified when the link to pay goes live.
What is your cancellation policy?
If your child is no longer able to attend classes, then please let me know. The waiting list can then be notified of any availability.
I’m always sorry to see anybody leave, but it’s not goodbye! You can keep sewing with my support in the following ways:
Subscription Box - Sign up to receive my bi-monthly sewing subscription box and learn new skills every other month.
Join my Facebook group ‘Children Sew Too: Tips and Support for Parents’.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to be notified when new projects get uploaded.
Parties
Where is the party held?
All party bookings are held in your own home - or an alternative venue of your choice.
What areas do you cover?
I am based in Beckenham, SE London. I cover areas within a half hour drive of BR3. If you are further, then I may still be able to help for an additional cost.
What do I get for the money?
Pre-party consultation - This takes place online at a mutually convenient time. We discuss suitable projects for the age range of the party guests and colour preferences.
Preparation time - Once the project has been decided, I prepare all the relevant materials to ensure a smooth running party. All fabric is pre-cut so that the children can focus purely on making.
Digital invite - I create a digital invitation for you to send to your guests based on your party details.
Personalisation - After sewing up their fabulous creations, the guests will personalise their makes with iron-on vinyl initials or names.
Qualified teacher - I am a fully qualified teacher with an up-to-date DBS check and full public liability insurance.
What do I need to do on the day?
Very little - depending on the age range, project and your desire to join in! In most circumstances, I am happy for you to sit back, relax and enjoy!
Do you provide food?
No, sorry!
What if we need to cancel?
If you need to cancel the event for any reason, then please let me know at the earliest opportunity. You will be offered available dates to reschedule. Please note that the £50 booking deposit is non-refundable, but the balance will be refunded if you no longer wish to proceed.
When do I pay?
Upon booking, a £50 non-refundable deposit will be taken. This secures the date for your child’s party. The balance is then requested one week prior to the party itself. You are very welcome to split this cost in the time leading up to the event if it helps.
'Children Sew Too: Tips and Support for Parents' Facebook Community
Don’t forget that you are very welcome to join my ‘Children Sew Too: Tips and Support for Parents’ Facebook community. Feel free to ask questions, share fabric purchases, update us on sewing progress etc…
Got a question or a query? Send us email to: oodlesofcraft@gmail.com - or use our contact form.