In-Person Workshops and Courses
workshops and courses take place in
Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
How to Drive a Sewing Machine
3-hour workshop
Have you always wanted to learn how to sew but didn’t know where to start? This is the perfect workshop for you!
All workshops take place in St John the Baptist Community Hall, just off Midleton Main Street.
EIRCODE: P25 XC52
Available Dates:
10 am - 1 pm
You've learnt how to thread your machine and wind the bobbin .
Now it's time to actually get comfortable sewing!
All workshops take place in St John the Baptist Community Hall, just off Midleton Main Street.
EIRCODE: P25 XC52
Available Dates:
10am - 1pm
Alterations Clinic
Have a dress that's almost perfect? Trousers that need hemming?
A garment that doesn't quite fit, but you're not sure whether it's worth altering?
All workshops take place in St John the Baptist Community Hall, just off Midleton Main Street.
EIRCODE: P25 XC52
10am - 1pm
Garment Making Course
Make a Dress with Me
Stop feeling intimidated by garment patterns and start making clothes you actually want to wear.
Course takes place in St John the Baptist Community Hall, just off Midleton Main Street.
EIRCODE: P25 XC52
Sunday 25th October & Sunday 1st November
From 10am - 4.30 pm each day
How to Drive a Sewing Machine
3-hour workshop
Join me and learn how to master your sewing machine!
You don't need to have your own machine - just let me know and I'll bring a machine for you.
Whether you're a beginner or just need a refresher, this hands-on workshop will cover everything you need to know to confidently operate your machine.
By the end of this class you will be able to:
🌟 Identify all parts of your sewing machine.
🌟 Thread your sewing machine properly.
🌟 Fill and load the bobbin correctly.
🌟 Select and adjust stitches for various projects.
🌟 Control thread tension for perfect stitch quality.
🌟 Learn to change presser feet and understand their uses.
🌟 Clean and maintain your machine
🌟 Troubleshoot common sewing machine issues.
We will also do some sewing and practice how to:
🌟 Sew consistent straight stitches.
🌟 Secure seams with backstitching to prevent unraveling.
🌟 Create basic seams using straight and zigzag stitches.
🌟 Handle and guide fabric effectively.
This workshop is perfect for:
🌟 Complete beginners
🌟 Those looking to refresh their basic skills.
🌟 Anyone wanting to confidently use their sewing machine.
🌟 Overcoming sewing machine intimidation (so many moving parts!).
Leave with the knowledge and confidence to start your sewing journey!
Investment:
€62
You've learnt how to thread your machine, wind the bobbin and understand all those mysterious buttons and dials.
Now it's time to actually get comfortable sewing!
Sew With Confidence is the next step after Learn How to Drive a Sewing Machine.
This hands-on workshop is all about taking what you've learnt and turning it into practical sewing skills.
You'll also complete a small beginner-friendly project during the workshop, giving you the chance to put your new skills into practice and take something useful home.
By the end of this workshop you will feel more confident with:
🌟 Sewing straight lines, curves and corners.
🌟 Controlling and guiding your fabric.
🌟 Pivoting neatly at corners.
🌟 Choosing and adjusting stitch settings.
🌟 Using backstitching and topstitching.
🌟 Knowing what to do when your thread breaks or your machine starts misbehaving.
🌟 Understanding some of the most common sewing machine problems – and fixing them yourself.
🌟 Using your sewing machine without feeling like you're going to break something!
This workshop is perfect for:
🌟 Anyone who has done Learn How to Drive a Sewing Machine and wants to build on those skills.
🌟 Beginners who can use their machine but don't yet feel confident sewing.
🌟 Anyone who wants to practise the basics before moving on to making clothes.
🌟 Anyone who gets a bit stuck when something goes wrong with their machine.
You don't need to be an experienced sewist – just bring your machine, some enthusiasm and a willingness to have a go.
Investment:
€62
Alterations Clinic
The Alterations Clinic
Have a dress that's almost perfect?
Trousers that need hemming?
A garment that doesn't quite fit, but you're not sure whether it's worth altering?
This Alterations Clinic is a small-group session designed to help you assess your garments, understand what's possible and learn how to approach alterations realistically.
I've been teaching sewing for years, and one thing I've learned is that alterations are rarely as simple as they look. Sometimes a small tweak can completely transform a garment. Other times the amount of unpicking, redrafting and reconstruction required simply isn't worth the effort.
In this clinic, you'll bring one or two garments and we'll look at:
• Whether the alteration is possible
• Whether it's worth doing
• What to watch out for before you start
• How to measure and plan the alteration
• The order of steps involved
• Whether it's suitable for your current skill level
Where appropriate, you may also get started on the alteration itself.
Please note: this is not a "bring a garment and leave with it fully altered" workshop. Alterations often take longer than people expect, and a lot of the real work happens before any sewing begins. The goal is to help you make informed decisions and approach alterations with confidence.
Skill Level Required:
Suitable for people who already have basic sewing machine skills and are comfortable sewing independently.
Maximum 6 participants so everyone gets plenty of individual attention.
Bring along the garment that's been sitting in your wardrobe waiting for a decision, and let's figure out what's realistically possible.
