Dressmaking

Background & Experience: 

I have over 48 years experience in dressmaking. Sounds a lot doesn't it? I started using a very old Jones sewing machine from a family friend when I was a teenager, and discovered the joys of making a dress from scratch. Not perfect of course, but wearable. I then went off to study Clothing Studies for 4 years at The Scottish College of Textiles and received a Diploma and 2 certificates. I did not pursue a career in a clothing factory but started my own business selling material and sewing for people. Hard work but rewarding. In the year I made my wedding dress I made two others as well!!! Still dream about that. My married life took me away for a while, but I have always had my sewing machine up and ready. Once my children were older, i returned to sewing and, due to personal circumstances, I found Adult Learning and applied to teach. i was lucky to work for them for 5 years whilst also working in a school. I also taught Textiles in the school, though I was the EAL coordinator and also ran the Craft Club. Now I have retired, I have returned to Adult Learning and deliver a variety of Craft and Dressmaking Courses. So long as I have a sewing machine and a stash if fabric to hand I am a happy person. 

Key Expertise: 

I mainly teach dressmaking but I also love delivering upcycling sessions as well as sustainability is a huge passion of mine. I have mainly delivered Beginner level dressmaking sessions . These comprise a Part 1 : making a simple skirt/trousers, Beginners Part 2: making a blouse/top, Beginners Part 3 ; making a fitted pair of trousers. I will be starting to deliver Intermediate dressmaking classes from Autumn 26. In these we will make either a lined waistcoat or jacket. My other great love is upcycling which is so important in today's world. Reusing a garment and making it into something different but still usable is fun to do and helps the planet. I have delivered a few of these around Northamptonshire and look forward to delivering some more. 

Teaching Philosophy:

I am very patient, encouraging and will tailor learning to your pace. I also use my personal experience both positive and negative to show that we never know everything and always need to learn. The teaching is face-to-face and I use demonstrations of each new technique. You are then encouraged to follow this technique and make your own set of samples to use both in the sessions and at home. I provide physical step-by-step samples of each new technique, these are also available on Goggle Classroom and I use follow-up , personalized emails to assist you in your learning as well. Whatever your preferred outcome, I will guide you every step of the way. I am still in touch with many of my past learners via numerous WhatsApp groups, and a couple of these groups still meet up regularly to chat and sew. Come and join us. 

Additional information:

My main interest, as you will have gathered, is sewing. But I do have other interests as well. I like to read, go and see movies at the cinema and go to see live music. Contrary to my appearance, I love rock and my last big concerts were Guns n Roses and Coldplay last year. Both brilliant by the way. My other main joy is my feisty 8 year old granddaughter. I Managed to find a bargain sewing machine in a charity shop and am teaching her how to sew. Having had experience of teaching both teenagers and adults how to use a sewing machine , I much prefer to deliver sessions to adults. They attend courses with a willingness to throw themselves in and have a go. Having stood in a classroom with a group of year 7 boys on sewing machines I can honestly say I prefer the fun of working with adults. It is certainly safer! I also love seeing friendships grow within the groups that attend. People who may never have met each other in life, getting on so well and carrying on this relationship after the course has finished. Plus leaving with a wearable garment and the skills to make more. What's not to like.