Gallery - Sew School

Bernie

I found the course very informative. The first lesson for me was a little slow for me but it was good to practice and also realise that the way the bobbin went into the machine did in fact matter! It was also helpful to have a little time to talk to the others in the class. The rest of the course was good and the notes have been an excellent reference source. It has given me more confidence when trying to sew/mend items at home. I particularly like the way you teach all the different types of seams/stitches and then get the class to use these techniques to make little samples. It really helps to break down the complexities, real or imagined, being able to make/sew projects.

Sandra

I can't think of anything that would have improved the sessions, other than it would be nice to have had a half time break but time didn't always allow. I think your teaching is excellent, the way you explained "how and why" and providing the booklet to refer back to. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. And I have made a bag! Sandra

Bunmi

"Before I started at Helen's Sew School, I had no idea about threading a sewing machine needle, or how to sew anything. However, before the end of the first lesson, I so impressed with the progress that had been made. Helen is a good and very patient teacher, and I will recommend her again and again. I am actually looking forward to more classes!" - Bunmi

Stephanie

I had a wonderful time on the sewing course,

it has given me the confidence to finally try the patterns In my many sewing books.

I would love a place in your sewing club if there is one available.

I really feel that this is the beginning of my sewing career!!!

Hope to see you soon.

Love Stephanie x

Bindi

The sew basic course was absolutely brilliant. The content taught me enough skills to make a simple shopping bag on my own and I have made a pencil case too since the course. Each session taught us different skills and techniques and your explanations were very easy to follow during the sessions. Your written information for each session has proved very useful.

Fran

" I am really glad I signed up to the Sew Basic course and couldn't recommend it highly enough - Helen is an excellent
teacher, very patient, thorough and accommodating. The set up was very relaxed and friendly, a great environment to learn a new skill. I genuinely feel that I have conquered what seemed like an impossible challenge in the form of the
sewing machine and now look forward to building on what I've learnt - I'm getting the machine out regularly! Many
thanks for everything Helen!" - Fran

Caroline

"Just a little note to thank you so much for all your patient tuition on the sew basic course. I didn't realise there was so much to learn about sewing, and I'm so pleased to have found someone to teach all the techniques properly. Now I feel inspired to start making things and improve my confidence with practice." - Caroline

Anjuna

Regarding your sew school, I thought it was fantastic. The small class sizes are just perfect for beginners like myself who have never used a sewing machine before. Your teaching skills are just brilliant; you go at the right pace to ensure that everyone gets the attention they need. I never expected to learn so much. The folder of written information you provided was just brilliant as it gives you something to refer to when at home, along with all the examples that we created in class. I learnt a great deal and not just from the practical aspect of the course but also from the verbal information that you provided with regards to topics not covered in the 5 weeks, such as pattern cutting. I found the course very inspirational, and just after 5 weeks I attempted to sew an alien outfit for my son's nursery party. The outfit consisted of trousers, a basic top with velcro fastening at the back, and a sequined body and I even made my own bias binding. My next project is to make both my boys a bedding set and so will put my button hole technique to good use. Thank you once again Helen, your course was just what I was looking for. I just wish I could attend your sew club. I definitely recommend Sew Basic.

Kirsty

" I loved your course - it was very well organized. I never felt bored or lost. You were always on hand and you made
things very clear. I also appreciated having the file that you gave me. It has all the things I have learnt on your course
and is a good to refer back to. My daughter didn't receive any info on her course and I know that at times she forgot
things and it was hard to get the teachers attention, as the class was so big. The small classes you take are exactly what
a novice needs!" -Kristy

Gisela

"i actually missed our classes on Tuesdays once they were finished! you made learning how to sew a lot of fun and gave patient and individual attention when ever requested. I was completely new to sewing and it was great to have a machine provided and your advice on which one to buy as well as the sewing bibles. i have since bought both! You packed the classes with lots of stitch practice and little tasks to help us progress quickly. Hope to see you and engage your services soon again." - Gisela x

Belinda

Amazing course, which gives you an excellent foundation to get to know your sewing machine and complete simple projects. Two years on and I am sewing regularly: making clothes for children and adults as a hobby! I still refer back to my really useful course text book! Belinda

Sarah

"Helens Sew Club is fun, friendly and inspiring. I'm so surprised that even I can use a sewing machine - its all in the teaching!" - Sarah

Jane

"I would highly recommend your Sew Club. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was great to put the skills I had learnt previously with you into practice knowing you were there to help - it also means you do actually sit down and do something productive with your skills instead of forgetting them. I also thought it was a lovely, sociable way to enjoy a hobby and be creative - always very rewarding." - Jane

Julie

I went along to Helen's Sew basic course after not getting my sewing machine out for several years and seeing it as the enemy as it would always eat up my material. I had a very basic knowledge of how to thread the machine and make a simple garment but everything that I have ever made looked very botched and amateurish. After going on Helen's course, with her calm manner, patience, clear instructions and fabulous reference book, I now feel that I have the confidence to be able to produce professional looking items using a variety of techniques. Every week I wanted to go home and make something new using the new skills that Helen taught me. My friends have seen some of my work and have even put in orders for me to make them things too! For the first time, with thanks to Helen, I am proud of something I have produced on my sewing machine." - Julie

Lucy

Over the years I’ve made curtains, done alterations and run up fancy dress creations for my daughter – but always tentatively. Borrowing my mother’s sewing machine, I always felt I would lose control, but thanks to Helen Mackenzie and Sew School I’ve been able to finesse these skills and even now have a machine of my own. It was surprisingly satisfying and you’re left with a great sense of achievement. What’s more, Helen has a fun, relaxed manner and is very good at dealing with a range of confidence levels. She is patient, happy to repeat things and demonstrate personally and Helen’s useful reference booklet is well laid out and clearly worded and includes a comprehensive list of recommended suppliers. Lucy at 'High Living Barnet'