Some nice things people have said.....
ONLINE CLASSES (with Zoom or Skype)
"I have always found buying clothes that actually fit virtually impossible, and for several years have had an ambition to be able to alter, re-purpose or re-use clothing & fabrics.
I had seen the Atelier Sewing & Pattern Cutting Classes post on facebook prior to lockdown but by late last year, having worked throughout the pandemic, I needed some space and time for myself and I signed up for a pattern making course.
I have now completed 2 courses and I am delighted with the new skills and more importantly, the confidence that Bobbie has given me.
The one to one zoom tutorials were obviously an unknown quantity to me, but worked well (despite the usual technical glitches), and all progressed at a pace suitable to me and she was entirely flexible. We would often get sidetracked by a question or a problem that I’d had, nothing was ever too much trouble and never was I made to feel foolish if I didn’t immediately ‘get’ an instruction. Bobbie gives sensible advice on equipment needed, and has been happy to send emails or messages outside of the classes when I’ve needed support.
I am now the proud owner of a set of bespoke pattern blocks, not only for me but for a couple of my family members, meaning that I can finally make clothing that fits! Plus I have found the confidence to make alterations on a couple of much loved but previously unwearable dresses – I am delighted and cannot thank Bobbie enough. Atelier Classes have given me the skills to achieve a long held ambition to make and repurpose clothing – I cannot recommend the classes highly enough (is there a rating of 5 stars plus??) and I urge anyone with an interest in sustainable fashion to have a go and sign up for a course."
Wendy Lines
'I've been working with Bobbie remotely to learn about pattern cutting. We started with a commercial pattern, and through my Zoom classes with her, I've learned how to modify the pattern to fit me and create a block template to use for other creations! She was a delight to work with, and I've learned so much. She explained everything to me very clearly, and I was able to follow her instructions to achieve exactly what I was hoping for. Many thanks, Bobbie :)'
Mary Wolf
'At the moment I have my lessons with Bobbie weekly on Skype, and I find it is extremely practical and very worthwhile.
Sometimes I cannot find enough time in the week to travel for lessons, (as I live a 3hr journey away), and Skype has allowed me not only to have have my lessons at a time convenient for me, but also to enable me to get straight back to practicing on my own whilst everything is still fresh in my mind - what a brilliant alternative this is for anyone who’s in a similar position...!
I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who wants to benefit from Bobbie’s wonderful expertise and supportive teaching.'
H. (Before lockdown)
FACE TO FACE CLASSES
'I really enjoyed my one to one sewing course with Bobbie. She's extremely friendly, knowledgeable and patient teacher and I was really looking forward to our meeting each week.
I attended the 5 week 'Using a commercial pattern' sewing course as I was really keen to learn how to sew my own clothes.
We worked through the pattern instructions step by step from taking my measurements to amending the pattern, cutting out the fabric and sewing/fitting.
During that process Bobbie was able to share her knowledge and explain in detail each step. She was really patient answering all my questions about fabrics, sewing techniques and sewing machine accessories ;) and providing me with lots of useful information and tips on how to make things easier and simpler, which I will be able to use in my future projects.
The most difficult and at the same time interesting part was the process of amending the pattern as now I feel quite confident to do it on my own.
I was over the moon with the end result - my first ever dress which fitted me really nicely.
The beautiful countryside where Bobbies Atelier is located was an additional bonus.
I would highly recommend her classes to anyone who wants to learn how to sew or refresh their sewing skills!'
Anna Dzido
'Ten years ago I was taught to make a dress block at a leading London college but needed to upgrade my skills. Bobbie's one-to-one lessons were extremely detailed and technically illuminating. She is an excellent teacher and I achieved a great deal more than I did in London. The lessons, in her lovely atelier, were enjoyable and competitively priced. I would recommend Bobbie to anyone wishing to learn how to make their own patterns.'
Janet
'After trying (and failing) to find someone who could teach me the art of pattern-making and construction, I happened upon Bobbie, and am relieved to have done so. Not only is she kind and patient with my novice efforts, she makes the difficult seem easy! She’s a natural communicator and teacher, and I’m so glad to have found her. I’m happy to travel long distances to her atelier because she's worth it, as I feel that I am now on-track in my chosen career!'
Hettie
‘I wanted to say that your teaching methods and knowledge are outstanding and I have learnt so much since starting classes with you.
You are patient, forthcoming with information and explanations and you talk with intelligence. I am able to pick up what you are teaching me so quickly and that is down to your personality and understanding of people.
I am enjoying every moment of my classes and look forward to wearing my completed tweed dress. This dress means a lot to me, as you know, and it is all the more special because I have been able to have one to one lessons with you and have fun making it.
