“Dear Nicola and Alison What a great weekend! Thank you so much. I had been trying to start dressmaking again, choosing potential patterns, fabric etc but having made a few things I really didn’t want to wear I had given up. I love the apron and the dress, I’m definitely going to carry on and make some more things. I really appreciated learning in such a great environment, all the equipment was great and it was all laid out well. I picked up lots of useful tips and I loved the relaxed atmosphere, it was just a comfortable place to be. Thank you Lucy”
“I have taken the essential sewing skills workshop, palazzo pants workshop and most recently completed the 6 week dressmaking course. I’ve long admired anyone who can use a sewing machine but never had the confidence or resources to use one myself. Thanks to Nicola and Alison that has all changed! Their knowledge and teaching are second to none. Lovely, friendly atmosphere in both the sewing room and the adjoining shop. So lucky to have found this gem on my doorstep. I now feel confident to make things on my own but keep a close eye on their diary for new and exciting courses.”
“A complete beginner when I enrolled on the essential sewing skills with tutor Julie. Loved it. Bought my Brother sewing machine from mill creations shortly after! Recently completed beginners dress making project- love my dress, with tutor Alison. Cannot recommend school of sewing courses highly enough. Now making my own skirts and dresses- fabrics from Mill Creations are gorgeous and of a high quality. Thank you xx”
“I attended the beginners class yesterday and I am so glad that I did. The class is limited to six which means that everybody gets enough support and guidance to achieve the outcome. The venue is great with plenty of space between each work station. The class had been well organised and prepared prior to starting. Nicola is very experienced and knowledgeable but is able to communicate this information to the complete novice I am. She was extremely welcoming and the whole class was relaxed and informal. Having a project to complete during the class was great and I was very proud of the cushion I made. Looking forward to booking other classes and I would highly recommend the school to anyone.”
“Recently I attended the Four Week Beginners Dressmaking course which I really enjoyed and unbelievably created a dress!!! That may sound silly, but seeing what the end result was in week 1 and knowing where my skill level was, I never believed I’d be walking out with a dress in four weeks time. Our tutor Alison, was extremely knowledgeable and adapted the level of support provided to each person appropriately based on their experience whilst also ensuring we were challenged and overcame our sewing fears. I’m booked onto Tilly and The Buttons -Stevie, this weekend coming which I really looking forward to and then also the fastenings workshop later in the year.”
“An Aladdin’s cave for anyone from the absolute beginner to an expert sewer. Nicola & Izzy have so much experience and knowledge and are happy to help and support everyone. The class I went on was fantastic, the tutor was professional, patient and really helpful at every step and I learnt so much. I would absolutely recommend a visit to both School of Sew and Mill Creations, whether you fancy attending a class, need a new sewing machine, to stock up on material, or visit the haberdashery. They are a real asset to Farsley.”
“Honestly finding school of sew has been wonderful , they have held my hand and encouraged me to step into the world of sewing, so welcoming and empowering, love this place and their passion for supporting folk who want to learn a new skill June 2022 Google review”
“My partner and I have completed 3 courses with School of Sew, having previously never used a sewing machine before: - Essential Sewing Skills - Four Weeks Beginner's Dressmaking Project - T-Shirt Workshop We're also enrolled on an upcoming "Introduction to Overlocking" course. We absolutely love School of Sew! We've worked with two tutors so far. Both of whom were very knowledgeable and friendly, having years of experience between them. It's much better than following an online course, as you can ask questions, make mistakes and learn from the benefit of their experiences. I'd highly recommend School of Sew to anyone at any level. We were total beginners, now I'm literally making my own clothes! August 2022 Google review”
“Don’t take our word for it – here is what others say about us!”
