Testimonials - All About The Sew

I have been attending All About the Sew workshops for a few years now. Every one has been such a fabulous experience. We all make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of creating anything from a pencil case to a pinafore dress. Lorna is the most patient and careful instructor ensuring that we all understand every stage of the process before moving on and offering personal support when needed. My latest make was a beautiful lined tote bag with an internal zipped pocket. For this ZOOM workshop, all materials were supplied, ready to go. On others we have all provided our own materials. The joy of Zoom is that you can participate, wherever you live. I cannot recommend All About the Sew highly enough and am eagerly looking for new workshops to join. (Jeanette, Google review, Sept 2020)

Sewing is my therapy and my joy. I have learned so many skills with Lorna and All About The Sew. Live workshops and now Zoom workshops are always paced so that every participant has made anything from a cushion cover to a dress. Lorna is patient, unflappable and has such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Join a workshop today and use your own machine in your own home to make new friends, learn new skills and produce a handmade project. You will never regret it and I cannot recommend it highly enough. (Jeanette, Facebook review, Sept 2020)

Thanks Lorna for another great workshop. It’s always exciting to receive our packs in the post. I seriously doubt that I’d have managed to put the bag together in the right order if I did it alone, but as ever, you made it straightforward and fun, were really supportive along the way, with no question being too silly! I came away feeling very pleased with my lovely bag and sufficiently confident that with your instructions I could do it all again on my own! Thank you for another Lockdown silver lining! (Nicola, Facebook comment, Sept 2020)

I really enjoyed that zoom sewing class, the bag we made is brilliant and looks so professional. I’m amazed that I made it myself. Lorna is such a good patient teacher. Even when I started to panic because I thought I was behind the others but Lorna made me relax and provided good advice and tips and I was able to catch up. Thank you so very much xxx (Amanda, Facebook comment, Sept 2020)

I have taken part in three of Lorna’s on line classes Appliqué,Understanding a commercial pattern and making a zipped purse.I have really enjoyed these mornings and learnt so much.So I have signed up for two more.Although this is online it really works well. It certainly is a great idea during lockdown. The classes are small and you still think you are getting individual attention.Well done Lorna. (Ann, Google review, May 2020)

Thank you Lorna for another great Zoom workshop. I’ve now done the pattern session and zipped pouches and have enjoyed both. They’ve been friendly, easy to follow and well paced, and a nice break from the new norm! I love the fact that you send out everything we need. I’ve signed up for another two workshops and really hope that you continue to Zoom when all is well again as Solihull is just a bit too far from Southampton! (Nicky, Google review, May 2020)

I have attended a face to face class with Lorna and refreshed my dress making sewing skills – this was a wonderful class and Lorna is very patient and fun to work with.
Since lockdown I have been able to attend more classes via Zoom – this has been great for me! I did an online appliqué class: it was so easy to follow on line and the other participants were all lovely – not only did we sew, there was a great sense of community.
I also did the commercial pattern reading class – again – a very useful refresher for me.
I now eagerly await the quilting beginners class.
For me, as a full-time working mum, being able to access the online classes has been fabulous.
Lorna is an excellent teacher and I would recommend both her face to face and on-line classes

I attended my first online class last night and really enjoyed it! Lorna was so welcoming and great at explaining everything even though it wasnt face to face class. I will definitely be looking for more online workshops and will be booking classes when life goes back to ‘Normal’. (Danielle, Facebook review, May 2020)

I attended the online workshop for beginners and absolutely loved it. Lorna, you were so enthusiastic and encouraging. At the same time, so clear and helpful with your instructions that it was easy to copy what you were doing. A well needed “time out” session for me which I found very therapeutic. And a new cushion for the youngest’s lockdown den, is a bonus!! Thank you so much Lorna. (Sarah, Facebook review, May 2020)

I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed yesterday’s Facebook Live sewing class. You were great – very natural, well paced and clear in your instructions and demonstrations. This is only the second time my daughter has done machine sewing and we nearly kept up! We particularly valued the class as I had been hoping to bring her to one of your parent & child sessions for a while but hadn’t been able to do so. She is keen to keep on sewing and is looking forward to learning more. She (and I) hope you will do more Facebook live classes or some Youtube videos. (Email feedback, March 2020)

