Thank you for all that you taught me. I am looking forward to more! Cheers, Keren
Thank you Helen. I have really enjoyed the sew classes.
Look forward to my next session next year, and so disappointed to miss tomorrow. 😟
Warm best wishes to you and my sewing cohort group!
Maddy
Thank you so much for the course yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. 😁
Hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, Lucy
Thank you ever so much for such a fantastic course yesterday. I’ve never done anything like that before, and I was amazed that we actually managed to learn all of the skills in the booklet. I came away feeling very stimulated having gained insight into the what was for me the mystery of sewing and indeed the machine itself. The day was absorbing and exceptionally organised–and you were VERY patient.
Thank you for sending along these videos, I look forward to practicing the skills I learnt yesterday (I’ll remember to hold the thread:)
All best wishes, Pam
Thank you Helen for an great course, for your email with all the info and the video links! These are amazing and very helpful indeed! It was such a pleasure to meet you and the group yesterday! I loved the the class!!! Thank you.
Today I met with the friend who had used my machine in the past to translate what I learnt yesterday into Pfaff language. Now I can do all the stitches we learnt, even button holes! I was praising how clear your teaching was, how well structured the intensive course was and how neat all the practice exercises were! I am delighted and I already have various projects going on. Thanks again for all and I am keeping fingers crossed I might see you again soon. Luisa
Thank you for the videos and all the info. Needless to say I’m gutted that tomorrow is the last lesson… enjoyed them so so much and learned even more 🙂 Ruth
A delayed but a very much meant thank you for running the course I attended. It was really informative, and I shall be using the tips when I have finished the garden make over I am doing now. Thanks again for giving me the knowledge and confidence to get going with my sewing machine. Kind regards, Susan
Even before you kindly sent through all of these brilliant resources after the course, I wanted to write and say how much I thoroughly enjoyed it last Wednesday. I was absolutely exhausted in the evening afterwards, but in a great way! I thought it was structured very logically and was astonished by how much we were able to get through in just one day – I couldn’t believe we’d got as far as creating buttonholes and putting in zips by the end of the day! I found the booklets you provided to be really helpful on the day, especially with the diagrams on how to thread the machine, I found these much clearer than the actual instructions that came with my sewing machine – and I’m sure I will continue to find this information useful as I get started on my own projects. I also just wanted to thank you for being so patient and encouraging while teaching us so much. I’m feeling really inspired to keep going and start creating my own things. All the best, Liz
Thank you so much, I have nothing but praise for your class yesterday, it was so well organised and run to precision. Thanks again, Melissa x
Your videos are very good. Perfect to refresh my memory and go over what I learnt.
Thank you again, Kind Regards, Teresa
Thank you so much for the videos!!
Definitely, I’ll let you know if I’ll need more help in the future.
Big hug, Anca Cretu
Thank you so much Helen I really enjoyed the course and feel inspired to continue with a small easy project. Thanks again, Marie
I really enjoyed the sew basics. Very helpful and came home to do some hemming on my machine, that I was putting off! Fenella
Thanks so much for Monday. I felt I learnt a lot although I feel I struggled at times!
Best wishes, Marion Foley
Thanks again for yesterday – I really enjoyed it, and was surprised how much flooded back to me from Home Ec all those years ago…
I’m eyeing up projects now, and trying to work out when I can pick up my Mum’s old machine in Manchester; when I’m equipped I’ll hopefully book in for some further tuition.
If you’d like a comment for the website, I’d say: “Helen has the patience of a saint and the rare ability to guide even the rustiest of stitchers from threading to zip-fitting in the space of a few hours. I enjoyed every minute of the course and was thrilled to have a handbook to take away as an aide memoir.”
Emma x
Thanks for a wonderful day Helen.
I will try to get the sewing machine fixed so that I can practice as I really enjoyed sewing on Monday.
I will definitely be looking into booking another course.
Hopefully see you soon, Tineke
Thank you again for a fantastic course. It was just what I needed and I have learnt such a lot. Thank you for being patient with us all and a wonderful teacher. Rowena
I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and thank you for being such a good teacher.
Kind regards, Brid
I started the Basic Sew course afraid of my lovely sewing machine and only the limited knowledge obtained in school, a distant memory. I also had a medical condition that meant I couldn’t always attend. It has been an absolute joy to do the course. I found the small group really easy to be a part of and this has meant that Helen is available for all those ‘how do you do that again’ questions (a fair few of those). Helen has been patient, encouraging, fun and imparts loads of common sense tips not available in my machine guide. I’ve also been able to do a catch up session with Helen who has found the time to fit me into her busy life. I learn by watching and this has met every expectation I had and hoped for. It’s just been brilliant. I’m finally using my machine and practicing all the techniques I have learned. This is my Mindfulness, concentrating on a straight line, a curve, zigzagging, etc. Just peaceful and lovely.
