Do you ever feel our children are growing up in an age where they can understand and work the most sophisticated pieces of technical equipment, produce a perfect power point presentation and gain excessively high scores on Xbox but at the expense of life's practical skills?  They may be able to beat Darth Vader on Star Wars but can they sew on a button?

It used to be that sewing was taught in schools or at least by a parent or grandparent, but it now seems that a whole generation are missing out on this creative ability.

The Sew What! Sewing Club, run by Carol Cunningham for childern and young people aged 6 & over, aims to redress the balance by allowing them the opportunity to learn a new practical skill.  The club teaches sewing by hand and then on the sewing machine, in a fun and easy way, with many exciting things to make.  It's not just clothes - cool and funky cushions, bags, toys and decorations being just a few of the hundreds of possibilities.

The small classes, there is a maximum of 8 children per class, enable the children to progress from small pin cushions and bags to more sophisticated items like a fully lined Halloween fancy dress costume.  The children enjoy the challenge of the more difficult pieces and the skills they have gained.  There is always a great sense of achievement with the finished item.

Carol is always on hand to help the children with any assistance they may need whilst encouraging their own proficiency and abilities.

Sewing is a talent that encourages creativeness, inventiveness and dexterity that will stay with them for a lifetime.  It builds an immense sense of pride at their own successes in a world where so much is done for children.

Classes take place at:

Victory Business Centre, Room 209, Somers Road North, Portsmouth, PO1 1PJ on Monday, Friday at 17:30 - 18:45 and Saturday mornings at 10am - 11.15am

All staff have Enhanced CRB as standard.

The cost is £6.50 per session, which includes all materials. (discounts available for two or more children, please ask on arrival for details).