Time: 10:00am–1:00pm (click button below to see dates)
Venue: St John the Baptist Parish Hall, Midleton
Investment: €45 + booking fee
Open Studio
A relaxed 3-hour sewing session with guidance and support
Open Studio
Date: Sunday 27th September
Time: 10:00am–1:00pm (click button below to see dates)
Venue: St John the Baptist Parish Hall, Midleton
Investment: €35 + booking fee
Have you learnt the basics of using your sewing machine and started sewing at home — but sometimes get stuck?
Maybe you've started a new pattern, have a project sitting unfinished.
Or there's a particular bit of sewing you're not quite sure how to tackle.
Open Studio is a relaxed, supported space where you can bring your own sewing project and get on with it, with me there to help when you need me.
We'll sew alongside each other, share ideas and troubleshoot those little problems that can stop a project in its tracks.
You can use the session to:
🌟 Work on a project you've already started.
🌟 Start something from a pattern you've chosen.
🌟 Practise a technique you're unsure about.
🌟 Get help when you've hit a problem.
🌟 Ask questions about your sewing machine or sewing process.
🌟 Finally finish that project that's been sitting in a bag at home!
I'll be available throughout the session to offer advice, demonstrate a technique, help you troubleshoot and point you in the right direction.
Who is it for?
This session is for sewists who already fairly comfortable using their machine.
It's ideal if you've done one or more of my sewing workshops and are now ready to sew more independently, or if you've been sewing at home and would like some support and company.
What it's NOT
This isn't a beginner sewing class or a 1:1 sewing lesson.
I'm there to help you when you get stuck, but the session isn't designed for me to teach you how to make an entire garment or project from start to finish.
If you're completely new to sewing, or you'd like to learn a particular skill step-by-step, one of my structured workshops or a 1:1 session will be a better fit.
What to bring
Bring your sewing machine, your current project or pattern, and everything you need to work on it.
If you're not sure whether this session is suitable for you, just get in touch before booking .
3-hour session | €35
A relaxed space to sew, learn from each other and get a little help when you need it.
Make a Dress with Me
2-day weekend course
The Details
Dates: Sunday 25th October & Sunday 1st November 2026
Time: 10am – 4.30pm each day.
Location: St John The Baptist Community Hall, Midleton.
Class Size: Limited spaces to ensure everyone gets plenty of 1-on-1 support.
Cost: €244
I've chosen something a little different for my next garment-making course — the Cielo Dress & Top by Closet Core Patterns.
It's a really lovely, relaxed pattern that looks simple and modern, but has enough interesting details to give you some new sewing skills to add to your toolbox.
The Cielo has a roomy, easy-fitting shape, a dropped shoulder and an angled shoulder yoke. You can also choose between different sleeve and neckline options, so it's a pattern you can come back to and make again in a completely different way.
What we'll do
🌟 Day 1 🌟
We'll start by looking at the pattern and making sure you're choosing the right size for you.
We'll then:
trace your pattern pieces
understand the pattern markings and instructions
prepare and lay out your fabric
cut out your garment
get started on the construction
🌟 Day 2 🌟
We'll spend the day sewing your garment together, with plenty of time for me to demonstrate techniques, help you when you get stuck and explain the why behind what we're doing.
Depending on how quickly everyone works, we'll aim to get the main construction finished in class. The hem can always be finished at home if we run out of time.
What you'll learn
As well as making your garment, we'll cover things like:
🌟 Choosing your size and understanding garment measurements
🌟 Reading and understanding a commercial sewing pattern
🌟 Working with pattern markings and notches
🌟 Cutting and preparing your fabric accurately
🌟 Constructing a shoulder yoke
🌟 Sewing sleeves
🌟 Finishing a neckline
🌟 Getting neat, accurate seams and learning when to press as you sew
🌟 Troubleshooting when something doesn't go quite according to plan!
Who is this course for?
You don't need to have made a garment before.
If you've done my How to Drive a Sewing Machine workshop and you're comfortable threading your machine, winding a bobbin and sewing a basic seam, you're ready to give this a go.
If you've already made a few things, that's even better as you'll deepen your understanding of the techniques you already know learn a few more and be able to focus more on getting the right fit.
I'll always adapt what I'm teaching to the people in the room.
What you need
I'll provide the tracing paper and practice fabric you'll use during the course.
You'll just need to:
- purchase and print the Cielo pattern
- bring your sewing machine and usual sewing kit
I'll send you all the information you need about fabric and supplies when you book.
Maximum 6 places
I keep these courses small because I want to be able to spend time with everyone and help you properly when you get stuck.
Come and spend two Sundays sewing, learning and making something you'll actually want to wear.
Please Note: To cover the upfront costs of the venue, this course will only go ahead if all 6 spaces are filled. If we don’t reach that number, you will receive a full refund.
I AM the teacher for you if...
You want to make clothes that fit and feel good on YOUR body
You like learning in a systematic way, starting at the beginning & consistently building your skillset step by step
You care about comfort and how your clothes FEEL as much as how they look
You value sustainability and want to create clothes you’ll wear for years to come
You enjoy learning at a relaxed pace, one skill at a time
I'm NOT the teacher for you if...
You expect “one-size-fits-all” sewing patterns
You’d rather skip the basics and jump straight into advanced projects
You prefer to figure things out on your own without much guidance
You prefer a task-based or results-only approach to learning
You’re more interested in making something new for every occasion
P.S. You don’t need to be naturally “creative” to learn how to sew.
You just need someone who can guide you clearly, calmly, and step-by-step.
I’d love to help you get your sewing journey started
❤️
Learn to sew clothes that celebrate
your body, your style and your creativity!