TESTIMONIALS 

I just wanted to thank you for an amazing day yesterday. You are inspirational and I learnt such a lot and returned home feeling so fortunate to have found such a knowledgable teacher! My granddaughter Eva was equally keen and the class has really galvanised her thoughts on her future, in that the fashion industry is really for her. As she told you, she is visiting the London School of fashion open day next week which is very exciting.
Please keep me on your list for classes, I would certainly like to continue attending your workshops.

Maggie Martin - Clone your clothes

I recently undertook a full week of patten cutting workshops with the lovely Helen of Dot.n.Cross in Falmouth. We covered 2 day Dress Block , 2 day Trousers Block , 1 day How to Adapt a pattern, and an added bonus we had time to draw up a button down Shirt-waisted dress pattern from scratch using the dress block we had created based on my measurements taking into account the Full Bust Adjustment we had made on the dress block. The section we did on Full Bust Adjustment was a revelation and explained why I had so many problems fitting garments. This new pattern will fit properly no gapping or pulling over the bust, no overlarge shoulder or arm holes because I've had to make a larger size to accommodate my fuller bust. HEAVEN.

Each workshop we did had full and comprehensive supporting documents and notes which will allow me to develop my own patterns or adapt commercial patterns at home and get a great fit.

I had an amazing week with Helen her teaching was exceptional, doing a one on one really allowed me to take so much on board in a very short time.

Would highly recommend Helen's courses her wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she so generously shares is amazing and inspiring.

Came home so excited to make up my new self drafted pattern (with a lot of help thank you ) .

Thank you Helen had a really inspirational week.

Geraldine Bailey - 1-1 dress block, trouser block, pattern hacking

I would definitely recommend the ‘Make your own wedding dress’ workshop, I can't imagine having a better experience co-creating my wedding dress. Helen was very thoughtful the whole way through, making sure I understood the process and was involved in the making. It was an invaluable experience where I could expand my technical cutting skills, challenge my design ideas, and have lots of fun doing so. I had the best time and will look back on it very fondly in years to come, as a one-off creative experience!

We covered how to take my ideas from a rough drape and drawings into a pattern and final toile. We worked from a bodice block, amending it to add details such as; pleats and tucks, my desired neckline, and created a pattern for the large skirt sections. We also discussed sewing techniques, fabrics, embellishment, and ways to finish the garment. I learnt a lot about pattern cutting, how to cut certain fabrics, and through my conversations with Helen I started to understand more about how I wanted my dress to look and feel when wearing it.

Helen was amazing at seeing the possibilities in the design and asking me all the right questions in order to achieve something we were both excited about! The dress evolved completely, from something mostly in my head and on paper, to a dress that had been professionally made for me. It was really helpful to talk through my ideas with Helen, she understood the look I was going for, and helped me to realise it.

It was quite far for me to travel, however it was totally worth it and I really enjoyed my time in Falmouth. I decided to go ahead because of the passion and knowledge Helen has for her craft. It was undoubtedly the right decision to work with Dot n Cross on my wedding dress.

Holly Hawkins - Make your own wedding dress

I booked a 1:1 sewing lesson and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. It was completely tailored to me and what I wanted to improve, especially mending and upcycling vintage pieces. Helen was so patient, and knowledgeable, and made everything feel really approachable. I learned loads in a short time and left feeling really motivated. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to build confidence with sewing!

Tory Carolan - 1-1 alterations class

Had a great time at the beginners workshop making a tote bag. Although I have a little knowledge of using my sewing machine it was great to start with the basics to make sure I use the machine correctly and to have an opportunity to ask lots of questions. I soon learnt areas where I needed to correct my technique and I now feel so much more confident that I have the basics in hand and I can go ahead and practice some different patterns. Helen was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and I’m looking forward to my next workshop to improve my skills further!

Natasha - Beginners Intro to Sewing

I thoroughly enjoyed the class series with Helen. She is an expert teacher and enabled me to complete a dress pattern block that fits me beautifully. We are able to work at our own pace, Helen explained alterations and adjustments to the pattern for an even better fit, and I felt able to ask lots of questions too. I thoroughly recommend taking classes with Helen.

Caroline Bawn - Make a Dress Block

Helen’s eye for detail in the fit of the pattern blocks is exceptional. Her pattern block classes are fantastic and provide all the information required to create you sized clothes. Helen is a brilliant teacher and she explains fit, pattern adaption and garment creation so even novices can understand. Highly recommend classes and 1:1 sessions.

