I have been wanting to learn to sew from a pattern for ages and even have had a pattern for a beautiful jacket tucked away in a draw. The problem was every time I got it out it looked so confusing I didn’t know where to start.

Luckily I found Dot n Cross and booked a (very affordable) private 6 hour sewing lesson. After spending the day with Helen yesterday I feel so much more confident!! We worked on the pattern for my jacket. She broke everything down and made it all feel super clear and simple. I am now feeling very inspired and excited about my sewing future! I never expected to get so much out of a one day class.. and now feel as if as long as I break it all down into the simple steps and techniques she taught me the sewing world is my oyster!!

Wow what can I say!!
I met Helen a few months ago on a course to promote your business and when she said that she’s a pattern cutter I know I would be interested in her business. I went on her course at Stitches and Cream in Falmouth and learnt to make a dress. Helen was so helpful and explained everything so clearly. I didn’t feel silly to ask a simple question because nothing was a problem. I would highly recommend her and her classes. I can’t wait to do more. Also with how clothes are fitting now a-days in shops it’s nice to make an outfit that fits in the correct places. Thank you so much Helen and see you soon xx

The best thing I learned today was sewing with stretch fabrics, lace and elastic. Everything was great, excellent tutor, good fun, I will come again.

Helen provided very clear instructions, no question was silly and I felt at ease with coming back to sewing after a long time. I learned how to sew with elastic and delicate lace on a regular sewing machine. My last sewing lessons were at school, but I felt more comfortable here and learnt what I wanted at my own speed. Very helpful, thankyou!

The best thing I learned was the correct method for making a full bust adjustment and how to achieve it on my TATB Stevie pattern (a pattern without bust darts).

I attended the FBA masterclass at Stitches & Cream. I learned to do the pattern block by myself. Hands on learning at a pace where I could make my own notes, take photos and ask plenty of questions. I learned more than I expected and it was more hands on than I expected.  There was excellent technical tuition and clear methodical explanations. It was worth travelling the distance to Falmouth!

The best thing I learned today was how to put in a centered zip correctly. I’ve been doing it incorrectly for years! This class was thoroughly enjoyable and excellent tuition, also excellent written photographic instructions. I also came on Helen’s jersey dress workshop, this zipper workshop was equally as good.

Helen is a wonderful teacher, she listens to all her students and puts so much time and effort into her classes. (I loved the hand out booklet that Helen created which is just so easy to read, understand and great for future reference). Helen genuinely cares about her students and is always on hand to offer additional support and advice, professional and friendly, her classes are so informative, relaxed and a delight to attend.

Prior to attending Helen’s pattern tracing course I had very little knowledge of the skills and tools needed to effectively recreate an item of clothing. Helen spent lots of time clearly showing and explaining every step of the process, whilst carefully making sure all students understood and felt confident in what they were doing. We used tools I had never heard of or seen before, including a pattern master and a tracing wheel. The information and process of correctly laying out a garment to recreate its pattern, as provided by Helen was invaluable. I left the class feeling as though I had learnt so many new skills in a lovely and friendly atmosphere. I cannot recommend Helen’s classes enough.

I thoroughly enjoyed Helens easy manner and ability to convey instructions in an easily absorbed way. I am feeling confident to take a pattern off a favourite top. I’ll be back for more classes!

Just had an amazing day at Stitches and Cream dress making workshop with Helen. I actually made a tunic top dress from scratch and as a complete novice that was quite an achievement. I thoroughly enjoyed the day (especially the lemon cake provided by Sandra, thank you) Helen is a great tutor and is very helpful and patient, the venue at Stitches and Cream is very comfortable and extremely well equipped, Sandra and Jane are brilliant hosts. I would thoroughly recommend these workshops if you want a sociable fun day out with a beautiful garment to take home with you at the the end of it.

Such a wonderful day, amazing teacher and I am so delighted with my finished tunic!

I had a fantastic day at Stitches and Cream today, I actually made a tunic top with the help of Helen, who is an excellent teacher, very patient with a warm and friendly approach, amazing knowledge and pattern cutting experience, having previously worked in a fashion house in London with a top designer. Also Jane and Sandra, very welcoming and friendly ensuring all their customers are well hydrated and comfortable throughout the workshop. Great that you can use their sewing machine, they also provide everything you need like scissors, pins, chalk, cutting mats etc, so no need to take anything other than your fabric. Thank you all very much.

I attended Helen's course in London to copy a top and came away with a pattern that I know I will make again and again. Helen is a relaxed and patient teacher and the small numbers attending the class mean she has the time to spend with each of the students. With a variety of garments chosen to copy, we also got to learn different techniques from each of the projects. The booklet Helen provides with the class is extremely useful and I've since applied the techniques learnt to more complex projects. I very much enjoyed the day and had the classes not moved to Cornwall I'd be enrolling for more in a heart beat!