Testimonials

Had such an enjoyable time at the Coco workshop with a lovely group of people. Great instruction, tips and support from Lorna. Would thoroughly recommend anyone to try All About the Sew! (Susan, Facebook recommendation, May 2022)

Had a great day with Lorna in her lovely workshop. Lots of great tips about stretch fabric and sewing in general. Managed to complete the project with help. Looking forward to another course. (Lis, 5* Google review, May 2022)

Lovely facility in a lovely location with an experienced, friendly and patient teacher. The class was well-paced and instructive but fun and sociable also. Careful consideration has been taken to ensure that all tools are cleaned and cared for before and after each class so you can be confident about that too. (Lynda, 5* Google review, April 2022)

Great 1:1 session with Lorna getting to grips with my overlocker. I feel so much more confident to use it now. (Melanie, 5* Google review, April 2022)

After having my overlocker for a few months I felt I needed that bit of extra support and knowledge to help me get to grips with it so I booked a one 2 one with Lorna. It was fantastic as the 2hr session could be tailored to my specific needs and Lorna gave me plenty of tips along the way. I feel alot more confident now using it. Would highly recommend. (Katie, 5* Google review, March 2022)

I did a beginner’s one to one with Lorna and loved it. Her teaching style was great and her enthusiasm infectious. By the end I felt confident and was excited to get going. (Cathy, 5* Google review, March 2022)

Thank you Lorna for another wonderful workshop in February 2022. I had great fun spending the morning learning how to make a patchwork quilt! I’ve been able to use what I’ve learnt to plan a larger quilt….and use up some of my scraps! I always enjoy taking time out for a morning of sewing and to be able to learn something new and enjoy the company too is great. Looking forward to doing it again! (Emma, Facebook recommendation, February 2022)

Lorna is a calm, fun teacher with a great amount of knowledge and patience. I loved the introduction to Patchwork and Quilting course and look forward to other courses in the future. (Pam, 5* Google review, February 2022)

I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to quilting zoom workshop. I learnt lots and came away with new skills and plenty of inspiration. Lorna’s delivery is clear and relaxed in a very friendly setting. Thank you. (Alison, 5* Google review, February 2022)

Lorna supported my daughter through the skill section of her Bronze D of E. Through several lessons, which were well structured, Lorna showed her how to use our machine, how to make a cushion cover, pencil case and use appliqué. Lorna was flexible, knowledgeable and the lessons were pitched just right and inspirational as my daughter went on to try making other items independently.I would highly recommend Lorna for sewing tuition. (Susie, Facebook recommendation, January 2022)

I had a one to one sewing session with Lorna as I have had a sewing machine for a few months and barely used it. I found it really helpful. Lorna is lovely and showed me all the basics of my machine. I had a two hour session and she helped me make a cushion cover. Would definitely book another session when I want to learn a few more techniques and would definitely recommend. Thanks Lorna. (Sinead, Facebook recommendation, December 2021)

I attended a fantastic online tutorial; it was a brilliant refresher for someone who needed to regain a bit of confidence. The small group meant there was lots of time for questions and trouble-shooting, Lorna was able to show close up shots of her machine/stitching and the session was a lot of fun too. Can’t wait to book another session – definitely recommend. (Jemma, 5* Google review, December 2021)

Thanks so much for running the shirt course. I really enjoyed it and learnt new tips and techniques. It was lovely to see how the confidence of other members of the group developed with your encouragement and calm manner, in particular when they were “having a panic moment”! Your sessions are always well planned and organised and you have used the technology to ensure steps are easy to follow visually and they also allow you to attend if you live further afield. (Linda, 5* Google review, December 2021)

I just finished making a button down shirt under the expert guidance of Lorna. This was an amazing course and I have learned so many new sewing skills and new ways to use my machine. I am really pleased with my shirt and seeing the other beautiful shirts made by others. Lorna is so patient and is always there to show how to tackle the tricky parts. I am inspired to keep sewing and can’t wait to start another project! (Susan, 5* Google review, December 2021)

Just finished the 4 week evening shirt sewing course, it was amazing, learnt new things and skills. Lorna is a brilliant teacher. Fabulous course and the teaching is top class. (Susan, 5* Google review, December 2021)

I have found the course very beneficial and have learnt a lot of new techniques/skills. It has given me the confidence to go on and tackle other projects now. Lorna is a very good teacher – she is patient and conveys her knowledge really well. The online lessons are structured – informative and I enjoyed every session. Sewing along with others and being able to discuss/hear their comments made it a great platform to learn new skills online. (Val, Facebook recommendation, December 2021)