Sarah Williams - Make a Dress Block

Great workshop. Helen was well organised and prepared. She used the time well to give everyone individual help with their garment. We all went away with a pattern of our own to create our “clone”. She broke down the steps to making a pattern clearly and made sure we each learnt from each others garments e.g. putting in darts, patterns on the bias. I will definitely look out for other workshops and courses she runs

Janet Bardsley - Clone Your Clothes

I attended a beginners course on using a sewing machine and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Helen is a fantastic teacher who thoroughly understands her way around a sewing machine and was full of helpful tips and encouragement. The course handbook is really useful and simple to follow. I would encourage anyone wishing to get to grips with machine sewing to sign up now.

Jonathan Dinnewell - Beginners Intro to Sewing

I had a great time attending the Make Your Own Wedding Dress workshop at Dot n Cross. Helen is organised, knowledgeable and patient, and I instantly felt at ease in the studio.

Together we designed a pattern based on my inspiration pictures and sewed up a toile, experimenting with different options along the way. Thanks to Helen's teaching and detailed construction notes, I feel confident and am now looking forward to sewing my dress at home. 10/10

Aoife Mahon - Make your own wedding dress

Had such an amazing time. Never touched a sewing machine before and then felt really confident by the end of the day. Helen is a wonderful teacher. Definitely now found a new hobby!

Rebecca de Havas - Beginners Intro to Sewing

I absolutely loved the Sewing for Beginners workshop with Helen. She created such a warm, relaxed atmosphere and explained everything so clearly, even for complete beginners. I left feeling confident and inspired.

Emilie Fontaine - Beginners Intro to Sewing

Helen is very knowledgeable and the course was practical. My sewing machine has stood unused for ages because when I used it the thread broke or got tangled and I had all sorts of frustrating problems. I learned enough to be confident about using my machine and have since made one small item and done some mending. I’m delighted!!

Pam Hall - Beginners Intro to Sewing

Helen is an excellent teacher - superb knowledge and experience but realises that people need all the basics and the confidence to improve. In one day I went from learning how to thread a machine, to practicing using it, to cutting a pattern (an apron), to following the pattern stages to actually make a complete apron with hems and pockets - incredible!

Luckily Helen showed each stage before we tried to do it - this visual demo works with how I learn best (rather than trying to follow lots of written commands in unfamiliar sewing specific vocab). We did the pinning, ironing and sewing (and yes some unpicking and re-sewing) to make our aprons. They are a quality that is worthy of a lovely gift for someone!

The class was a great size - 6 people, and Helen was helping us all with energy, a smile, easy explanations and skills. She made me feel I could do make things - my absolute dream. I don't have a machine so I used the ones at Arts Centre Penryn... and now want to keep trying to keep these skills and improve on them so need to sign up to more classes.

Lu - Beginners Make an Apron

I attended Helen’s workshop ‘Clone your Clothes’. It was a fantastic experience. I learned the basic of creating a pattern from a piece garment and feel confident that I can repeat the experience successfully on my own. Helen had the day well organized, she demonstrated a step and then we tried it while Helen went around to help out, explain some more and troubleshoot. It was a small group so it was easy to have help. All equipment provided was of very good quality, so we could just put our head down and work at learning. Thank you Helen! From your furthest away participant, Guylaine from Vancouver Canada!

Guylaine Desharnais - Clone Your Clothes

Helen is an excellent teacher. I am delighted with my trouser block and look forward to using it to make trousers that actually fit. Highly recommend Dot and Cross courses.

Sarah Williams - Make a Trouser Block

I was intrigued to find out about how the workshop would work. I have never tried to clone my clothes but the idea became reality. Helen patiently took us through the basic steps and all 4 of us progressed steadily. Helen is an excellent teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would highly recommend it.

Joanna Bedward - Clone Your Clothes

Thank you so much Helen for a most enjoyable day on your Clone your Clothes Course I attended in Helston this week. You made us all feel very welcome and it was great to share the experience with other sewers. I valued your expertise and clear instructions and your practical guidance has equipped me with new skills to create my own patterns from favourite items. I've also learnt some very useful tips on using tools and equipment to draft the patterns accurately onto Dot and Cross paper which I have not used before. Attending your course has giving confidence to craft patterns and create new items to wear. I can highly recommend your course. best wishes, Pat

Pat Bray - Clone Your Clothes

Thank you so much for such a wonderful day on Wednesday. I absolutely loved it and I was buzzing for the rest of the day. Couldn't believe I'd made a functional item! 