You are fun yet professional, and to my mind you have exactly what it takes to be an excellent teacher. If only they were all like you! 'Thank you' will never say enough.’
Sam H.
'I have spent many hours searching through pattern books trying to find just what I wanted. It never happened and the result never fitted. I never dreamt that I could make my own patterns. Thanks to Bobbie’s pattern cutting classes I now see the way to having clothes that I like and that fit'
Pat Cannell
'I attended one of Bobbie’s 10-week pattern drafting courses and I was very impressed with her incredible knowledge as well as her friendly teaching style. She really worked hard to make sure everyone understood all of the principles we learned and gave us all the confidence to try something new! I’d recommend her classes to anyone - she’s is very very talented.'
Lindsay Orridge
'I really enjoy my pattern cutting lessons with Bobbie, and always leave feeling that I have learnt something new, and more confident in my ability. Bobbie's studio where the lessons are held has amazing views across the countryside and it is a really inspiring and idyllic place to work on your designs. She is a fabulous teacher and knows everything there is to know about pattern cutting.'
Jen Harris
'I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Bobbie’s courses and workshops, especially those at her beautiful home studio. She is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive tutor. I always leave her class feeling inspired by fresh ideas and keen to put into practice the new techniques that I had been shown.'
Mary Jane Barnes
WORKSHOPS
'I recently took one of Bobbie's overlocker workshops which I found to be well prepared and organized. Bobbie knows her way around a large variety of machines. I had the opportunity to play with my own machine under her expert guidance. She demystified the overlocker, which had previously seemed like such a daunting piece of equipment. After just two hours I left feeling inspired and filled with confidence to get stuck in and to have a go on my own.'
Melanie Lissillour
'Your workshop on buying fabrics online was great, I thought you pitched it well to a mixed group with varying levels of knowledge and experience. I realized that there was a lot I didn't know and it has rekindled my interest in modern textiles. I suspect I will be out buying more fabrics pretty soon. I loved and was most envious of your studio space! Many thanks for a most enjoyable morning.'
Julia
'I would definitely recommend this zip workshop. Step by step approach. No question regarded as silly. Wasn't made to feel as if I was too slow. Fancy snacks provided! Suitable venue. Only thing is that next year's workshop program is not out yet!'
Sera
"I have always found buying clothes that actually fit virtually impossible, and for several years have had an ambition to be able to alter, re-purpose or re-use clothing & fabrics.
I had seen the Atelier Sewing & Pattern Cutting Classes post on facebook prior to lockdown but by late last year, having worked throughout the pandemic, I needed some space and time for myself and I signed up for a pattern making course.
I have now completed 2 courses and I am delighted with the new skills and more importantly, the confidence that Bobbie has given me.
The one to one zoom tutorials were obviously an unknown quantity to me, but worked well (despite the usual technical glitches), and all progressed at a pace suitable to me and she was entirely flexible. We would often get sidetracked by a question or a problem that I’d had, nothing was ever too much trouble and never was I made to feel foolish if I didn’t immediately ‘get’ an instruction. Bobbie gives sensible advice on equipment needed, and has been happy to send emails or messages outside of the classes when I’ve needed support.
I am now the proud owner of a set of bespoke pattern blocks, not only for me but for a couple of my family members, meaning that I can finally make clothing that fits! Plus I have found the confidence to make alterations on a couple of much loved but previously unwearable dresses – I am delighted and cannot thank Bobbie enough. Atelier Classes have given me the skills to achieve a long held ambition to make and repurpose clothing – I cannot recommend the classes highly enough (is there a rating of 5 stars plus??) and I urge anyone with an interest in sustainable fashion to have a go and sign up for a course."
Wendy Lines
'I've been working with Bobbie remotely to learn about pattern cutting. We started with a commercial pattern, and through my Zoom classes with her, I've learned how to modify the pattern to fit me and create a block template to use for other creations! She was a delight to work with, and I've learned so much. She explained everything to me very clearly, and I was able to follow her instructions to achieve exactly what I was hoping for. Many thanks, Bobbie :)'
Mary Wolf
'At the moment I have my lessons with Bobbie weekly on Skype, and I find it is extremely practical and very worthwhile.
Sometimes I cannot find enough time in the week to travel for lessons, (as I live a 3hr journey away), and Skype has allowed me not only to have have my lessons at a time convenient for me, but also to enable me to get straight back to practicing on my own whilst everything is still fresh in my mind - what a brilliant alternative this is for anyone who’s in a similar position...!