The live sew together was absolutely brilliant! Really clear instructions and great to follow the video. The large amount of people watching and commenting shows how much what you did cheered us up in a difficult time .Thank you Lorna for being generous with your time and knowledge 🤗 Hopefully you will be kind enough to do another one xxx (Maggie, Facebook review, March 2020)

Had a great time at the recent 6 weeks dressmaking course for beginners. Lorna is a fantastic teacher, very patient and knowledgeable. Loved the skirt I came away with. Will be booking onto more workshops! (Lauren, 5* Google review, March 2020)

I attended the sewing for beginners ‘How to make a tote bag’ course, it was exactly what I needed to be more confident in using my sewing machine at home, lots of tips and tricks! The group was about 5 so Lorna had plenty of time to work with us 1:1. I was so happy with my bag and I will definitely make another! (Naomi, Facebook review, January 2020)

Had a very enjoyable time on a recent piped cushion workshop. Lorna, as always, was very helpful and her instructions extremely clear. Looking forward to doing another one as soon as possible 🙂 Thank you Lorna for a lovely time. Keep up the great work. (Hilary, Facebook review, January 2020)

Lorna had a stand at the Christmas Fayre in the Greswolde Hotel Knowle last year. I’m always looking for “Doing Gifts” for my daughters and this was a perfect gift for Christmas. Not being into sewing myself I was thrilled to be able to go with my daughter who loves sewing. The class had only 6 couples so was really relaxed, we had more than enough time with Lorna when we needed help. Her patience is amazing, when Lorna advised that we didn’t have too long left, my daughter said she felt like she was on the sewing bee (I think this is a TV show?!?) even then Lorna was really patient when my daughter was stressing as she still hadn’t quite finished, this wasn’t an issue as Lorna didn’t rush us out at all & gave us plenty of time to make sure she had finished. We had such a lovely time together, will definitely be doing more classes. The price of the class was so reasonable, my daughters birthday is in April & has asked for another “All about the sew” gift, so will be purchasing another class for her to attend soon. (Maggie, 5* Google review, January 2020)

I took my daughter and nieces to one of All About The Sew workshops 18/01/20. It was a great, creative class which was well run and very inspiring. Highly recommended (Katie, 5* Google review, January 2020)

I’ve been wanting to attend one of these workshops for a long time, and finally managed to book myself and my daughter onto a sewing workshop together. It was real bonding time! I thought the set up, guidance and facilitation were excellent, with great venue and facilities. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am already looking forward to my next one with all about the sew! (Sara, 5* Google review, January 2020)

I have been on a fantastic six week course. Lorna takes the time to explain each stage of the process so we can understand and follow. She is very clear with her instructions and is patient and helpful. It has been a pleasure to have been involved in the workshop from a learning and a social point of view. I look forward to Lorna’s plans for further workshops to build on my skills. (Fiona, Facebook review, October 2019)

I attended the Zip workshop in Knowle Village Hall. Lorna was friendly and approachable. The equipment was in good condition. Good class size of 6 so Lorna had time to help everyone out. I was a zip novice but I can now add a zip to a garment with confidence (and practice). The venue was easy to find. Plenty of parking (parking charges apply). (M- 5* Google review, October 2019)

I was really pleased to find Lorna at All About The Sew and attend her ‘making a cushion cover’ workshop. It’s been a long time since I last used a sewing machine and Lorna explained all the steps required clearly and precisely. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and at the end I was really pleased with my product. I’ve already booked onto another one of Lorna’s courses. Highly recommended! (Trudi – 5* Google review, October 2019)

You have a great business which is building skills and knowledge for people like me in a sociable and enjoyable way. We make friends as we sew! I know I speak for all your student sewists when I thank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to make useful items for my home and for my life and garments for myself and others. You inspire by example and you impart knowledge in the most easily digestible way. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 😊(Jeanette, Facebook post comment, August 2019)

The session last Saturday was the most relaxing afternoon that I have had in a very long time so we will definitely be back – sewing is clearly good therapy. (Becky – Parent/Child sewing workshop, June 2019)

I did really enjoy the course and learned a lot of new techniques, as well as making some lovely items. You created a very friendly and sociable atmosphere and gave us all a lot of individual attention. Thank you!

