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.
Elizabeth Moody - Moody corsetry
Corset drafting, construction & styling
I grew up in a house full of historical beauty. My mother collected period clothing, to show at schools and exhibitions - dresses and accessories ranging from 1850 through to the 1960s. I loved nothing more than digging through the chest of gowns, helping my mother organise the garments ready to be shown. ​I am a creative soul, I have studied art, music, textiles, and developed skills in beading and jewellery design. Only when a dear friend introduced me to corsetry in my early 20s did I find my true calling. Now, as a bespoke corset maker with over 10 years of experience, I draw on my love of nature, period fashion and vintage designs to create romantic, delicate and artistic couture. Creating unique and individual corsets and gowns. No two pieces are the same.
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.
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.
