Tunic top sewing workshop

Learn to sew this versatile wardrobe staple, creating the pattern from your own measurements. This tunic has short sleeves, a bias-bound neckline, a flattering central pleat, and 2 big patch pockets, or in-seam side pockets. You will take home a finished made-to-measure tunic, as well as your pattern so you can make many more at home!

Available dates: 

Friday 29th Sept 10am-5pm

Sunday 8th October 10am-5pm

Location: Nim Burgin Studio, 27 Murray Street, M7 2DX

Workshop cost: £50 including refreshments throughout

Please send an email to nim@nimburgin.com to book your place.

Workshop sizes are kept small to ensure a high level of personal tuition.

You will need to bring:

• Sewing machine (small number available if needed)
• Basic sewing kit (thread, pins, scissors, etc)
• 1 meter of fabric 150cm wide OR 2 meters of fabric 115cm wide (non stretch)
• fabric for pockets (non stretch)
• 1 meter bias binding to match your fabric

Please note, there is a minimum attendance required for this workshop to go ahead.

Turning John Cleese into The Grim Reaper

Now that it is being broadcast on TV, I can finally reveal that I recently completed a commission for the one-and-only John Cleese! I was thrilled to have the chance to dress this comedy legend as the most gothic of characters: The Grim Reaper.

 His stylist provided me with fabric and trimmings and a tight deadline of 2 days! The requirement was a robe that looked luxurious, and had a train - quite a length for a man of 6 foot 5. 

I created a partially interfaced hood to ensure it draped over his head naturally, but didn't flop down over his face. The edges of the hood and centre-front opening were trimmed with a twisted black braid, and a decorative frog clasp was attached at the throat. The actual cloak was done up with about 25 hooks and eyes all running down the front and hidden.

The belt seen in the screen-shot was added on-set. You can see the cloak in action in the full commercial below.