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ESSENTIAL INFO
If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.
👥 Suitable for: Ages 16 and up
📍 Venue: Bellingen High School (mobility aid accessible)
📈 Level: Suitable for all skill levels
⏰ Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9am – 4pm (5 Full-Days)
🏷️ Extra costs: This course has a cost of $25 for materials
Required skills & experience
Basic machine sewing skills required (e.g. threading a machine and sewing a straight seam)
Supplies that will be provided by your tutor
Cost of $25 includes:
Course booklet
Solvie
Hardware for making accessories
NOTE: Supply costs will be collected by the tutor before Camp Creative.
Supplies that you need to bring to class
Fabric scraps: Bring a variety of fabrics in different sizes, colours, and textures (cottons, linens, denims, or any leftover fabric or unwearable clothing you love!)
Sewing machine in good working order; a darning foot and the ability to drop the feed dogs may also come in very handy (please bring your manual if possible)
A variety of threads: Bring neutral threads (black, white, beige) as well as coloured threads to match or contrast with your fabric scraps. Machine embroidery thread can be particularly nice to use.
Needles: General sewing needles and any thicker needles for heavier fabrics (e.g., denim or jeans needles)
Small, sharp scissors for precise cutting
Dressmaking scissors for larger fabric cuts
One or two garments that could become wearable again with visible mending or creative embellishments
Notepad for taking notes, sketching ideas, and jotting down inspiration
Pencil, pens, and ruler for marking fabric and measuring
Needle threader (optional, but helpful for easier threading)
Embroidery hoop (approx 20-23cm diameter is helpful for this class)
Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but all necessary items will also be available for use during the workshop.
Learning outcomes
Students will learn and practice how to use colour theory to create visually pleasing projects.
Students will gain knowledge of how to repurpose scraps of all sizes.
Students will gain the skills to apply appropriate construction and finishing techniques to create lasting pieces.
Students will take home their finished items from the week which may include a scarf, bag, cardigan, patched or embellished garments, a top and/or earrings.
COURSE PLAN
DAY ONE
Welcome, introduction and housekeeping
Scrap sorting
Colour Theory and how to use it to make projects from scraps
Technique #1: large piece projects such as a oversized top
DAY TWO
Technique #2: small pieces such as bags or singlet top
Hand embroidery techniques to embellish and secure sewn pieces
Practical session to continue project of choice
DAY THREE
Technique #3: making scarves and patches out of tiny scraps
Inspiration showcase - past projects
Practical session to continue project of choice
DAY FOUR
Technique #4: earrings from scrap threads, yarns and paper!
Practical session to continue project of choice
DAY FIVE
Technique #5: what to do with scraps of scraps; hams and other pressing tools
Practical session to finish off project/s of choice
Group photos!
COURSE TUTOR
Melinda Perry
Melinda is a patternmaker, designer and sewing educator with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, including time spent crafting couture and bespoke pieces at the high end of garment manufacturing. Having worked across design, sampling and production management, she understands both the art and the discipline behind beautiful, well-made clothes—and why it’s time to reimagine how and why we make them.
Today, Melinda shares her love of slow fashion, upcycling, and personal style through sewing workshops that empower students to create garments with meaning. In these classes, scrap fabric becomes the starting point for original, wearable pieces—whether it’s a reimagined garment, a statement pocket or panel, or something stitched entirely from remnants.
Her teaching approach is encouraging, flexible and grounded in practical skills that help students build confidence and creativity at any stage of their sewing journey. With an eye for both detail and design, Melinda helps you make clothes that reflect who you are—pieces to wear, enjoy and be proud of.
“Mindy was an excellent teacher - patient, knowledgeable, personable. Mindy has a lot to offer to Camp Creative, and I would believe that her course would be extremely popular if she was offered the full 5 days.”
“Mindy was knowledgeable and helpful. We were able to work on our individual pieces which meant the course wasn’t restrictive.”
