Tory Carolan - 1-1 alterations class

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!

Natasha - Beginners Intro to 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!

Caroline Bawn - Make a Dress Block

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.

Sarah Williams - 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.

Janet Bardsley - Clone Your Clothes

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

Helen ShineTRACE
Jonathan Dinnewell - Beginners Intro to Sewing

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.

Aoife Mahon - Make your own wedding dress

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

Pam Hall - 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!!

Lu P - Beginners Make an Apron

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.

Guylaine Desharnais - Clone Your Clothes

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 ShineTRACE
Joanna Bedward - Clone Your Clothes

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.

Helen ShineTRACE
Pat Bray - 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

Helen ShineTRACE
Jen Feenan - Beginners introduction to machine sewing

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.

Oscar McDonald - 1-1 shirt making workshop

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!

Helen Shine1-1, SEWING
Kiersty Long - Make a Trouser Block

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!