Community Sewing Bee

The sewing bee runs weekly at Dumfries House with morning and afternoon slots, 12 places available in each session. It has a rolling programme to allow anyone to join regardless of skill level, when vacancies arise. Members develop a high level of skill including pattern drafting, making and finishing a range of garments. In addition, the sewing bee members work as a small co-operative at set times of the year to make bulk products for charity including Christmas Stockings for Ayrshire cancer charities, rucksacks for children suffering from long term illness and cushions for the visitor centre on the Estate, which will allow the profit to be reinvested in fabric purchases for pupil workshops.

The programme at Dumfries House, Ayrshire, runs weekly on a Tuesday.

Morning sessions (10.00am -12.30pm) and afternoon sessions(1.30pm – 4.00pm)

The programme at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London runs fortnightly on a Monday

Morning sessions (10.00am -12.30pm) and afternoon sessions(1.30pm – 4.00pm)

Knitwise

Our newest programme, launched in October 2019, supported by the Joseph Ettegui Trust with the aim of training and developing a small team of locally based hand-knitters to a high standard of skills, in hand knitting and finishing simple to complex garments. British brand Connolly will mentor the project and help future proof and preserve these heritage skills. The programme will bring together a hand knit community based at Dumfries House who will be able to develop the skills and aptitude to earn a living by working as an outworker for the hand knit industry in the UK. They will also be encouraged to become ambassadors for the craft by ensuring they are connected to our pupil network for events and demonstrations.

The programme runs fortnightly on a Thursday

Morning sessions (10.00am -12.30pm)and afternoon sessions (1.30pm – 4.00pm)

Introduction to Weave Summer School

Delivered during the summer holiday period in order to encourage young people age 15 and above to consider a career in the woven textile industry. This week-long programme will teach participants how to make their own yarn wraps, warps and woven structures. We welcome enquiries from adults looking to pursue a career in the industry although places will be allocated on a priority basis.

Teacher CPLD

Various programmes designed to support art and home economic teachers as well as those who wish to develop further skills in sewing and pattern manipulation. Offered during holiday periods and weekends.

Events/Community Education

Each year we run a number of events for schools and the wider community. Since Sept 2019 we have worked closely with Fashion Council Germany to host a sustainably conference at Dumfries House, Ayrshire for emerging brands and young people. This event is now delivered annually with increasing demand from Scottish Secondary Schools and industry professionals, eager to book their place on the day.

We regularly run community sewing events across the year at both our sites and these are featured in our What’s On pages.

Further Information: To enquire for more information please email dh.education@kings-foundation.org