Threads of Appreciation

  • Anita Harvey

    Emma is a wonderful teacher. Her calm manner and precision make her a great educator. Nothing is too much trouble and I feel totally supported when she helps me with a task, which means I progress . She is a gentle person and never makes you feel stupid for asking a question or doing something wrong which is a rare quality and what adult learners fear most I think from doing courses. I would highly recommend Emma for any teaching needs related to dressmaking, pattern drafting and any of her many more talents!

  • Anne Buckley

    I have had the pleasure of being tutored by Emma on two recent Sew Different courses. She gave very useful advice all the way through the projects I made on the workshops and no question was too small or trivial! I especially appreciated her advice concerning the finishing touches to my garments i.e. to make them fit and look exactly how I wanted. This also helped me learn some extra techniques that I wouldn't have otherwise used. Emma has been so good about answering any further sewing questions and giving advice after the workshops. I would be very happy to attend any further classes that Emma tutors in the future.

  • Sally Lightfoot

    I have been to several sewing workshops run by Emma. She is well prepared for each session and explains each step carefully so you can do it yourself both in the workshop and for future projects at home. Emma is calm, patient and thorough with explanations and techniques. I have always ended up with something that fits properly and that I am proud of. I highly recommend her!

  • Ali Walsh

    Emma was the tutor on a course I did to make my own jeans. She was incredibly helpful from the start and gave advice every step of the way. I am not an experienced sewer and yet I came away with a fully finished pair of jeans to be proud of. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Emma to anyone wanting to learn how to sew or develop their sewing skills.

  • Rose Ackroyd

    In her role as tutor,  Emma has taught and guided me through several reasonably complex projects including dresses, trousers and tops.  She has shown me how to clone favourite items and is always beyond kind and gentle in the supportive way in which she works.  She is an excellent tutor on all levels and I would recommend her to anyone who wants to learn new things or just needs support with a particular project.

  • Helen Camm

    I have attended a number of workshops where Emma has been the teacher and I have learned a great deal from her guidance and skill.  Emma is a talented dressmaker who delights in teaching new skills and techniques. She is wonderful at empowering and encouraging you to create beautiful clothes.  She is very patient and calm and helps you to resolve any problems you encounter.  I love dressmaking with her and always look forward to working with her on the next workshop.  I highly recommend Emma as a skilled dressmaker and teacher.  

  • Nicola Stockford

    As a sewing tutor Emma has been an absolute game-changer in my learning journey! Her patience, expertise, and passion for sewing have made each lesson enjoyable and incredibly productive. 

    Emma has the ability to break down complex techniques in a way that's easy to understand, and her encouragement has boosted my confidence with every project. 

    Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I would highly recommend Emma to anyone wanting to master the art of sewing. I've grown so much under her guidance and always look forward to our next session!"

  • Dona Parkin

    I am honoured to share my experience with Emma Smith who has been an exceptional sewing teacher. Her passion for the craft and dedication to her students are truly inspiring. From the first day of class, Emma has fostered an environment of creativity, patience, and encouragement. She not only teaches the fundamentals of sewing but also instills a sense of confidence in each of her students, whether they are beginners or advanced.

    Her lessons go beyond just teaching how to stitch fabrics together. She has an incredible way of making each student feel capable of creating something beautiful and unique. Emma always takes the time to offer individualised attention, helping students with everything from troubleshooting a tricky seam to perfecting a pattern. She makes sure that no one is left behind, regardless of their skill level.

    One of her most admirable qualities is her ability to make sewing fun and approachable. She has a way of breaking down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps, making sure that students leave her class with not only new skills but also a deep sense of accomplishment.

    In addition to her technical expertise, Emma has cultivated a warm and inclusive community within her classes. Her encouragement and genuine interest in her students' progress create a space where creativity flourishes. Many of us, me included, have walked into her class unsure of our abilities and walked out with not only new skills but also a new-found passion for sewing.

     

  • Julie Bradford

    I first came across Emma on a weekend sewing retreat. I had just returned to sewing after a 30 year break and although I was sewing was dreadfully disappointed with what I was sewing and hence had lost my confidence. Emma was fantastic, I came away from that weekend with a stunning dress, a huge amount of knowledge and knew found love of sewing- I haven’t stopped since. 
    Following that weekend I attended an overlocker workshop run by Emma, she is calm and knowledgeable and I have no fear of my new machine. 
    I am so looking forward to attending my next workshops/weekends with Emma and pray that there will be more on the horizon.