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.

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

Louise

I absolutely loved Helen's Sew Basic Course. She is a fantastic teacher. Friendly, highly knowledgeable and very patient. The classes are small so Helen has plenty of time to help everyone no matter what speed you learn at. As a complete novice to a sewing machine I was amazed at what I was able to achieve after a few lessons. After my second lesson I made two envelope pillow cases and after my third I made my daughter a pair of leggings. I cannot recommend Helen highly enough and am eagerly awaiting the start of her new sewing club. Louise

Sabine

Helen has set a nice learning environment for all of us, clearly explained and demonstrated each step and guided us along the way at our own pace. From threading the needle and getting to know the machine to sewing in a zip and making buttonholes - we have covered a lot. I can certainly recommend this course and have done so already.... Sabine

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.

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

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.

Kate

"A really big thank you for taking the scariness out of sewing for me! I have wanted to be creative with the sewing
machine for such a long time and your course has really given me the confidence and skills to help me do this. You have
such a flexible approach and friendly teaching manner that made learning such fun. A resounding thumbs up for a
course that exceeded my expectations and I shall definitely be booking for the Sew Club!" - Kate

Julie

"I am thrilled with the little handbag that I produced on Helen's Sew Club - I never ever thought that I would be able to make something like that! After the class I bought some different material to see if I could make one on my own and with Helen's clear written instructions as backup I did it! Your classes are great Helen - you are truly inspirational, thank-you! :o)" - Julie

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

Jane

"I thought Sew Basic was an extremely comprehensive course, which has proved to be very inspiring. Your instruction and accompanying booklet was very clear and concise and great to have at home as a point of reference. Since doing the course I have made several things, which I'm extremely pleased with and never thought possible! I've definitely got the sewing bug! I would (and do) highly recommend Sew Basic." Jane Xx

Wan

Thank you very much for your help. I would like to say how much I have enjoyed doing the sewing course with you. I would definitely recommend your sew class to my friends

You are a lovely lady, friendly and you go round to all your students when they need your help and most of all you treat all your students equal.

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

"I joined the Sew Basic Course a complete novice, and through Helen's clear and simple instructions, I feel I've come out, five classes later, able to do all the things I used to think of as advanced skills! From making pleats to putting in a zip it all seems sew (!) much easier than I thought it was! And great fun too." See you soon. J xx

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'