FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the FAQ’s – (frequently asked questions) about what you need to bring, how you get here, and what will happen when you do, and what Covid-protection measures are in place. However, if there’s anything else you’d like to ask, please get in touch. Email: jen@artisanstitch.co.uk
What if the event I want is fully-booked?
Please check the website for the current booking status of your desired event. If the class/course is full, it will tell you. If you want to know how many places are remaining, click on the drop-down arrow. If you don’t see a drop down arrow, then there’s only 1 place left. You can add your name to the waiting list and I’ll notify you if a place becomes available. You’ll also be the first to know about the next date for that event. Please note that due to the volume of enquiries I receive, I’m unable to contact each person individually to notify them about future events. These will be published on the website as soon as they are planned and also added to the events section of my Facebook page. If you’d like me to keep you informed of news and events, please sign up for the newsletter (at the bottom of any page on the website).
Do I need my own sewing machine?
If you already have a machine and can bring it along, then I recommend it particularly if you’re attending any of my Beginners level classes, so you can learn to use it.
However, I have machines in the studio if you don’t have (or are unable to bring) your own. If you’d like to borrow one of mine, please contact me in advance to book it, since they and all the accessories have to be sanitised before your class.
I’m happy to advise about buying a machine if you’re considering it so please don’t rush out to buy one to use in class. Take your time to consider if you’re even going to enjoy sewing, and what you’ll need your machine to do. I recommend that you contact Pembertons Sewing machine Centre to ask their advice. That’s where I buy all my machines and accessories. Andrew and his team are extremely friendly and helpful, and will be happy to help you find a machine suitable for your needs and budget; you can even go in to ‘road test’ different machines. After all, you wouldn’t buy a car without road-testing it first. So it should be with a sewing machine.
What do i need to bring?
I’ll supply a note for each course advising what you need to bring. For every class, you’ll need a basic sewing kit comprising:
Fabric shears, small embroidery-type scissors for trimming and clipping threads, fabric marking pens and chalk pencils, tape measure (cm), ruler, pins, quick unpick. If you’re taking any of the dressmaking courses, then you’ll also need scissors to cut your paper patterns. And of course, bring a notebook and pen.
Please note that I’m unable to provide these items of equipment so you MUST bring your own. All these items are easily obtainable from craft and sewing outlets or online. For further information about these items, read my blog on sewing equipment. I now have a small ‘shop’ within the studio where I stock a small supply of fabric shears, embroidery-style scissors, pins, marking pens/pencils.
I’ll advise you when you’ve booked if there’s anything else you need to bring so please watch your e-mail in-box for the welcome pack and joining instructions.
If you are bringing your own machine, please ensure it’s in working condition, and that you also bring the power cable/foot control, accessories, bobbins and instruction book.
You can buy fabric and sewing equipment in the following local outlets:
Fabric Focus – East London Street https://fabricfocus.co.uk/
Edinburgh Fabrics – https://www.edinburghfabrics.co.uk/
The Dress Fabric Company-https://www.dressfabriccompany.co.uk/
Hobbycrafts – Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Newcraighall . There are also outlets in Falkirk and Livingston.
The Range – Milton Link, near the Asda on the A1 towards the East of the city. There are also stores in Falkirk and Livingston. https://www.therange.co.uk/
Dunelm Mill – Straiton Retail park
John Lewis – St James Quarter
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you are not able to attend a booked session, please let me know as soon as possible. You can send someone else in your place or re-sell your place. For further details, please read my Booking Terms.
If you have any questions about the skill level of the class, if you’re not able to attend all sessions, or anything else, please get in touch to discuss BEFORE you book.
Which payment methods are accepted?
I use the STRIPE secure payment system which accepts most major debit and credit cards. I cannot accept cheques or cash payment for bookings.
Are there car parking facilities?
There is a car park surrounding St Margaret’s House which belongs to the Registers of Scotland building. As most of their staff are currently working from home, they are kindly allowing residents and visitors of St Margaret’s House to use it. The entrance is on Restalrig Road South (Smokey Brae). Turn right when you enter the car park and follow the metal railings adjacent to the railway, over the speed bumps, until you come to the second car park area surrounding St Margaret’s House. You MUST NOT use the numbered spaces and are likely to be clamped if you do so. There are 4 designated spaces near the entry for Blue Badge holders. Enter the building at B2 level, through the blue door marked ‘ART’. Use the buzzer ‘Office/Galleries’. There are also bike racks, but again, please do not use those near the entrance to the car park. There are designated racks for St Margaret’s House further along.