That’s what you and your course have meant to me. Hope you’re not thinking I’m weird but this is how much I’ve loved the course and all your help. Cannot wait for Sew club. Anita x
Since coming to your course in February this year and completing your day top making course, I have continued sewing and love it. I will WhatsApp you some pics on my makes 😄.
Thanks again for a fantastic course, I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot.
Please can you add me to your sew club list? Many thanks, Josie
I really enjoyed my lessons with you and hope in the next few weeks to be able to put what I learnt into practice and make something wonderful, well maybe that’s a bit optimistic but I will give it a good try. Best wishes, Bernadette Goorwich
Morning Helen, just a short note to say thank you so very much for a fabulous day yesterday, I am sure we all enjoyed it and learned so much in one day. If you have any other courses, even odd days, please let me know. I cannot wait to get started. Thanks a zillion once again! Pat Mac xxx
A belated big thank you for the super sewing class last Monday really enjoyed it and feel so much more confident on my machine!! Will contact you soon to book another class. Maggie
Just wanted to thank you for all your help and patience over the past few weeks. Angela and I hit WH Smiths after leaving you and have a number of magazines to inspire our endeavors in your absence! If a particular project seems suitable for our next meeting we will send you details. See you in May! Sharon
I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the class today
I feel I have learnt so much in such a short space of time
You have obviously thought long and hard regarding your class prep
Regards julia
You’re so right, it was excellent! I was tired, but excited. Feel like I might be finally understanding my machine, how to get the best from it and, hopefully, how to finish projects with a little more style in future! It would be great to repeat the experience with another foray into the mysteries of sewing and maybe patterns too. Thanks for your company, it was a happy group, I loved it! Claire
Wonderfully put Toni, Helen the class was great and definitely got this beginner excited about sewing. Just in the process of ordering thread to keep practising and start on a small project I can try and perfect. Hopefully join you all on some future classes. Thanks again for a lovely day! Heena
I am home, tired, but very very pleased to have done your intensive course. I love how beautifully structured and planned it was, how generous you were with your teaching, and the convivial company!!! Thank you….. I look forward to seeing some or all again in the not too distant future. Fond regards, Toni
As I’ve been thinking over all the things we have learned today and talked to my husband about it I just wanted to say a proper thank you.
It was a really good day. I’ve been threading up sewing machines since I was about 10, but I never knew I needed to have the foot in the up position to disengage the tension plates to enable the thread to be positioned properly. Such a simple and clear explanation, but not knowing it was the cause of frequent problems.
There were very many things like that. The sort of “Ah ha!” moments, like the light coming on and making sense of something you only had vague notions of.
It seemed to me I didn’t make clear how helpful I found it, so I wanted to write.
I haven’t put my sewing machine away. I want to practice some of the things you taught us so I don’t forget.
Greatly encouraging! Thanks Claire
I started the course having already some experience so I was worried I wouldn’t learn much. It has an extremely interesting and useful course instead and having already experience made it even more useful because I could better understand what we where talking about and which mistakes I have done in the past.
I’m feeling far more confident now and in power of what I’m doing. Sewing has become a more enjoyable experience.
Helen is extremely friendly and professional. She loves sharing her experience and the atmosphere around the table was very relaxed and joyful even if there was no time for chit chat and every minute was used to learn. This is the perfect course for anyone who really wants to learn to sew.
I also find very useful that after the course there’s the possibility to join the sewing club or taking private lessons, so you don’t feel abandoned after the course, which is something I always experienced after attending other courses. Michela
Thank you so much for such a useful and informative course. I have subsequently successfully altered a yellow cardigan that has been in my wardrobe for at least 10 years, which I loved but could never wear because the arms were too long….I shortened the arms and now wear it with confidence!!! I gave also put in darts into a gilet which has made it a lot more flattering. I have left feedback on the Facebook page. Julie
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 – High Living Barnet
I cannot recommend Helen and Sew School highly enough. I was a very nervous sewer before I did the ‘Sew Basic’ course, and was also finding it difficult using my old sewing machine, which was rather temperamental! Now I know though that I wasn’t helping matters as I was getting the basics wrong, even threading the bobbin etc. I’ve already grown in confidence in just 5 weeks, and have loved every minute of Sew school. I think it’s great that we only have small classes, as it means we get a lot of individual attention. We learn so many techniques, which you can then go onto apply to many different projects. If you get the basics right, who knows what you might go on to achieve! I’ve already made a teddy bear, and a tote bag in my own time and want to make more things. I’ve now also just joined the monthly Sew Club, and with Helen’s help and encouragement, have made a little handbag, perfect for a night out! Helen herself is so kind, caring, ever patient and encouraging, has a great sense of humour, and she is SO knowledgeable. You know you are in safe hands when you are in her company!. Going to Helen’s sew school is one of the best and smartest things I’ve ever done, thank you so very much Helen. I can’t wait until next month’s Sew club! Love and hugs, Ruth xxx
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
Thank you so much for teaching me how to sew. The technique you used made it easier for me to understand everything. The warm atmosphere made it very relaxing and you had time for each one of us. You never rushed us. Francisca.