I have enrolled on the follow on course and really look forward to doing that later in the the year. (Debbie – 6 week Beginners sewing and dressmaking course, May 2019)

Thanks Lorna. I did really enjoy the class, and I have actually now booked on two others! I really enjoyed the small group as I felt you were able to give one on one attention where needed.

Your instruction was really clear and also the way you checked everyone’s understanding was great and helpful. Thanks. (Lucy – Beginners Class, February 2018)

I have now participated in 2 classes. I highly recommend them to everyone.Lorna is an excellent, patient and informative teacher. She clearly enjoys sharing her passion and talent for sewing. She teaches with a very inclusive and supportive approach. I very much enjoyed making a skirt for my daughter at one class. My 9 year old son and I both enjoyed him making a cushion cover with appliqué in another. I can’t wait to attend more classes in the future. I am gaining lots of pleasure from reigniting this hobby and developing new skills. (5* Facebook review March 2017)(Girl’s skirt and parent/child workshops)

I admit I was dubious about being able to complete in the slot avaliable, especially as the pouch is lined. I didn’t feel under pressure though and it was a relaxed class. Lorna is very welcoming and friendly with a lovely natural ability to share knowledge and practical skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop!! (5* Facebook review March 2017) (Ruth – zipped pouch class)

Thank you again for the workshop on Saturday – we both had a great time. I was a little worried beforehand how Josh would cope with the afternoon but he was so engrossed, he loved it. I thought you were fantastic with the children and pitched everything at just the right level for them. He is so proud of his creation – I think we will be embarking on other projects soon! It was amazing to take a bunch of kids who had never used a machine before and for them to create what they did. (Laura – Parent/Child workshop, February 2017)

A huge thank you for today! The girls loved it and are so pleased and proud of their cushion covers! It was really informative and at the right pace. Great venue and a well planned session. It was great fun! (Parent/Child workshop, February 2017)

Really enjoyable sewing class. Lorna is very supportive and I’m looking forward to my next booking! (5* Facebook review February 2017) (Michelle – girl’s skirt class)

Today I had my first sewing lesson since leaving school. Lorna was knowledgable, patient and an excellent teacher. I’ll definitely be heading to some of the workshops once I’ve practiced what I learnt today – I can’t wait to get started. Thanks. (5* Facebook review February 2017)(Ellie-1:1 sewing lesson)

I throughly enjoyed your workshop and you’ll be pleased to know I have got my sewing machine back out and it doesn’t need a service it was simply a user error which I now had the skills to figure out. It is also janome not brother. I have also made another bag since your class with a thinner fabric. I will definitely be back once your new dates are published. (February 2017) (Beginner’s tote bag class)

Lorna helped me to increase my basic skills and gave me confidence and encouragement to try new things. I don’t think I would have had the patience to do piping on my own, but having seen the end result – a zipped, piped cushion – I will definitely make more. (5* Facebook review February 2017)(Rachel – piped cushion workshop)

I have just had a great time at the beginners tote bag workshop and delighted with my end product. (5* Facebook review January 2017)(Claire – beginner’s tote bag class)

Lorna’s Christmas cushion workshop was good fun and I learnt how to appliqué with a machine, something I’d never done before. Lorna took us through all the steps with lots of encouragement and answered all our questions. I’d certainly go on another workshop. (5* Facebook review December 2017) (Kim – Christmas appliqué cushion class)

Thank you!Great zipper course Lorna will be back for more. (5* Facebook review December 2017)(Debbie – zipped pouch class)

A fantastic morning learning all about zips! Lorna took us through it all in such a lovely straightforward manner – it made it all seem easy! Will definitely do another workshop. Thank you! (5* Facebook review November 2017)(Ruth – zipped pouch workshop)

Super Christmas Bunting Class! Excellent tuition in a friendly relaxed environment. Lorna is so patient! Very satisfying to come home with a beautiful set of bunting after only two and a half hours! Can’t wait for the next class to build on what I’ve learned. (5* Facebook review November 2017) (Carol – Bunting class)

