Fabulous service

I signed up for this class with absolutely no sewing experience. The pace was excellent - covering all the basics without feeling stagnant and building my confidence step by step. The machines in the class are great - they are so easy to use, but the downside is I have now ordered one of the same (sorry to my bank balance!!). Carolyn was really patient with all my questions and gave clear explanations with practical demonstrations. We each made a lovely tote bag and were able to choose from a range of fabrics. The moment I spotted the dog print, I knew that was the one for me! I left the class feeling so proud of myself and with a huge range of new skills for someone who had never touched a sewing machine before. Now I am confident to set up the machine, thread a bobbin, sew curves and straight lines, start and finish rows of stitches, change the settings, make a buttonhole, sew a button on, finish seams, sew a hem, turn a strap right side out, cut a pattern out, change the foot on the machine..... the list goes on! I have signed up for another course next weekend and can't wait! I have already used the pattern from Saturday to start a second bag, which I have felt confident enough to adjust slightly so will be adding a zip and making one longer strap instead of two smaller ones. Thank you to Carolyn for a fantastic introduction to sewing and I look forward to the coming weekend for the next step - making clothes!

I learned so much in a day. Very happy with my tote bag.

I went on the beginners overlocking course today and couldn't recommend it more highly. The tutors were knowledgeable and friendly, explaining everything so well and offering support throughout. I'm really chuffed with the garment I made and it has inspired me to get out my overlocker and not be scared of it. I've had a play with it this evening and finally managed to get it threaded and working correctly, thanks to the knowledge and skills I got from the workshops. I'll be looking out for the next level session when it's on!

A lovely selection of fabrics. Do ask, you never know what they might have tucked away. Knowledgeable staff. Sewing classes are great value, learnt so much. Review update Dec 2022: I'm a bloke, early 50s with a past career in IT. I find sewing to be the perfect combination of technical challenge, a desire for precision, and a huge sense of achievement. At the start of the year I could just about run a straight stitch on a machine, but I struck lucky finding Carolyn Rose School of Sewing. Initially I attended a 6 week course, picking up the necessary skills to understand commerical patterns, cut out and sew some pyjama bottoms. I subsequently signed up for adhoc "time to sew" sessions, where Carolyn is on hand to share her vast experience and tips. What a difference it has made. I'm now producing shirts. I've made a heavyweight overshirt for the garden and also a Xmas shirt for a friend as a dare. Collars are my nemesis and would have taken me many weeks to figure out at home. Carolyn helped me crack it in a single session. Sewing is definitely not just for kids and ladies. I have been made to feel very welcome by Carolyn and the team at the shop. Give it a go!

My daughter is loving her after school class. She is super excited about going and making and designing.
Thank you! and keep up the good work!

I went on this course after completing the Beginners to Sewing one day workshop the week before. This workshop built on the skills I had learnt the week before and developed them further (and to be clear, prior to that first workshop, I had absolutely NO sewing experience at all!). We learnt how to take our measurements and choose the correct size on a pattern, how to lay the pieces correctly on the fabric (taking into account the grain line) and what the markings on the pattern meant. Carolyn built on the skills we'd developed already by showing us to how do a French seam, create a channel for elastic and put various pieces together to make a pair of fabulous pyjama bottoms! The course gave me the confidence to tackle a pattern on my own, and I'm now part way through making a dress. Carolyn explains processes really clearly and is endlessly patient answering questions. I highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to start making clothes. Everything is included, including the fabric (which they recommend you collect in advance so you can wash it before sewing to avoid shrinkage). Carolyn was also kind enough to let me take my thread home too, so I could finish off my leg hems, which I didn't quite get round to finishing on the day.
I have already signed up for another course next year with Carolyn Rose School of Sewing and can't wait to see what the next few months of sewing bring my way!

The content was brilliant, covering exactly the aspects needed. I left with a properly fitting bodice toile, which I am really looking forward to using to make much better fitting garments moving forward. I also have the knowledge to measure and properly fit someone else. My only mild criticism would be that all equipment we needed was individually to hand in the room on day one. On day two we were scrabbling about sharing scissors, pencils, carbon paper etc between us as equipment hadn't been properly put out, which was slightly irritating, but didn't detract from course content.

Beautiful fabric. Nice weight and good quality. The photograph showed a good representation of the colour and design. I buy remotely so that’s always a risk, but I can say that I have never been disappointed by the quality of the fabric or the standard of service I receive.

The girls loved the sewing session and were so proud of their bags. Thank you Carolyn

Such an enjoyable day, brilliant teaching. Would recommend it to anyone. Thank you Carolyn!

Our daughter who just turned 12, absolutely loves Fashion Designer day. The team do a fantastic job in helping the children turn their creations into wearable garments whilst having so much fun.

Spot on service, fast delivery, excellent quality threads that were well packaged, thank you

Lovely texture and easy to work with. Washes well and is lovely to wear.

I’m really pleased with this beautiful soft double gauze. The colour is exactly as I expected, so full marks for the photography ! It washed and ironed well and is now on its way to being (another !) Donny !!
Lovely quick service and good price too.