Date of experience: June 15, 2020

A totally wonderful experience.I had absolutely no sewing experienc...

A totally wonderful experience.I had absolutely no sewing experience, bar a couple of hazy memories of ruining some fabric in a secondary school Design Technology lesson. I have always wanted to learn but didn’t know anyone who could teach me and didn’t feel confident enough to try and learn without instruction. My best friend had attended the maxi class in Glasgow and recommended I look at their new online courses. I dithered for ages about which length of course to go for, before picking the maxi course. I’m so, so glad I did. Doing zoom calls meant I met other (lovely) people and got to learn and have support as a group. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and I was able to learn from the questions other people asked, as well as my own. There were also prerecorded videos showing you how to cut out your fabric and patterns before the class, as well as prerecorded videos so you could make things in your own time. These were recorded by Jenny and were amazing - so concise, easy to follow and great fun. Every time I found myself thinking “so does that bit go there?” I’d discover the next second in the video that she was explaining that, with a close up of fabric to camera, in case you needed to see it.Dawn, who did the live classes was AMAZING. She was so warm and friendly, knew the answer to any question thrown at her, remembered everyone’s names and checked in with people throughout the class. No one was forgotten about and everyone was helped. She was also phenomenally patient - which was something I was a bit worried about before I signed up. I managed every project we did and am so proud of my makes. Incredibly, it was Dawn’s first time running the online class which I never would have guessed with how easily/smoothly the classes went and how professional she was.The best thing about doing the maxi course remotely was that I got to keep all the videos sent to me. This means I’ve been able to make all the projects again and dip into the videos any time I’ve got stuck, so I can really practise and build my skills.I enjoyed the course so much that I upgraded my machine via Sew Confident when I felt sure this was going to be a long term hobby. It was sent quickly and I got a discount too. I also signed up for another class (which was also taught by Dawn) and learnt to arm knit a blanket from a 2kg ball of wool (yes, really). Let me tell you as someone who can barely remember her left and right it is staggering to me to have something draped over my sofa that I’m really proud of!Thanks to the Sew Confident team I have realised that I do have the ability to try new things and to learn hobbies that have always intrigued me but that I’ve assumed I’m not creative or mathematical or neat enough for. I genuinely have developed confidence! And I have already thrown myself into making new things. Next up: a skirt! I truly can not recommend the company enough and will be back for more classes - both online and in the studio further down the line. Trust me, spend a little extra for the big course, dust off your machine and believe in yourself and these excellent sewers!