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Search FAQs
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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. You will need a basic sewing kit: scissors, needles, pins, a tape measure etc. and materials for your own projects.
I can advise on the essential equipment that you will need and you can add to your collection as you progress according to your needs.
A selection of basic items is available to buy at the classes.
I provide other equipment such as extension leads, lamps, iron and ironing board. I always supply supporting notes on every topic that I teach so that you have them to refer to later and remind you of what you’ve learned.
I provide materials for practising techniques and making samples for you to keep.
And tea, coffee and biscuits are always on offer! 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. Some flexibility is allowed for people who have booked holidays or have other commitments which are planned in advance. You can choose to miss up to 3 sessions in a block and the fee per session increases by £1 for each week that you miss. This means that you will still pay less than for the whole block, and also secure your place for future blocks.
Please go here for further information. |
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:
What I ask you to do: Do not attend a class if:
You must also:
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:
What I ask you to do: Do not attend a lesson if:
You must also:
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