My sewing machine has been ordered and I've been given bits of scrap fabric so that I can practice the principles that we covered before I get stuck into some simple items and definitely before I attempt curtains! 

I've passed your website onto friends already who have been impressed with the transition from zero to bag hero in 1 day, and I'll definitely be booking a course for the next step next year.

Thank you - your tuition, patience, and humour made it a fantastic day.

Jen Feenan - Beginners introduction to machine sewing 1-1

Helen is a great teacher with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. I learnt more about sewing in a one-to-one than I ever learnt at school or in group classes as an adult. I feel confident to get back into sewing, I’m so glad I found Helen to support me on my journey. Thanks so much x

Christina Barker - Beginners introduction to machine sewing 1-1

Fantastic 1 to 1 session with Helen on a shirt making masterclass. It was the first piece of clothing I have ever made and we got very far, and had the knowledge to finish it at home! Helen was a brilliant teacher and has given me some really valuable knowledge!

Oscar McDonald - 1-1 shirt making workshop

I really enjoyed my trouser block course by Dot n Cross. Helen is lovely, as well as very experienced at pattern drafting, cutting, draping and toile making. She is extremely helpful and brilliant at passing her knowledge on in a clear way. Her tuition is supported by excellent documentation for future reference. I learnt a lot from the trouser block course and am looking forward to putting my learning to the test with a pair of shorts!

Kiersty Long - Make a Trouser Block

Had a brilliant day with Helen, learning how to use my sewing machine and making a beautiful apron. She was so patient and I really felt I had achieved something at the end of a fun day. Thank you Helen!

Sophie Velzian- Beginners make an apron

I’ve been meaning to message you to thank you so much for Saturday - firstly, for letting me step into my husband’s place unexpectedly, and secondly, just for how brilliant it was! I had the best time - you’re such a good teacher, and it was a really lovely atmosphere. I never get the chance to just sew for hours. What a pleasure! And I feel much more confident now. I’m so proud of the apron, and Martin loves it, too!

Really looking forward to the cloning class in November - see you then.

Katherine Sorrell - Beginners make an apron

The trouser block workshops were excellent. Helen paced the sessions well and ensured enough time so I felt I was getting plenty of individual support. I learnt so much.

Clare Lowry - Make a Trouser Block

Recently attended a very enjoyable and informative workshop on garment cloning pattern techniques. Helen made us very welcome and gave us enough information and confidence and showed us all the techniques to copy our chosen garments. Thank you for a great new experience. Hopefully will be able to attend more in the future.

Felicity Moore - Clone Your Clothes

Helen is an excellent tutor. Everything was properly explained and all questions answered in a comprehensive way. I found the course most interesting and informative...I learnt a lot! A lot was covered in the time but no-one was left behind. I feel confident enough to go onto the next stage. Highly recommended.

Pam Lambert - Make a Dress Block

The beginner's sewing course I attended was excellent! Having always been slightly scared of my sewing machine, Helen immediately put me at ease and took us through the process of making a tote bag. It was easy to follow and I was amazed at how we were all able to produce a brilliant, professional looking bag! Helen was extremely patient and helpful. I would highly recommend this course, to get to know your sewing machine and come away with a real feeling of achievement.

Jane Ashby - Beginners Introduction to Machine Sewing

Recently attended 2 x one to one sessions with Helen with the aim of fitting a dress for my wife (who also attended). Helen immediately put us at ease and we went about correcting a toile I had previously made. Helen was very patient and answered all of our questions and went about explaining the pattern drafting process to create a new improved toile and set me my homework. On the second session I brought along the new improved toile and we further refined the fit for my wife's dress. I cannot recommend Helen enough. Her experience and knowledge is first rate and she gave me a whole new appreciation of the garment construction process.

Steve Rolfe - Pattern cutting and fitting 1-1

I learned so much. I am thrilled not to be scared of sewing machines any more! I loved this class, I thought I wasn’t going to get as far as we did and I am happy/thrilled with the results and skills learned today.

Harriet Winfrey - Introduction to Machine Sewing