Bleach Blog
Teaching crafts in Leigh-on-Sea at private venues since 2018, I have developed classes to
support many people learning to sew. Some try it out as a bucket-list type activity, others
begin a years-long fascination and become expert sewers. Many people who attend classes
with me will go on to develop their sewing either independently or in further classes, but all of
them will have a knowledge of the traditions of making clothes and an appreciation for well-
made items.
As a child, teen and adult I have been making things with my hands. With my Mum I sewed,
embroidered and knitted. As a teen in a rural Warwickshire village I was desperate to make
clothes so that I could reflect my personality and wear the indie styles of the early eighties. It
was so empowering to be able to make something original - it still is. After studying fashion
for two years, I left my home town and travelled for a while. Living in the USA for a year I had
to buy a sewing machine because it was too frustrating to be without one and I ‘ran up’
outfits for clubbing. Returning to the UK I had a fabulous year completing an Art Foundation
course at college - probably the most fun thing I have ever done. Sampling all aspects of art,
graphics, ceramics, silver-smithing and photography (plus some weaving and textiles for
good measure) I was captivated by Weimar Photography and Bauhaus design. I gained a
place at University of Westminster to study photography and worked hard the next 3 years
studying in central London. After graduating I worked in publishing for a couple of years,
smitten with graphics and page layouts (I still love playing with images, text and pages).
At this point, renovating and decorating a home in Leigh-on-Sea, my sewing and crafting
became super useful. I made all manner of blinds, curtains, cushions and upholstery with
great enthusiasm but also an eye for detail. I love learning traditional techniques and skills,
particularly when craft wisdom and sustainability go hand-in-hand. My lifelong concern for
our planet underpins most of what I pursue - natural fibres and repurposed materials are key
to a minimal impact on our environment. Traditional crafts were perfected well before
synthetic materials were developed and mechanisation took the making ‘out of our hands’.
The skills used when working with those materials need to be enjoyed and celebrated.
In my early forties I returned to University for a degree in Architecture.After graduating,
tempted by paid teacher training (and family-friendly holidays) I plunged into secondary level
teaching and discovered that all my great interests had an umbrella title: Design and
Technology! I trained to teach textiles, graphics, woodwork, product design, computer aided
design, construction and it seemed that all my different experiences and interests coalesced.
However, a teaching career is extremely demanding and after 8 years I left on health
grounds. I had found my niche though - teaching is the most rewarding and enjoyable
practice for me.
I really enjoyed working with children and young people but have found that bringing the
satisfaction of learning and regularly practising skills, of working to achieve something with
your own hands, is priceless for people of all ages. Seeing somebody succeed at something
they thought they couldn’t do, is brilliant. I have been teaching and leading workshops at The
Dressmaker Fabric Studios since 2022, with a full schedule of dressmaking and sewing
classes throughout the year. I have met hundreds of people with a shared intention of finding
some joy in their sewing. Living close by, I have relied on the fabric shop on the corner for
nearly 3 decades as a customer and I am beyond excited every day that I am allowed to
work there. I have lots of ideas for future projects and as I have encountered so many
people who find that the sizing system literally makes them cry, I am determined to design
workshops that support people in making beginner friendly clothes without that pain. You’ll
hear more about that later this year. My huge thanks go to the team in the shop and the
other teachers in the studio who are talented, cheerful, generous by nature and passionate
about their work. Everyone can be assured of a warm welcome and I look forward to seeing
you there soon.
Please click here to see a full list of my current workshops at The Dressmaker Fabrics