I just wanted to thank you for an amazing day yesterday, on the Clone your clothes workshop. You are inspirational and I learnt such a lot and returned home feeling so fortunate to have found such a knowledgeable teacher! My granddaughter was equally keen and the class has really galvanised her thoughts on her future, in that the fashion industry is really for her. Please keep me on your list for classes, I would certainly like to continue attending your workshops.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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