I’ve recently completed Lorna’s online sewing course by zoom on how to sew a shirt. This was the most complicated challenge I had attempted but Lorna was able to guide me through all aspects by sewing along too. She has a machine camera set up to help and no question is too obvious or silly. Lorna is so patient and encouraging! Highly recommended. (Kate, Facebook recommendation, December 2021)

I have just completed a tote bag kit from All about the sew. Item delivered to my house and then easy pictorial guide emailed to make the bag. Great to have all the bits sent to you preventing any waste and instructions I can use again. Would be interested in any other kits if they become available. (Laura, Facebook recommendation, July 2021)

Highly recommend Lorna’s sewing classes. She is really knowledgeable and so supportive and encouraging even over zoom she created a lovely creative environment. (Rachel, 5* Google review, June 2021)

I took part in the Billie dress online sewing course with Lorna. It was a great experience with lots of support and help at every step of the way. I am quite an experienced dress maker but had never sewn with jersey. Lorna took us through all the stages of making the pattern fit well to which stitch we should be using to sew the garment. Plus the pre course preparation was very thorough with lots of help especially in selecting the right fabric. All brilliant! She is a great teacher with bags of knowledge and knows just how fast to take the class. It was lovely to be with other people sewing along together from different parts of the country. A Lockdown plus! (Jan, 5* Google review, May 2021)

I just wanted to let you know how helpful I find your lessons. The tips and advice are so useful. It really can’t be easy for you, for so many reasons, doing it via zoom. However it really is working. I particularly enjoy your calm and cheerful presence. I’m sure you are looking forward to getting back to face to face lessons at some point but I am am grateful that COVID has brought me this opportunity. (Email feedback, Rebecca -attending zoom workshops from Australia, April 2021)

I have just attended a fabulous online workshop learning how to make a piped cushion cover with zip and really enjoyed it. Lorna is so thorough and patient in her teaching I can highly recommend her workshops as I’ve been to several. She is always very welcoming, inspiring and encouraging. Thank you Lorna ❤️ (Lyn, 5* Google review, May 2021)

Yesterday I did my first online sewing class where I completed a piped cushion with zip in 3 hours. Lorna was brilliant! She provided all the information you needed to be prepared before the class and was very clear and patient whilst we tackled a project that was quite challenging to teach online. The follow up was really helpful with step by step instructions with photos so we can’t forget. Highly recommend! (Fliss, 5* Google review, May 2021)

I’ve just had my first sewing machine lesson from Lorna- it was super! I’ve learnt a lot and look forward to booking some more sessions. The best bit was that it was all from the comfort of my own home (and pyjamas!) in Australia. I was very excited to be Lorna’s first international pupil and I’m sure I won’t be the last. (Rebecca, 5* Google review, March 2021)

Have not had my sewing machine out for ages and am not the best on zoom calls but with Lorna’s help I made a brilliant bag. The session was really relaxed and friendly and my daughter and grand daughter also joined the session. It was a lovely way to see them during lock down. Definitely a session for all abilities with lots to learn and will be keeping my sewing machine out for more projects !!!! Thank you Lorna for all your help and advice, it was great to get back into sewing in such an easy and enjoyable way. (Carole, 5* Google review, March 2021)

Brilliant oil cloth box bag workshop, loved every minute of it, learned lots of new skills and inspired enough to get in and make another one the very next day!! Thanks Lorna, will be eagerly looking out for your next workshops!! (Julie, 5* Google review, March 2021)

I really enjoyed my recent one to one Zoom sewing lesson from Lorna. I’d had a sewing machine in a box for several years, and Lorna helped me get it up and running and explained all the features. I can’t wait to get back into sewing. Thanks so much Lorna, looking forward to attending another workshop soon. (Isobel, 5* Google review, January 2021)

Thank you so much for another enjoyable and professional workshop. I am really enjoying learning new techniques and have ordered some oilcloth to make pouches for Christmas gifts. Thank you for being very calm, organised and patient, your oral and written instructions are well explained. I am so glad that I attended your Sewing with Jersey workshop back in February – another lifetime ago! – it really inspired me and along with treating myself to a new sewing machine which arrived the day after Lockdown 1, I have been very productive sewing a new wardrobe of jersey tops, tunics and sweatshirts in my favourite colours. (Linda, Email feedback, November 2020)

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)

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.