I took part in the cushion cover workshop yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it!I have got a machine and had previously bodged my way through sewing curtains and repairs here and there and wanted to get some training. Lorna explained the whole machine which gave me quite a few “Ahhhh!” lightbulb moments. I was taken through each stage, laying out pattern, marking out, cutting, pressing and of course sewing which I can now use on more complex projects. I felt Lorna explained everything in a concise and easily understandable way-explaining pitfalls along the way. I really enjoyed the evening and can’t wait to book onto something else….maybe involving zips next time! (5* Facebook review November 2017) (Joanne – Beginner’s Cushion Workshop)

Having not used a sewing machine since I was in my teens I was unsure how I’d fair getting back in the ‘sewing seat’! When I attended the beginners course to learn how to sew a cushion cover I realised that it does all come flooding back! I’m sure this was mostly because Lorna covered all the basics thoroughly and patiently. She really put me at ease. It’s made me remember what a pleasure it is to sew. I can see some more projects coming on! Thank you for your help. (5* Facebook review October 2017) (Hayley – Beginner’s Cushion Workshop)

I couldn’t recommend these classes enough, thanks so much!I really enjoyed the workshop! I showed my cushion to my son who said it looked “just like the ones you buy in John Lewis” ! The session was ideal for my situation that it started at 7pm and the length was perfect. As a beginner the content was spot on. I liked that at the end of the workshop I had the finished product! I’ll definitely book onto future evening sessions.Thanks again! (Beginners cushion workshop)

Thank you so much for a wonderful sewing workshop! I really enjoyed it and was so pleased to go home with my very own cushion cover. I am really looking forward to getting my machine out and putting the skills you taught me into practice – Roseann. (Beginner’s Cushion Workshop)

Congratulations and well done on an excellent first workshop. I had a lot of fun and can’t quite believe how much I learned in one morning. I am delighted with my cushion and include a few photos of it in situ! Won’t hesitate to recommend you and can’t wait for my next workshop! Thanks again. Kind regards – Carol. (Beginner’s Cushion Workshop)

Lorna is an excellent teacher! Her manner is calm and explanations clear. She is able to take a complete beginner and help them to produce a number of lovely sewing projects.

Since starting sewing with Lorna I have gone on to make a number of other items for both myself and gifts including a child’s quilt and summer skirt and an adults summer skirt.

Making the Christmas runner was great fun and a really festive social event! A lovely way to get in the festive spirit!

It is wonderful to dust off my sewing machine and be creative with the company of likeminded ladies. You have a natural flare for teaching remaining patient and always encouraging especially when I can’t remember yet again how to thread my bobbin! You prepare the workshops so well with simple and easy to follow patterns and help along every stage from choosing fabric to cutting out and the final press.

Just over 12 months ago, I went to my first sewing session with Lorna. Until that point, I hadn’t done any sewing and had not touched a sewing machine. As a complete novice, I went along to the evening feeling pretty nervous, not thinking for a minute that I’d be able to complete the chosen project – a tote bag. Well, 3 hours later, I left feeling incredibly proud that not only had I completed the project to a decent standard, I’d actually really enjoyed the evening. The atmosphere was extremely supportive and Lorna was happy to go at my pace and support me accordingly, quite happy to answer my silly questions.

So much did I enjoy the evening that I promptly went out and bought my own sewing machine and made several more tote bags for friends and family.

Since then, we have completed a number of projects including pencil cases, storage cubes, placemats, cushion covers and even a skirt. Lorna has produced clear instructions which are easy to follow at home alone.

Thanks to Lorna’s sewing group, I have found a new hobby, made some news friends and made copious pencil cases!

I would love to see more workshops in the future and am aware of others who would like to get creative but lack the confidence to start. Lorna would definitely be a great starting point for them.

I have really enjoyed our sewing mornings and you will make an excellent tutor. You are patient and don’t jump in and take over just explain clearly what needs to be done.

Having hardly used my sewing machine in the twenty plus years I had had it, I first attended a sewing evening with Lorna in December 2014, hoping to learn to make some christmas table placemats. With her support and guidance I successfully made 4 that evening and went on to make another 4 over the next few days at home. The confidence I gained in using the machine, combined with understanding the pattern, meant that I was then able to make a matching table runner to the set. That evening totally reignited my interest in sewing and since then I have gone on to make shopping bags, pencil cases, skirts, cushion covers and more. Lorna has been my main source of guidance with these and is both an excellent sewer and teacher.