Clare Blackmore-Davies - Miss Maker
Tutor
With nearly 40 years of sewing experience, Clare has a City & Guilds certificate in pattern cutting passed with distinction and has studied Swim Wear and Lingerie construction at UAL. She continues to develop her sewing and tailoring skills and enjoys turning her hand to all forms of sewing, design, construction and textile art. Constant learning through both official study and good old fashioned trial, error and practice, means we can offer a great range of classes for all ages and abilities.
Having set up Miss Maker in 2011, Clare designs and delivers a range of courses covering all aspects of machine and hand sewing, pattern cutting and textile art.
Elaine Muggeridge
Guest Tutor
Elaine has a City & Guilds certificate in Upholstery and has been delivering upholstery classes through various providers since 2018. She has a keen interest in textiles and sewing and has in the past worked with Heathcote and Ivory producing samples for their trade customers.
A longstanding part of the Miss Maker team Elaine heads up our upholstery workshop provision as well as delivering daytime, evening and weekend sewing courses.
Charlotte Havard - Wishanger Bespoke Lingerie
Guest Tutor
Charlotte is the custom bra maker behind Wishanger Bespoke.
Already a keen sewist Charlotte developed a love of lingerie making after a chance conversation with a friend who couldn't find anything to meet her needs. Never one to refuse a challenge Charlotte set about learning, drafting and sewing until a
solution (and an addiction) was found.
Charlotte's client base, in addition to those looking for something pretty or unique, includes brides, teens, and clients with fitting issues or post surgical requirements.
In 2022 Charlotte exhibited as a guest artist to the International Bra Sewing Bee Convention and was a category winner in sustainability. Charlotte remains passionate about sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge in making well fitting, comfortable, beautiful lingerie.
Melanie Willis
Guest Tutor
Melanie is a self-taught sewing teacher with a passion for sharing the craft. Starting as a hobbyist, she honed her skills through years of practice and now focuses on making sewing accessible for everyone. Known for her clear guidance and creative approach, Melanie helps students of all levels build confidence and expertise.
Chris Marsh - Chris Marsh Textiles
Guest Tutor
Since graduating at UCA Farnham in 2023 in Textile Design ( BA Hons), Chris Marsh
has taken her two favourite printing techniques 'Cyanotype and Shibori', and teaches them through hands-on workshops in her garden studio.
Coincidentally, both dye techniques use the beautiful tones and hues of blue, a colour known to evoke calm and confidence. Where possible Chris creates her designs using sustainable cloth, using natural cottons and linen from up-cycled items such as bedding and clothing.
Each medium lends itself to be created into homeware such as cushions, napkins, tea towels, scarves and art pieces, an ethos that Chris is keen to continue.
Amanda Bowden - The Swimming Seamstress
Guest Tutor
Hello I am Amanda Bowden, the Swimming Seamstress, and my mission is to enable folk to make themselves swimming costumes and swimming accessories that fit and in which they feel fabulous. I provide easy-to-follow workshops based at Felixstowe Sewing School, as well as providing on-line classes and mobile workshops.
Alison Molan - Pup Goes the Easel
Guest Tutor
The creative force behind Pup Goes the Easel, Alison is thrilled to share the joy and love that our four-legged companions bring into our lives through vibrant and personalised pet portraits. Your journey with us begins with a story—a tale painted with the bright and bold hues inspired by pop art, mixed with the eclectic style of Frida Kahlo. It all started with my daughter's Lurcher, Parker, and a canvas filled with the essence of his spirit. The spark ignited, and years later, I found myself capturing the delightful energy of another canine companion, Frida the Spanish Podenco. The response was overwhelming and from those first strokes, Pup Goes the Easel emerged, dedicated to celebrating the unique temperament and boundless love that our furry friends provide.
Emma Streeter - Emma Streeter Art
Guest Tutor
After completing a Fine Art degree, Emma went on to be a primary school teacher. Whether in a school or for herself, creating has always been in her heart and nature is her inspiration.
​Emma loves watching wildlife, walking in local parks and spending time by the sea particularly Brighton, Devon and Cornwall. You can see these themes in her artwork.
Emma enjoys using a variety of art mediums such as: coloured pencils, pen, watercolour paint, acrylic paint and ink and alcohol inks. She relishes the freedom of creating fluid art works in acrylic paint, acrylic ink and alcohol inks. Emma shares her love of art and knowledge of art mediums through teaching workshops to adults and children.
Meet our Tutors
Cheryl Insley - Thrive with Colour
Colour Analysis & Personal Styling
I’m Cheryl, an award-winning image consultant and personal stylist based in Wokingham, Berkshire. I’m dedicated to helping you thrive with vibrancy and authenticity. At the heart of my business is a passion for empowering you to embrace your unique self. My goal is to provide you with the tools and confidence to express who you are through your personal style and reach whatever life goals you have for yourself, or maybe it's to simply to enjoy your life as YOU.
Cheryl lends her expertise to our Dress Makers Style and Colour Analysis sessions.