Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge

Master of Sewing & Workshop Host

Mercedes was a contestant on series 5 of the Great British Sewing Bee (2019). She lives just outside Brighton with her husband Graham and their two cats, Maggie and Erica.

Having worked in IT for over 20 years and serving as a reservist for 13, Mercedes has a passion for all things technical and wants to know the ins and outs and whys of everything.

Mercedes enjoys utilising fabrics from all sources in her sewing projects while using traditional and developing new techniques.  Minimal waste is always a target with any sewing project.

Mercedes can be found at: @ohsewthatmercedes on Instagram and www.ohsewthatmercedes.com

Sewing Workshops

SEWING MACHINES

  1. Jumper to beanie
  2. Organza scrappy bag
  3. Big shirt restyle
  4. Large tote bag

 

1. Jumper to Beanie

What do you do when your jumper is just too far gone for any more mending? Turn it in to a Beanie hat! Come and use one of our sewing machines to see how easy it is.

2. Organza Scrappy Bag

A simple envelope style clutch with button fastening. This bag technique featured on the Great British Sewing Bee this year, and are being sold in eg the V&A in London. It’s a great way of using fabric scraps. We thought it would be a good class for the student workshops too.

Did you watch the Great British Sewing Bee this year? Have a go at creating your own Organza and scrap fabric clutch bag on one of our sewing machines. To help you out we have done the boring bit and will be leaving the fun bit to you.

3. Big Shirt Restyle

Take one oversized man’s shirt and some ribbon, and make a gathered top with ribbon ties at the sleeves and waist. See what a difference you can make to a garment with some really simple techniques! Bring your own shirt or use one from our stash.

4. Large Tote Bag

Start your day off in the sewing machine workshop and make an exclusive large tote bag to hold all the incredible sustainable fashion you’re going to find today. We’ve got everything you need: XXX for the bag, factory surplus webbing for the handles and an exclusive large Good Clothes Show pocket to add to the front.