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
What can I say about the course other than brilliant? “When I came to my first lesson I didn’t know how to turn on a sewing machine. After the Sew Basic course I could actually make things! A great introduction to machine sewing and very good value.” Vanessa
“The Sew Basic course has given me the skills and confidence I needed to use my sewing machine and begin projects. Since finishing the course I have made gifts for friends and a basic costume for my children.” Lucy
I found the Sew Basic Course really useful and pretty challenging at times; you know you’re concentrating to learn something when you have to be reminded to breathe! Naomi
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. Regards Wan
I thoroughly enjoyed your Sew Basic Course and would definitely recommend it. I came to it a bit of a novice but have built up so much more confidence in my sewing. Thank you! Ursula
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. Bindi
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
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!!! Love Stephanie x
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 I now 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.
Thank you so much for finally introducing me to my sewing machine!! Your course was fantastic fun and has equipped me with all the basic skills needed to produce my own lovely creations at home. I couldn’t wait to get started and have already made a couple of very professional-looking cushions, so there’s no stopping me now! I’m loving being creative and having the confidence to turn all my ideas into real products. X Debbie Kitching
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. Anjuna
Thanks so much for a really enjoyable and extremely helpful course. Having been completely put off sewing machines by a scary teacher back in the day I’m so pleased to be able to mend and make things after all these years! Miranda
“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 Deeks
I had some sewing lessons in secondary school and was never good at it. So my aim for this course was to gain confidence so that I take out my sewing machine more often instead of keeping it in the garage to gather more dust. My pile of things to sew has dramatically reduced since I have started the course and I even seriously contemplate on buying the fabric to finally change my curtains.
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
I really enjoyed the Sew basic course. My confidence grew hugely and things that had once looked impossible became completely “do-able”!
Helen is highly skilled in her discipline and is a very effective communicator. The Sew Basic course was very well organised and carefully thought out. I received lots of individual attention. I feel much more confident when using a sewing machine and have gained many new skills.
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
I actually missed our classes on Mondays once they were finished! You made learning how to sew a lot of fun and gave patient and individual attention whenever 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. Gisela x
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.
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
I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed my sewing lessons with you. I looked forward to my Friday morning lesson every week. Having a small class made it so much more personal and any problems that I had were quickly answered. Regards, Imelda Tarr
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. J xx
The Sew Basic Course packs in all the essential first steps to sewing. It is incredible how much is achieved from week one to the final session. Helen delivers this intensive course in a calm and fun atmosphere, you don’t even realise how much you have learned until you get home! Angela
The basic course was exactly what id been looking for – it taught me the basics and how to build onto each new skill learnt, using practical examples to show how something is created using the various steps which i found really encouraging as i was able to put my new skills into practice after only a few lessons. The course didn’t over complicate things, which has motivated me to now try new projects. Helens teaching style is relaxed and she manages to share a huge amount of knowledge and skills without it being overwhelming. I would definitely recommend this course as its given me the confidence to attempt all sorts of projects and has sparked a real interest in sewing for me which I know ill keep up over the years. It also proved to be a good giggle each week, as the ladies in our group were lovely! Thanks very much Helen and ill be back! Jessica, St Albans
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
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
I have had private lessons with Helen for over year. Having a 6 month old baby meant it was perfect to be able to have lessons in my home. Helen is an excellent teacher; endlessly patient and very inspiring. I was a complete beginner when I started. Now, I know my way around a sewing machine, can confidently make things for around the home (aprons, peg bags, cushions) and do simple alterations on clothes. I have even followed a pattern and made a little summer dress for my daughter. If you want to learn to sew Helen’s lessons are definitely the place to start. Annmarie
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
I am thrilled with the little handbag that I produced in 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)
Helen’s Sew Club is fun, friendly and inspiring. I’m so surprised that even I can use a sewing machine – It’s all in the teaching! Sarah