Beginners Sewing: Fruitful Trees

You’ll choose your own fabrics, coloured threads, and decorative beads to create a finished quilted tree, celebrating the harvest season just passed and the end of the year ahead.

You will look at some previously made trees so you can see the possible variations. Once you've decided what fabrics to use, you will get stuck into step one, where you will be cutting the fabric using the tree top and trunk templates. Then Sophie will demonstrate each step as you go, making sure to move through the steps together. When your trees are made, you will move on to adding beads. Packaging will be provided so you can safely carry your tree home.

All materials will be provided. You will be sitting down for the duration of the workshop, so wear something you're comfortable sitting in. No prior sewing experience is needed as you will be using a simple sewing stitch, and the hand-made charm is what it's all about.

It's rewarding to make something with your own hands, whether you're an experienced crafts person or someone wanting to learn a new skill. Getting to sit down for a few hours and have an offline, hands-on afternoon with no distractions feels wonderful.

Sophie Rawlingson is a botanical illustrator and maker based in Somerset, UK. She works across branding, pattern design, and digital illustration for clients including Teen Vogue, Eastleigh Town Council, and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

As a workshop facilitator, she leads creative sessions for children and adults, using collage, natural materials, and textiles to create engaging, hands-on experiences.

Time: 2pm - 5pm