I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who wants to benefit from Bobbie’s wonderful expertise and supportive teaching.'
H. (Before lockdown)
FACE TO FACE CLASSES
'I really enjoyed my one to one sewing course with Bobbie. She's extremely friendly, knowledgeable and patient teacher and I was really looking forward to our meeting each week.
I attended the 5 week 'Using a commercial pattern' sewing course as I was really keen to learn how to sew my own clothes.
We worked through the pattern instructions step by step from taking my measurements to amending the pattern, cutting out the fabric and sewing/fitting.
During that process Bobbie was able to share her knowledge and explain in detail each step. She was really patient answering all my questions about fabrics, sewing techniques and sewing machine accessories ;) and providing me with lots of useful information and tips on how to make things easier and simpler, which I will be able to use in my future projects.
The most difficult and at the same time interesting part was the process of amending the pattern as now I feel quite confident to do it on my own.
I was over the moon with the end result - my first ever dress which fitted me really nicely.
The beautiful countryside where Bobbies Atelier is located was an additional bonus.
I would highly recommend her classes to anyone who wants to learn how to sew or refresh their sewing skills!'
Anna Dzido
'Ten years ago I was taught to make a dress block at a leading London college but needed to upgrade my skills. Bobbie's one-to-one lessons were extremely detailed and technically illuminating. She is an excellent teacher and I achieved a great deal more than I did in London. The lessons, in her lovely atelier, were enjoyable and competitively priced. I would recommend Bobbie to anyone wishing to learn how to make their own patterns.'
Janet
'After trying (and failing) to find someone who could teach me the art of pattern-making and construction, I happened upon Bobbie, and am relieved to have done so. Not only is she kind and patient with my novice efforts, she makes the difficult seem easy! She’s a natural communicator and teacher, and I’m so glad to have found her. I’m happy to travel long distances to her atelier because she's worth it, as I feel that I am now on-track in my chosen career!'
Hettie
‘I wanted to say that your teaching methods and knowledge are outstanding and I have learnt so much since starting classes with you.
You are patient, forthcoming with information and explanations and you talk with intelligence. I am able to pick up what you are teaching me so quickly and that is down to your personality and understanding of people.
I am enjoying every moment of my classes and look forward to wearing my completed tweed dress. This dress means a lot to me, as you know, and it is all the more special because I have been able to have one to one lessons with you and have fun making it.
You are fun yet professional, and to my mind you have exactly what it takes to be an excellent teacher. If only they were all like you! 'Thank you' will never say enough.’
Sam H.
'I have spent many hours searching through pattern books trying to find just what I wanted. It never happened and the result never fitted. I never dreamt that I could make my own patterns. Thanks to Bobbie’s pattern cutting classes I now see the way to having clothes that I like and that fit'
Pat Cannell
'I attended one of Bobbie’s 10-week pattern drafting courses and I was very impressed with her incredible knowledge as well as her friendly teaching style. She really worked hard to make sure everyone understood all of the principles we learned and gave us all the confidence to try something new! I’d recommend her classes to anyone - she’s is very very talented.'
Lindsay Orridge
'I really enjoy my pattern cutting lessons with Bobbie, and always leave feeling that I have learnt something new, and more confident in my ability. Bobbie's studio where the lessons are held has amazing views across the countryside and it is a really inspiring and idyllic place to work on your designs. She is a fabulous teacher and knows everything there is to know about pattern cutting.'
Jen Harris
'I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Bobbie’s courses and workshops, especially those at her beautiful home studio. She is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive tutor. I always leave her class feeling inspired by fresh ideas and keen to put into practice the new techniques that I had been shown.'
Mary Jane Barnes
WORKSHOPS
'I recently took one of Bobbie's overlocker workshops which I found to be well prepared and organized. Bobbie knows her way around a large variety of machines. I had the opportunity to play with my own machine under her expert guidance. She demystified the overlocker, which had previously seemed like such a daunting piece of equipment. After just two hours I left feeling inspired and filled with confidence to get stuck in and to have a go on my own.'
Melanie Lissillour
'Your workshop on buying fabrics online was great, I thought you pitched it well to a mixed group with varying levels of knowledge and experience. I realized that there was a lot I didn't know and it has rekindled my interest in modern textiles. I suspect I will be out buying more fabrics pretty soon. I loved and was most envious of your studio space! Many thanks for a most enjoyable morning.'
Julia
'I would definitely recommend this zip workshop. Step by step approach. No question regarded as silly. Wasn't made to feel as if I was too slow. Fancy snacks provided! Suitable venue. Only thing is that next year's workshop program is not out yet!'
Sera
