Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

No, if you are a complete beginner I would recommend a short course of individual tuition before joining a class as you need to be able to use a sewing machine independently, and it’s not practical to teach someone how to use a sewing machine in this type of class. Please go here for information about beginners' courses.

Most people prefer to use their own machines so that they become more familiar with them, and they want to sew at home as well, but I can provide sewing machines if you don’t have one of your own.  If you’re thinking of buying one I can give advice on what to look for.

No, I'm afraid I don't.

Numbers are limited to 5 on Wednesday mornings and 6 on Thursday evenings.  I keep the numbers small so that I can give each person as much individual help as they need.

These classes are designed for people to work on their own choice of project and learn new techniques as they go, with my help and guidance.  The types of sewing that I specialise in are dressmaking and soft furnishings, but we have also made accessories such as bags and sometimes people come up with other things that they would like to make. I try to be as flexible as possible!

Please go here for the latest information on classes.  Please note that classes are only run during school term times!

No, these classes are booked in half term blocks which are usually 6 weeks depending on school term dates.  You need to book and pay for each block in advance.  This is because I have to book and pay for the halls in advance.

These classes are very popular and there may be a wait for a place. Please contact me first of all to check availability. If I can offer you a place I will send you a booking form with all the information you will need.

Please go here for current pricing.

Unfortunately I can’t give refunds for sessions missed as I need to be sure that I can cover my costs.

I can be flexible and tailor the lessons to your needs.   For example you might want to learn how to use a new sewing machine, help with specific sewing techniques, or to work on a project.

Each lesson is usually 1½ hours long.  I find this is the ideal length for one-to-one tuition for beginners as there is a lot to take in.  For someone working on a sewing project it can sometimes be more effective to have 2 hour sessions and this is something we can discuss.

Please go here for current pricing.

I do individual tuition at my home in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, where I have a large sewing room and all the materials and equipment that might be needed to hand.

You will need to contact me to discuss your aims and arrange days and times.  I will then send you a registration form and an invoice for the number of lesson you want to book.  Your booking is confirmed once I have received your registration form and payment.

I have full public liability insurance.

All my electrical equipment is tested annually and certificated by a qualified electrician.

I give advice on safety precautions to every student.

We have all had to adapt to new ways of living since the Covid-19 outbreak and this applies to sewing classes as well. In order to attend the classes while keeping everyone safe we will have to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing and adopt appropriate hygiene measures.

I have studied the guidelines for “close contact services” carefully to work out which measures are applicable to sewing tuition. I have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment and a copy of this is attached for your information.

The current social distancing guidelines require people to remain 2 metres apart; or where 2 metres is not viable this can be reduced to 1 metre with “risk mitigation“, which means adopting other measures which help to reduce the risk.

The measures that we will need to follow are given below.

What I will do:

• Cancel a class if I or anyone in my household has symptoms of Covid-19.
• Arrange the room to allow a minimum of 1 metre social distancing, with class members sitting side by side or back to back rather than facing one another as far as possible.
• Clean all tables and chairs used during classes, switches, window and door handles before and after each session.
• Leave communal equipment such as rulers out so that it is freely available. This will be regularly cleaned.
• Clean any other objects or surfaces that are touched regularly.
• Wear a visor when running classes.
• When assisting or demonstrating a technique position myself alongside the student rather than face to face whenever possible.

What I ask you to do:

Do not attend a class if:

• You have had a cough, fever or loss of taste in the last 14 days.
• You have returned from abroad in the last 14 days.
• You have been in contact with/ live with anyone with Covid-19 or with similar symptoms.

You must also:

• Stagger your entry and departure to avoid close contact; if you see someone else arriving or about to leave at the same time as you wait for a minute until they are through the door and 2 metres away from you. The doors will be propped open during arrival and departure times so that you do not need to touch the handles and can easily go through with your equipment.
• Wash or sanitise your hands after entering/re-entering the room and after using any communal equipment. Hand sanitiser will be freely available throughout the room.
  Wear a face covering during the class. This can be a mask or a visor.
  Remain at your table as much as possible and be mindful of others when you need to move around the room, for example to use the ironing board.
• Remember to bring your own basic sewing kit and do not share items from your personal sewing kit with others.
• If you need to use any communal equipment ask me to bring it to you. Leave any communal items on your table after use so that they can be cleaned.
• Use a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze and dispose of it in the bin and sanitise your hands afterwards. Tissues will be available in the room.
• Bring an extra layer of clothing as windows will be left open to ensure good ventilation.
• Bring your own refreshments to avoid using shared kitchen areas and utensils.

We have all had to adapt to new ways of living since the Covid-19 outbreak and this applies to sewing lessons as well. We will have to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing and adopt appropriate hygiene measures.

I have studied the guidelines for “close contact services” carefully to work out which measures are applicable to sewing tuition.

The current social distancing guidelines require people to remain 2 metres apart; or where 2 metres is not viable this can be reduced to 1 metre with “risk mitigation“, which means adopting other measures which help to reduce the risk.

The measures that we will need to follow are given below.

What I will do:

• Cancel a lesson if I or anyone in my household has symptoms of Covid-19.
• Allow a minimum of 1 metre social distancing between myself and the student, sitting side by side rather than facing one another as far as possible.
• Clean all surfaces before and after each session.
• Wear a visor while teaching.
• When assisting or demonstrating a technique position myself alongside the student rather than face to face whenever possible.

What I ask you to do:

Do not attend a lesson if:

• You have had a cough, fever or loss of taste in the last 14 days.
• You have returned from abroad in the last 14 days.
• You have been in contact with/ live with anyone with Covid-19 or with similar symptoms.

You must also:

• Sanitise your hands after entering/re-entering the room. Hand sanitiser will be made available.
• Wear a face covering during the class. This can be a mask or a visor.
• Use a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze and dispose of it in the bin and sanitise your hands afterwards. Tissues will be available.
• Bring an extra layer of clothing as windows will be left open to ensure good ventilation.
• Bring your own refreshments.