I started sewing when I was in secondary school, thanks to a really good textiles teacher. I then went on to do a foundation course, before heading to London to do a degree in fashion design. I’ve always loved dressmaking and particularly love the era of the 1950s, so for me inspiration comes from there – I learnt to make clothes to fit and flatter my unique self and I feel really confident in them. 

I started teaching a few years after graduating from university. I began in secondary schools and then taught in higher and further education settings. I also set up an apprenticeship within Wales. I feel really privileged to be able to inspire people to learn to sew by sharing my passion; I love encouraging people to try new skills, and sewing is therapy for so many people, so I feel it’s a really special skill to be able to share.

Since 2010, I’ve run workshops in sewing and dressmaking from my studio in south Wales. I set up All Sewn Up Wales because I wanted to be able to choose the projects I taught and to share the passion that I love the most, which is dressmaking. I knew I always wanted to write a dressmaking book, to be able to share my knowledge and passion, and in 2023 I published my book Dressmaking: the Easy Guide for anybody, whatever level they are, to be able to start their own dressmaking journey. I really enjoyed writing the book as it allowed me to break down the whole process of dressmaking from start to finish, making pattern cutting accessible for everyone. 

The book is essential reading material for this course – particularly as there are physical patterns in the back of the book that we will be using to create your well-fitting block. If you haven’t already got your copy of the book, you will find a discount voucher offering 50% off your purchase in the Resources section of the online course.