Maker Centre

The first question you may be asking is ‘What is a Maker Centre?’.
They are often run as not-for-profits where people can essentially pay a monthly fee to take advantage of tools or equipment they would not normally have access to. Any revenue earned is then ploughed back into the purchase of more tools or equipment. Some are better than others at facilitating training. The subscriptions run a little like a gym membership when you can use the equipment within set hours subject to its availability.

Since about 2011 we knew we wanted to set up a learning centre and we started buying equipment and focused on further learning and upskilling to facilitate this. It was only about four years ago we discovered the concept of a maker centre and realised in part it was what we were looking to achieve. We have been working in IT for over twenty years now and we have a real passion for teaching and for bringing software and hardware advances into business and crafting applications.

We spent a lot of time thinking of the advantages and disadvantages of going down the ‘not-for-profit’ route before deciding for-profit was a better model for us. The intention is still to plough profits into new or more machinery/software/tools, but we feel this model is better suited to the time we want to spend focusing on the the training and support element of our venture.

Here’s a selection of some of the hardware and software we have available for our taster days, pay and play days and our structured training courses.

Machine Knitting:

Machine knitting was very popular in the 70’s and 80’s with

Knitting Machines

Nippon Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co began making knitting machines in the 1950’s. In 1962 they became Brother Industries who continued to manufacture knitting machines unt the late 1990’s.

Silver Reed knitting machines were first manufactured under the name of Marukoshi Knitting Machines Ltd in 1952. In 1955 thy became Silver Knitting Machine Manufacturing Limited. Silver Reed knitting machines are still manufactured today.

We currently have a selection of Brother Standard and Chunky gauge knitting machines and ribbers.

Knitting Machine Consumables

Knitting Machine Books and Magazines

Knitting Machine Software

We have a version of DesignaKnit machine knitting software for garment shaping and stitch pattern design.

Computer Hardware:

We have ten training computers, with keyboards and monitors which are available to use during out events.

Sewing:

Sewing Machines

We have a mix of vintage hand crank, electric and treadle machines. Modern electric domestic machines, modern domestic overlockers, modern industrial flatbed machines and modern industrial walking foot machines.

We use the vintage machines and industrial flatbed and walking foot machines for bag making. The hand crank machines are also great for new sewers.

Consumables:

Haberdashery:

We have a selection of threads, zips and hardware to use during our events. Some haberdashery in included in the price of our courses but additional items can be purchased at competitive prices.

Books and Magazines

For a number of years we have been collecting sewing books and magazines which can be used during our events. A current list of our sewing related books can be found here.

Pattern Making Software:

Plotters to print Patterns:

We currently have an A1 plotter capable of printing sewing patterns.

Overhead Projector for Patter Cutting:

Have you ever heard of using an overhead projector to cut out your patterns on a cutting mat. Its actually a thing with a FaceBook page dedicated to provide information about which projectors you can use and advice on how to set them up. We have a projector and cutting table set up for cutting fabric using projector patterns instead of traditional paper patterns. More information of buying and setting up your own projector can be found here.

  • Training PC’s, keyboards and monitors

Embroidery:

Embroidery Machines:

Embroidery Consumables

Embroidery Books and Magazines:

Embroidery Digitising Software

  • Training PC’s, keyboards and monitors

Spinning:

  • Spinning Wheels
  • Drum Carders
  • Wool Pickers
  • Consumables

Weaving:

  • Rigid Heddle Looms
  • Digital Die Cut Machines
  • Overlockers

3D Printing:

  • 3D Printers
  • Consumables
  • 3D Printing Software

Cutting and Engraving:

  • C02 Laser
  • Airbrushes

Direct to Film (DTF) and Dye Sublimation

A3 Dye Sublimation Printer

Heat Press

Mug Press

Software Training:

  • Training PC’s, Keyboards and Monitors
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Software
    • Photoshop
    • Illustrator
    • Acrobat
    • Lightroom
    • InDesign
    • Spark
    • XD
  • Adobe Captivate Software
  • Articulate Storyline Software
  • Microsoft Office Software
    • Word
    • Excel
    • PowerPoint
    • Project
    • Access

Over the coming weeks we are going to be updating the website with more about our Maker Centre and some of the sessions we plan to run.