How are the sessions hosted?

The sessions are hosted on Zoom. You do not need a paid account to attend a session. When you have signed up to a sessions, a link will be sent to your email address one hour before the session starts. You will be in a ‘waiting' room’ until the host starts the meeting.

I am not good with technology - help!

Attendees can log in on various devices - phones, tablets and laptops. We can talk you through turning camera or microphone on/off, and finding the chat function if you wanted to type.
Zoom do have a Getting started guide for new users , video tutorials including Audio and Video basics, highly recommend this last one for the basics. There are phone specific tutorials too.

Do I need to stay the whole session?

No. You are welcome to join and leave as/when you need or want to. No register is taken. If you are new and don’t have time to properly join in, you are welcome to jump on for a few minutes to get an idea of what happens during sessions.

Do I need to have my camera on?

No. You can attend a whole session with your camera off. You can have your camera on for as long as possible, and suggest switching it off if you are trying on something you have made! Sometimes turning your camera off can help if you have a poor internet connection.

Do I need to have my microphone on?

No. We recommend muting yourself when using your machines as they can be quite noisy and distracting from conversation. As hosts, we can mute you if there is background noise distracting from conversation happening.

Do I have to chat or join in with the conversation?

No. You are welcome to get on with your project and listen in to the chat. There is also a chat/typing function on Zoom so you can join in the conversation that way. You can use the space to socialise as much or little as you want.

I am not UK-based, can I attend?

YES! We welcome sign-ups from around the world. We have regular attendees from UK, Germany, Crete, American and South Africa. We know that timings are not inclusive for everyone around the world, but hopefully there is a session for you.

Is it free to attend?

From October 1st 2024, sessions will have a charge. There will be free session(s) available monthly for those unable to pay for regular sessions. Free Subscriptions provide one free session a month, and the Pay-It-Forward scheme also supports people to attend Regular Sessions.

First time attendees can also use code NEWBIE to try a session for free.

What is ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme?

When booking a session, there are optional extras for 'Pay It Forward'. This donation goes into a pot to support those who are not financially able to join. We hope attendees can help enable others to join sessions. There is no expectation that anybody will contribute.

If joining a session is not within your budget, you are eligible to use the code DONATED. No questions asked.

Find out more on our dedicated Pay It Forward page.

I have paid for a subscription. How do I book onto sessions? How do I create an account?

1. Go to book onto a session via the usual link.

2. Pick date/dates you want to book onto.

3. Fill in Name and Email, then scroll to the bottom and click “REDEEM COUPON OR PACKAGE”

4. Enter the EMAIL used for your subscription and click enter. It will all link to your one account.

5. On the next confirmation page, SCROLL DOWN to REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT.

6. Create an account with a password. And all the dates you’ve booked will be on there in a green box.

   
   The account dashboard very basic but all your details are in one place.

Do I need to be sewing during the session?

We are 'Craft inclusive'. Whilst the founder and hosts are primarily dressmakers, we welcome anyone that wants company with sewists, whether you are knitting, quilting, crocheting etc. You can be at any stage of your project - cutting out, sewing, unpicking, planning etc.

I am shy/anxious/nervous about joining.

You can keep your camera and microphone off and just listen in. THAT IS OK. You can join in as much as you want. Attendees are a friendly bunch and hopefully make you feel welcome even if you just listening in. There is no pressure to be part of any conversation.

What is a '“Sewalong” session?

A “sewalong” session has a set theme where attendees will make the same item or similar themed garments. Our first session we ran in January 2024 was Helen’s Closet free Costa Totebag pattern, which went down so well we have since run themes including pants(as in knickers), blouse and sanitary pads for charity. These have been themes suggested by attendees!

I have feedback, a suggestion or want to contact Virtual Sewing Room?

You can email Jenny or drop a message on Instagram with any question or suggestion. She will get back to you as soon as possible. Virtualsewingroom@gmail.com

Anonymous feedback can be given using this Googleform.