“I have completed two courses with school of sew and enjoyed them so much. I recently purchased a Brother sewing machine through School of sew and it is amazing. fantastic staff who are very helpful. 19/9/20”
“I recently did the pouches workshop. I must admit I was worried about going to an indoor event. I decided I would have a look and leave if I felt worried. I am so glad I went, I had a wonderful morning. I had no need to worry at all. I had my own workstation well away from anyone else, with every bit of equipment that might be needed. There were only six of us and it’s a large airy space. All the regulations were followed and I felt really safe and relaxed. I learned the techniques to make a pouch step by step. I came away with a lovely item and the skills to make many more in whatever size I want. Go and try a course, you will love it and feel safe. 13/10/2020”
“I attended the essential sewing skills class as a complete novice and loved it! Nicola explained everything really clearly and the studio was really well set out for the new COVID restrictions. I have already gotten a bit carried away and purchased a pattern for a child’s dress!! Although I think I might need to do the beginners course first which I have now signed up for! I can’t wait to learn more! ???? 7/10/20”
“I go to Wednesday morning sessions where you can take projects of your own and finish them at your own speed. The tutors - Nicola, Alison or Julie are all excellent and have a wealth of experience. The venue is large enough for 6 people to attend and be socially distanced with your own standard machine and overlocker plus all the equipment you need. There’s a good choice of fabric, threads and other sewing equipment to buy. I’ve learnt so much whilst there and come out with a number of individually fitted items of clothing. Would highly recommend, 9/12/20”
“Just completed the Tote bag workshop. I had some sewing experience but another person in the group had never sewn anything ever and her bag looked exactly like mine! Shows you the quality of the teaching. I appreciated the thoughtful planning that went into the workshop and the lovely ???? environment which was calming and helped me learn. Thank you Jude. 31/10/20”
“I get tremendous satisfaction from teaching novices and people who have never even touched a sewing machine before. As a tutor, this is the most rewarding part of being involved. It’s a great environment in which to learn new skills and make new friends. The camaraderie that has been created amongst students and tutors is unbelievable. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind and is beneficial for positive mental wellbeing. If you have the basic skills and a willingness to learn you’ll be astounded at what you can achieve in a short space of time.”
“I first discovered the School of Sew as watching the Great British Sewing Bee on television got me interested in sewing again, after having not done it for many years. I started going again in May 2019 and have been every week since. The tutors are lovely, so knowledgeable and down to earth, but they’re all about interaction and the sharing of ideas, which is great for everyone. I really do love the information sharing aspect of it all. Coming to the school has really broadened my horizons personally and I’ve enjoyed making friends with people who spur you on to get better and better. For me, a personal highlight was making scrubs for NHS workers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We all came together and just got on with doing something positive which would make a difference. This is a memory I’ll never forget and what we achieved as a team of volunteers - making over 800 pairs of scrubs - we can all be very proud of. Overall, I’d say the School of Sew is more than just a place to come and indulge my hobby. For everyone who comes it has become an integral part of their week and we all look forward to it. In a word it is special. I can’t recommend Nicola and her wonderful team of ladies enough!”
“I moved to Leeds from Brazil two years ago and wanted to learn to sew as it was always something I’d wanted to do. So I went along and haven’t looked back since. For me it is much more than a hobby. It provided a place for me to come, meet new people and make friends at a time when I was just finding my feet in this city, which was now my new home. I’ve been with my group now for over a year and we’ve built up great friendships, during lockdown when we couldn’t meet we’d have weekly zoom nights just so we could all keep in touch. The whole feel is very inclusive with women (and some men too!) of all ages and different abilities. Sewing doesn’t come naturally to me which is part of the appeal but I also love that the tutors show such patience, understanding and are totally supportive of me as an individual. I enjoy trying new things and taking it at my own pace, which is encouraged here. I’ve made dresses for my daughter and cushions and aprons, some with a Japanese style influence. I look forward to my classes at the School of Sew and thoroughly enjoy spending time with my friends and classmates.”
“Until I joined the School of Sew, I hadn’t sewn a stitch since my school years. I came to the school around three years ago as I had some personal struggles going on in my life and it really did throw me a lifeline. Fast forward a few years and I’ve made some fabulous friends, received amazing support from those around me and come on leaps and bounds in terms of my sewing skills. It’s given me a really enjoyable focus and I’ve also made some fantastic items which has proved to be interesting as well as challenging. I’ve made everything from a dolls carrycot to a teepee and a classic child’s coat which I uploaded to a Facebook sewing page and to my amazement, it received over 1500 likes! That was a huge confidence boost for someone who had not sewed at all for over 50 years! During my time at the School of Sew I’ve seen it grow and develop into the wonderful facility that it is today, helping people to acquire and improve a valuable skill, in a sociable, friendly and very caring environment. I often forget that it’s a business, it makes me feel so natural and relaxed. I travel from the other side of Leeds to get to my classes and it’s worth every effort for what it’s given to me.”
“The School of Sew is a life saver. I’ve been going to classes now for nearly four years and I just love it. The variety of skills of the tutors is great so it means I’m learning new things and improving all the time. I was a complete novice when I first started going and I’ve amazed myself with some of the items I’ve made including bags, dresses, coats and jumpsuits. I particularly look forward to the one off workshops as this helps to keep the course structure fresh and always interesting. But most of all I enjoy the social side of it all - I’m with likeminded people who like to enjoy their hobby and this is the most perfect place to do it. I’ve recommended the School of Sew to so many people and everyone who has attended has enjoyed it immensely.”