Meadowbank Retail park is a few minutes walk away and the car park there can be used for up to 4 hours. Morrisons Supermarket car park in Portobello Road is also available for a limited time. Otherwise, there is free parking in the streets opposite, behind Parson’s Green Terrace, which is 3-4 mins walk away.
What public transport is there?
The building is on London Road, an arterial route through the city so there is around 14 public bus services that pass the front door (LRT services 4, 5, 26/x26, 44/44a, 45, and East Coast service numbers X5, 104, 107, 113, 124/x24). In addition, the services 19, 34 and 49 pass along Marionville Road, to the rear of the building. You can check your route using the Lothian Buses journey planner.
Is there a cafe?
There is not a cafe or any food available in the building itself, apart from a snack machine. There is a public kitchen on the 3rd floor with a filter coffee machine and kettle for tea. It’s free so please help yourself, but you may wish to bring your own mug. There is a fantastic deli/coffee shop directly opposite called Baba Rista, and some corner grocery shops. Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s supermarkets are 5-10 minutes walk away. Also on the 3rd floor, there is the Drawing Room (through the mail room and turn right) with comfortable seating area and tables where food and drinks can be consumed. Please do not bring food into the studio. Only drinks in non-spill sports caps can be brought into the studio. Please take these with you when you leave. All 1-day classes will have a break for lunch (lunch not included)
Is there a lift?
I’m on the sixth floor. There are lifts in the building making my classes accessible.
How do I get to the studio?
My studio number is 6.03A. Take a lift to the 6th floor. Turn left through the double doors toward the West Wing. Come along that corridor, then I’m first left after the next set of doors. Make sure you get out at the correct floor. There are hotel-style directories of every floor and the floor number is on the wall opposite the lift.
You will be able to access the studio 5 minutes before the start time of your class. Please do not come any earlier as early arrivals can interrupt another class, my preparation time, or a quick refreshment break for me between classes. If you arrive in the building earlier, please wait in the Drawing Room on the 3rd floor. I also need to tidy and clean the studio between groups, and sanitise surfaces. (including sewing machines and other equipment used). I would greatly appreciate your co-operation in this respect.
Why can I not access the studio early?
Please don’t think I’m being unfriendly for not letting you in early. The studio is used throughout the day by other groups so please look upon your class start time as a Doctors appointment. Between classes, I need to tidy away equipment, course notes and materials, thoroughly sanitise every surface, and prepare teaching notes, materials and equipment for the next event. The studio is also my personal workspace and office, so I use time between classes to perform admin tasks, reply to correspondence, plan and develop further workshops and do my own design work. I also need to take refreshment and comfort breaks. Early arrival/late departure from your scheduled event impacts on this essential cleaning, preparation, work and personal time. Please adhere to your class start and end times like any other appointment. If you arrive early, you can wait in the designated area of the 3rd floor. I would greatly appreciate your co-operation in this respect.
Can I leave my sewing machine/personal belongings in the studio?
For 1-day events, I will lock the studio door at lunchtime so you can leave your belongings.
If you are attending a 2 or 3 day event, then you can leave your belongings overnight if you wish (provided I don’t have an evening class using the room).
Please be aware that your personal property cannot be covered by my insurance whether over a lunch break or overnight, or whilst in transit (the principle of insurable interest applies). Your property may be covered by your own household insurance so you should check with your own insurer.
What covid-protection measures are in place?
Update March 2024:
I operate ‘Covid-sense’ measures in accordance to the Scottish Government guidance to businesses and workplaces. In this guidance, each workplace is required to perform a risk assessment and implement whatever practices they see appropriate to keep staff and customers safe from the continuing risk of covid. I have a duty of care towards my studio guests to ensure all risks are minimised therefore I require every attendee to use a face-covering for the duration of the class to protect yourself and others. Artisan Stitch is known for the sense of community I cultivate, where like-minds can gather in a supportive and caring environment. Please embrace this culture and have consideration for the health and wellbeing of the other attendees and members of their household who may not enjoy good health.
Although the wearing of face-coverings is no longer mandatory, it is still strongly recommended, particularly when in confined spaces with people you don’t normally mix with. The building contains over 200 studios and businesses so is used by a great many people on a daily basis.
When you enter the studio, please use the hand sanitiser in the dispenser next to the door, or on each table. Place your coats and bags UNDER your table. You must keep your face-covering on for the duration of the class.
I sanitise every surface of the studio between groups (including sewing machines and their accessories. You are asked to bring all your own sewing equipment (scissors, tape measures, pins etc).
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